AI Insight
This study presents a catalytic method for achieving Markovnikov-selective hydrophosphorylation of unactivated olefins through a radical-polar crossover mechanism. The approach enables the addition of phosphorus-containing groups to alkenes at the more substituted carbon, a selectivity pattern that has historically been difficult to achieve without activated substrates. The reaction proceeds via initial radical addition followed by a polar step, allowing mild and controlled installation of phosphoryl groups onto simple olefin feedstocks.
Why it matters
Organophosphorus compounds are widely used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science, and this method provides a more efficient and selective route to access them from readily available starting materials. Broadening the scope of hydrophosphorylation to unactivated olefins could streamline synthesis in industrial and medicinal chemistry contexts.