Abstract The reaction of trialkyl phosphites with aldehydes or ketones in the presence of hydrogen chloride gives dialkyl 1-hydroxyalkylphosphonates via Arbusov-like reaction of oxonium salts derived from aldehydes or ketones. This reaction is a very convenient instant method for the preparation of dialkyl 1-hydroxyalkylphosphonates with a good yield as an alternative to the well-known Abramov reaction.
