Development of a Novel Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Reagent for the Facile Preparation of Mixed Phosphonoacetates

Abstract A novel Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reagent, methyl 2-[bis(3,4,5-trifluorophenoxy)phosphoryl]acetate, was synthesized by the reaction of methyl 2-(dichlorophosphoryl)acetate and 3,4,5-trifluorophenol. Sequential alcoholysis of this HWE reagent with isopropyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol on the phosphorus atom afforded the mixed phosphonoacetate, methyl 2-[(benzyloxy)(isopropoxy)phosphoryl]acetate, in 89% yield for the two steps.