The preparation of diphenylphosphinate esters of allylic alcohols is r
eported. Addition of allylic alcohols to the imidazolinium salt prepar
ed in situ from diphenylphosphinic chloride and imidazole or to 1-(dip
henylphosphinoyl)imidazole produces the corresponding diphenylphosphin
ate esters in good to excellent yields.