Free phosphonyl radicals, generated from diethyl phosphite and t-butyl peroxide, react with polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds to give phosphonic acid derivatives in good yields. This novel reaction has been studied with naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, dibenzofuran, and carbazole. Anthracene and phenanthrene give mainly the 9-isomer; the others give isomer mixtures. Ferrocene and pyridine are not, phosphonated by this ...
