Silver(i)-catalyzed highly para-selective phosphonation of 2-aryloxazolines

A silver-catalyzed phosphonation of 2-aryloxazolines has been accomplished. This protocol provides highly regioselective access to para-phosphonation products with good functional group tolerance and moderate to good yields via cross-dehydrogenation coupling. Mechanistic studies have shown that para-phosphonation products are obtained via a radical pathway. Furthermore, the directing oxazoline group in the para-phosphonation products is removable and can be converted to benzoic esters.