CsOH-promoted P-alkylation: a convenient and highly efficient synthesis of tertiary phosphines

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of tertiary phosphines and ditertiary phosphines has been developed. In the presence of cesium hydroxide, molecular sieves and DMF at room temperature, various secondary phosphines and alkyl bromides were examined, and the results have demonstrated that this methodology offers a general synthetic procedure to produce tertiary phosphines in moderate to high yields. Optically active tertiary phosphine synthesis is also described.