The preparation of some cyclic phosphonates and their use in olefin synthesis

The preparation and the use in olefin synthesis of two 5-membered cyclic phosphonates, 2-carbethoxy-methyl 4,5-dimethyle-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (4b) and 2-cyanomethyl-4,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-diox-aphospholane (4c) and the 6-membered phosphonates, 2-carbalkoxymethyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-diox-aphosphorinanes (5a and 5b) and 2-cyanomethyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane (5c) are described. Reactions of 4b with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes lead to preferential formation of cis-olefins. Reactions of the other cyclic phosphonates with aldehydes lead to various mixtures of cis and trans olefins.