Abstract Benzylic alcohols cross-couple directly with concentrated H 3 PO 2 by using Pd/xantphos (1 or 2 mol-%). Depending on the substrate, DMF at 110 C or t-AmOH at reflux with a Dean–Stark trap can be used. A broad range of benzylic alcohols react successfully to give moderate to good yields of the products. The preparation of other organophosphorus compounds (phosphinic and phosphonic acids) is also demonstrated. Asymmetric ...
