One-pot synthesis of primary phosphines from white phosphorus.

Aryl and alkyl chlorides are inexpensive and readily accessible, making them ideal reagents for converting white phosphorus (P4) into primary phosphines RPH2. However, methods for achieving this transformation directly, bypassing undesired intermediates like PCl3, have remained elusive. This report describes the 'one-pot' synthesis of primary organophosphines from P4 using organotin compounds, including a multi-gram synthesis of PhPH2 featuring efficient recovery of organotin reagents for potential recycling.