Symmetrical and Mixed Tris(acyl)phosphines: Synthesis, Oxidation and Photochemistry

In a phosphorus mine, the acid chloride workers are shoveling red phosphorus to provide the chemicals necessary to produce the Brandsma reagent. This reaction leads to the formation of symmetrical and mixed trisacylphosphines. As these are in equilibrium with their corresponding phosphaalkenes, the trisacylphosphine form is enriched by increasing the temperature, as represented by the Bunsen burner. Production is then completed by oxidation to the corresponding symmetrical and mixed trisacylphosphine oxides, which is represented by the oxygen tank. More information can be found in the Research Article by G. Gescheidt, H. Grützmacher, M. Haas and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302535).