Chemoselective synthesis of long-chain alkyl-H-phosphinic acids via one-pot alkylation/oxidation of red phosphorus with alkyl-PEGs as recyclable micellar catalysts.

Long-chain n-alkyl-H-phosphinic acids (Alk = C4-C18) are chemoselectively synthesized in yields up to 90% via the direct one-pot alkylation/oxidation of red phosphorus (Pn) in the multi-phase alkyl bromide/KOH/H2O/toluene system with alkyl-PEG recyclable micellar catalysts, which demonstrate good recyclability.