TiO2 as a new and reusable catalyst for one-pot three-component syntheses of α-aminophosphonates in solvent-free conditions

Commercially available titania (TiO2) is reported as an extremely efficient catalyst for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates. A three-component reaction of an amine, an aldehyde or a ketone and a dialkyl phosphite (Kabachnik-Fields reaction) took place in one-pot, under solvent-free conditions to afford the corresponding α-aminophosphonates in high yields and short times. The TiO2 catalyzed α-aminophosphonate synthesis in the present study perhaps represents a true three-component reaction as no intermediate formation of either an imine or α-hydroxyphosphonate was observed that indicated the simultaneous involvement of the carbonyl compound, the amine and the phosphite in the transition state. Furthermore, the catalyst can be reused for several times without any significant loss of catalytic activity.