Phosphonation of arenes with dialkyl phosphites catalyzed by Mn(II)/Co(II)/O2 redox couple.

[reaction: see text]. Arylphosphonates were first synthesized through a catalytic phosphonation of various arenes with dialkyl phosphites under the influence of an Mn(OAc)2/Co(OAc)2/O2 redox couple. For instance, the reaction of benzene with diethyl phosphite in the presence of Mn(OAc)2 (5 mol %) and Co(OAc)2 (1 mol %) under a mixed gas of O2 (0.5 atm) and N2 (0.5 atm) at 45 degrees C led to diethyl phenylphosphonate in 81% selectivity at 62% conversion. This is the first successful phosphonation of benzene with dialkyl phosphites through a catalytic radical process.