Synthesis and chemistry of 10,11-dihydro-5-phenyl-5H-dibenzo[b,f]phosphepine 5-oxide,† the 5-propyl analogue and related phosphonium salts

Abstract

The preparation of the title compounds is greatly improved by combining seven steps (three lithiations, three substitutions and an oxidation) into a one-pot procedure. The hydrolysis of the related phosphonium salts, the lithiation of the P-propyl phosphepine oxides and their reaction with electrophiles are described.