An efficient, one-pot, di-n-butylamine-catalyzed, three-component synthesis of β-phosphonomalonates has been developed. A wide range of substrates, including aromatic and fused aromatic aldehydes, were condensed with enolizable C-H activated compounds and dialkylphosphites to give the desired products in excellent yields. This method provides an eco-friendly alternative approach to rapid construction of a diversity-oriented library of β-phosphonomalonates.
Keywords: multicomponent reaction; organocatalyst; solvent-free; β-phosphonomalonate.