Synthesis of Optically Active Phosphorus Compounds via Metal Phosphinites Generated by Reaction of Optically Active Selenophosphinates with Phenyllithium

Sequential treatment of optically active Se-benzyl t-butylphenylselenophosphinate with PhLi and then with electrophiles such as alkyl halides and elemental selenium gave optically active phosphorus compounds in good chemical and optical yields with a retention of configuration at phosphorus atom, together with benzyl phenyl selenide.