Construction of C-P Bonds from Free Cyclobutanone Oximes and Chlorophosphines via Radical-Radical Coupling.

Herein, we report a catalyst-free reaction of cyclobutanone oximes with chlorophosphines (R 2 PCl), which forms a fragile C═N-O-PR 2 species that undergoes N-O homolysis, fragmentation, and radical-radical coupling, leading to the formation of cyano-containing phosphine oxides in good yields. The reaction features an in situ activation of cyclobutanone oximes for radical generation, in which R 2 PCl plays a dual role as both an activator and a reactant.