A novel stereoselective synthesis of (E)-2-arylvinylphosphonates in InCl3-NaBH4-MeCN system

Hydroindation of arylalkynylphosphonates gives a intermediate which can be hydrolyzed to (E)-2-arylvinylphosphonates in InCl3-NaBH4-MeCN system, a new and simple approach to (E)-2-arylvinylphosphonates from (E)-2-arylalkynylphosphonates has been developed, in which the InCl3-NaBH4-MeCN system was firstly employed in reduction of alkynylphosphonates successfully. A radical mechanism is proposed.