Orthosilicate-mediated esterification of monosubstituted phosphinic acids

[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.