An expedient synthesis of pyrrole-2-phosphonates via direct oxidative phosphorylation and γ-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactams from pyrroles

An expedient oxidative phosphorylation of pyrroles has been disclosed. The reaction of dialkyl phosphite and pyrrole in the presence of AgNO3/K2S2O8 in DMF/H2O (8:1) produced pyrrole-2-phosphonates in good yields. In the absence of dialkyl phosphite, γ-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactam derivative was formed as a major product.