[GRAPHICS]
Monosubstituted phosphinic acids are esterified with orthosilicates in exce
llent yields. Phosphinylidene-containing acids react selectively under thes
e conditions, while disubstituted phosphinic acids and phosphonic acids rem
ain unchanged. One-pot procedures are also described for the preparation of
phosphinate esters from an alcohol. This novel method provides a convenien
t and general alternative to more commonly employed conditions such as diaz
omethane or carbodiimide.