Reaction of cyclic phosphites with 1,2-diketones and with diol/N-chlorodiis
opropylamine has been studied. A large number of penta- and hexacoordinated
phosphorus derivatives with varying ring sizes have been synthesized and s
tructurally characterized. The reactivity of phosphites is compared with th
at of arsenites and pentacoordinated phosphoranes. Several phosphonates tha
t are important as synthetic reagents have been prepared by reacting cyclic
phosphites with aldehydes.