Hydroxyphosphinylation Reaction of 3-Cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones via C--P σ-Bond Cleavage.

An unexpected hydroxyphosphinylation of 3-cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones with phosphines has been observed. This method provides a unique regio- and stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized 1-dialkylphinyl-3-oxo-(1Z)-alkenyl cyclopropanols with important potentials. The reaction displays an unusual mechanistic feature--a highly selective cleavage of C--P σ bonds in phosphines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]