Abstract A phosphine oxide-catalyzed conversion of aldehydes into 1, 1-dichlorides is reported. The reaction proceeds via a phosphorus (V)-catalysis manifold in which phosphine oxide turnover is achieved using oxalyl chloride as a consumable reagent. The new method is applicable to a range of aldehydes and, in combination with palladium-catalyzed reductive dimerization, gives rise to a new catalytic approach to the synthesis of stilbenes ...
