Intermolecular hydrophosphination of alkynes and related carboncarbon multiple bonds catalyzed by ytterbium–imine complexes

Catalytic intermolecular hydrophosphination of alkynes with Ph2PH has been achieved by using a ytterbium–imine complex, [Yb(η2-Ph2CNPh)(hmpa)6]. Thus, both terminal and internal alkynes were converted in high yields to the corresponding alkenylphosphines or phosphine oxides after oxidative workup. The present method was also applicable to various carboncarbon multiple bonds such as conjugated diynes and dienes, allenes and styrene derivatives.