Phosphinoyl radical-initiated vicinal hydroxy-phosphorylation of alkenes

A protocol of Mn(OAc)3–mediated α,β-hydroxy-phosphorylation of alkenes with phosphorus-centered radicals generated from diphenylphosphine oxide is described. A combination of steric and electronic factors played an important role in this reaction. The reactions of styrenes bearing ortho-substituent gave the selective β-hydroxyphosphine oxide products.