The Use of a Phosphine Containing a Basic Group in the Mitsunobu Esterification Reaction

Abstract

Use of diphenyl (2-pyridyl) phosphine instead of triphenylphosphine in the Mitsunobu esterification reaction facilitates isolation of the desired ester. The resulting phosphine oxide is readily removed by a dilute acid wash. ³¹P n.m.r , investigations of the mechanism suggest that the pyridylphosphine behaves in an analogous manner to triphenylphosphine.