DCC-assisted direct esterification of phosphinic and phosphoric acids with O-nucleophiles

A novel and efficient dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-promoted protocol for the selective and controllable esterification of P(O)OH compounds using O-nucleophiles (alcohols and phenols) as efficient esterification reagents is described. This method features a high efficiency and good functional-group tolerance, meaning a simple way to synthesize a broad spectrum of phosphinic and phosphoric acid esters from basic starting materials with moderate to excellent yields.