Synthesis of 2-(N-disubstituted amino)ethyltriphenylphosphonium bromides

2-(N-Disubstituted amino)ethyltriphenylphosphonium bromides are prepared in quantitative yields with high purity by reacting secondary amines with 2-methoxyethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide under aqueous conditions. The differential reactivity of this reagent offers advantages for the preparation of aminoethyltriphenylphosphonium bromides possessing nucleophiles such as hydroxy groups.