Phosphonite

In organic chemistry, phosphonites are organophosphorus compounds with the formula P(OR)2R.

They are found in some pesticides and are used as ligands.

[1] Although they are derivatives of phosphonous acid (RP(OH)2),[2] they are not prepared from such precursors.

Phosphonites are prepared by alcoholysis of organophosphinous chlorides.

For example, treatment of dichlorophenylphosphine with methanol and base gives dimethyl phenylphosphonite: Oxidation of phosphonites gives phosphonates: Phosphonites can function as ligands in homogeneous catalysis.