Zinc-catalyzed transformation of diarylphosphoryl azides to diarylphosphate esters and amides.

We have developed a facile and efficient procedure for the synthesis of diarylphosphate esters and amides. Using Zn(acac)2 as the catalyst, the reaction of diarylphosphoryl azides with aliphatic alcohols and phenols through an unusual P-N bond cleavage provided a number of diarylphosphate esters in good yields (22 examples, up to 94%). Additionally, various diarylphosphate amides were obtained from the corresponding amines in excellent yields as well (8 examples, up to 96%).