Allenylphosphonates/allenylphosphine oxides as intermediates/precursors for intramolecular cyclization leading to phosphorus-based indenes, indenones, benzofurans, and isochromenes.

Utilizing internally available functional groups, a simple protocol for the efficient synthesis of phosphorus-based indenes, indenones, benzofurans, and isochromenes via intramolecular cyclization of allene intermediates/precursors is generated; the latter intermediates/precursors are conveniently obtained through aldehyde-, alkylidene-, and hydroxyl-functionalized propargyl alcohols and P(III)-Cl precursors. The structures of key products have been unequivocally confirmed by X-ray crystallography.