Microwave-assisted synthesis of N,N-bis(phosphinoylmethyl)amines and N,N,N-tris(phosphinoylmethyl)amines bearing different substituents on the phosphorus atoms.

A family of N,N-bis(phosphinoylmethyl)amines bearing different substituents on the phosphorus atoms was synthesized by the microwave-assisted and catalyst-free Kabachnik-Fields reaction of (aminomethyl)phosphine oxides with paraformaldehyde and diphenylphosphine oxide. The three-component condensation of N,N-bis(phosphinoylmethyl)amine, paraformaldehyde and a secondary phosphine oxide affording N,N,N-tris(phosphinoylmethyl)amine derivatives was also elaborated. This method is a novel approach for the synthesis of the target products.