The mechanism of the Mitsunobu reaction. A ³¹P N.M.R. study

Abstract

³¹P n.m.r. studies indicate that in the Mitsunobu reaction, alcohols react with diethyl azodicarboxylate and triphenylphosphine in tetrahydrofuran to produce phosphorane intermediates. Diethyl azodicarboxylate and tributylphosphine, however, result in the formation of oxyphosphonium salt intermediates.