Phosphorous oxychloride (POCl3): A key molecule in organic synthesis

Of the many important compounds of phosphorous, phosphorous oxychloride (PO Cl3) finds tremendous use in organic synthesis. Among the overwhelming majo rity of reactions of this reagent are Vilsmeier - Haack reaction, Bischeler -Napieralski reaction, Regiospecific dehydration reaction, formation of het erocycles such as benzoxazoles, quinazolines, beta-lactams, imidazoles and many others. It also finds use in the synthesis of aminoacid amides, esters , lactones, phosphorylation of nucleosides, decarbonylation of alpha-aminoa cids and peptides.