A facile synthesis of α-aminophosphonates catalyzed by ytterbium perfluorooctanoate under solvent-free conditions

Three-component reactions of aldehydes, amines and diethyl phosphite are efficiently catalyzed by ytterbium perfluorooctanoate [Yb(PFO)3] under solvent-free conditions, giving the corresponding α-aminophosphonates in good to excellent yields. The catalyst can be recovered and reused for several times without any significant loss of activity. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for this transformation is also presented.