Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Hydration of Alkynylphosphonates to beta-Ketophosphonates

Abstract

A highly efficient palladium(II)-catalyzed hydration of a wide range of alkynylphosphonates to the corresponding beta-ketophosphonates has been developed to give high yields at 80 degrees C in 1, 4-dioxane, with no acidic or alkaline cocatalysts required. The described catalytic system should provide an efficient alternative to highly toxic mercury-catalyzed methodologies and be useful in synthetic programs.