Three-component coupling reaction of white phosphorus, alcohols and diaryl disulfides: a chlorine-free avenue for accessing phosphorothioates

Synthesis of valuable compounds directly from small and simple molecules is an area of great interest in chemical research. However, the preparation of most organophosphorus compounds from white phosphorus currently relies on inefficient, stepwise procedures that result in significant environmental pollution and poor atom economy. We herein describe a novel and high-yielding route to generate various phosphorothioates with diverse substituents from white phosphorus, disulfides, and alcohols in a single reaction step. This innovative three-component coupling reaction utilizes basic industrial raw materials and offers several advantages, including operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and high product selectivity. Synthesis of valuable compounds directly from small and simple molecules is an area of great interest in chemical research.