Light-Induced Decarboxylative Phosphinylation

A visible light-induced decarboxylative radical coupling between <i>N</i>-hydroxyphthalimide esters and phosphonites or phosphinites has been developed. The corresponding phosphinates or phosphine oxides could be obtained under mild conditions. No transition metals or toxic reagents were involved. This method provides a low-cost and practical alternative for synthesizing functionalized phosphinates or phosphine oxides.