Reactions of carbonyl compounds with tervalent phosphorus reagents. Part V. Aldehydes and phosphorus trichloride

Abstract

The reaction of phosphorus trichloride with aldehydes has been reinvestigated, and the formation of bis-1-chloroalkyl ethers and 1,1-dichloroalkanes at moderate temperatures is described. The gem-dichlorides are direct precursors of the thermal reaction products, α-chloroalkylphosphonic dichlorides. A reaction scheme is presented in which phosphorus trichloride is depicted as a typical electrophilic halide in the initial stages of the reaction. The results of several previous studies of these reactions may now be rationalised.