An approach to benzophosphole oxides through silver- or manganese-mediated dehydrogenative annulation involving C-C and C-P bond formation.

Benzophosphole construction was achieved through the Ag(I) -mediated dehydrogenative annulation of phenylphosphine oxides with internal alkynes in a process involving CC and CP bond formation. A wide range of asymmetrical phenylacetylenes could be employed and the reactions proceeded with perfect regioselectivity. Moreover, the annulation could be conducted even at room temperature when a Mn(III) promoter was used in place of Ag(I) .