Ti(O-isoPr)4 Catalyzed hydrophosphonylation of activated alkenes by diphenyl H-phosphonate

Diphenyl 2-(alkoxycarbonyl)alkylphosphonates were synthesized via a titanium alkoxide catalyzed Pudovik reaction under mild conditions. Methacrylates or acrylates were selectively hydrophosphonylated by diphenyl H-phosphonate even in the presence of a dialkyl phosphite.