Hydrophosphorylation of electron-deficient alkenes and alkynes mediated by convergent paired electrolysis.

A straightforward and practical strategy for hydrophosphorylation of electron-deficient alkenes and alkynes to access γ-ketophosphine oxides, enabled by a convergent paired electrolysis (CPE) in the absence of a metal, base, and redox reagent, has been described. Mechanistic studies have revealed that the diarylphosphane oxides play the dual role of a phosphorus radical precursor and hydrogen donor in this transformation.