Synthesis of new tricyclic phosphines and phosphinites by intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of trivalent phospholes

Phospholes bearing an allyl-X substituent at phosphorus tend to undergo an intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition (IMDA) leading to the corresponding tricyclic derivative. When X = O or NR, the IMDA easily takes place at room temperature. When X = CH2, the IMDA slowly takes place around 110-140 degreesC, as a function to the substitution pattern of the dienic system. Two tricyclic derivatives (X = O and CH2) have been characterized by X-ray crystal structure analysis of the P-sulfides.