Stereospecific halogenation of P(O)-H bonds with copper(II) chloride affording optically active Z1Z2P(O)Cl.

A general and efficient method for the preparation of optically active Z1Z2P(O)Cl from the easily prepared optically active H-phosphinates and H-phosphine oxides was reported. H-Phosphinates and H-phosphine oxides react stereospecifically with CuCl2 to produce the corresponding optically active Z1Z2P(O)Cl with retention of configuration at the phosphorus center. Optically active Z1Z2P(O)Cl reacts easily with a variety of nucleophiles to produce other chiral organophosphorus acid derivatives with inversion of configuration at phosphorus.