Abstract: | Abstract Phosphine, generated from elemental phosphorus in the system KOH-toluene-H2O, reacts with vinyl sulfides under free radical conditions (AIBN, dioxane, 65–70°C, atmospheric pressure) to form regiospecifically tris[2-(organylthio)ethyl]phosphines, which are readily oxidized in air to corresponding tris[2-(organylthio)ethyl]phosphine oxides. |