The synthesis of phosphinates: Traditional versus green chemical approaches

Abstract

Three alternatives are discussed in comparison with the classical esterification of phosphinic chlorides by reaction with alcohols. All novel methods, such as microwave (MW)-assisted direct esterification, MW-assisted phase transfer catalyzed alkylating esterification and the propylphosphonic anhydride-promoted esterification, start from phosphinic acids and offer different advantages and disadvantages. The methods are analyzed from green chemical point of view.