A direct approach to access important α-amino phosphonic acids and their derivatives
through the formation of C–N bonds is described. Several α-amination reactions of
phosphonates that involve electrophilic aminating agents are reviewed. A recent development
is highlighted in which an acyclic or cyclic amine is introduced into the α-position
of a phosphonate in one step through deprotonative formation of an α-zincate followed
by copper-catalyzed amination with an O-acylhydroxylamine.
Key words
aminophosphonic acids - amination - phosphonates - copper catalysis -
O-acylhydroxylamines - C–N bond formation