Metal-free oxidative cleavage of the C–C bond in α-hydroxy-β-oxophosphonates

The potential of TBHP to promote oxidative hydroxylation of α-hydroxy-β-oxophosphonates (HOPs) through C(CO)-C bond cleavage is described. This cleavage, as depicted in the mechanism is expected through an isomer of HOP that reacts with TBHP to generate acids.