Phosphination of Phenol Derivatives and Applications to Divergent Synthesis of Phosphine Ligands.

We describe a general and efficient protocol for the synthesis of organophosphine compounds from phenols and phosphines (R2PH) via a metal-free C-O bond cleavage and C-P bond formation process. This approach exhibits broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. The synthetic utilities of this protocol were demonstrated by the synthesis of chiral ligands via the various transformations of cyano groups and their applications in asymmetric catalysis.