TBAI/TBHP mediated oxidative cross coupling of aryl alkyl ketones with H-phosphonates and H-phosphine oxides in water: facile access to ketol phosphates and phosphinates

A metal free cross coupling of aryl alkyl ketones with alkyl/aryl H-phosphonates and H-phosphine oxides using tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) catalyst in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as terminal oxidant in aqueous media is developed. This new approach offers a direct and convenient route to access a wide range of ketol phosphates and phosphinates in moderate to good yields.