Catalytic Aerobic Photooxidation of Phosphines using Four-Coordinated Orgnoboron Compounds as the Photocatalyst

Herein, a photooxidation approach to convert phosphines to the corresponding phosphine oxides was disclosed. Taking advantage of O2 in the air as the oxidant and oxygen source, the phosphine oxides could be obtained efficiently in moderate to excellent yields. Four-coordinated organoboron compound was used as the photocatalyst to active O2 to its singlet state. This photooxidation method features mild reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance, and wide substrate scope.