A new type of Atherton-Todd reaction for a convenient pseudohalogenation of phosphites has been developed. Direct azidation, cyanation, and thiocyanation of (RO)2P(O)H (R = Et, i-Bu, Ph) were accomplished readily with sodium pseudohalides in acetonitrile under mild modified Atherton-Todd conditions. The corresponding phosphorochloridates were demonstrated by GC/MS to be the intermediates. Pseudohalogenations of ethyl phenylphosphinate and diphenylphosphine oxide were also investigated.
pseudohalophosphates - pseudohalogenation - phosphites - phosphorochloridates - Atherton-Todd reaction