Synthesis of diethyl oxo phosphonates from monoterpene ketones – carvone, pinocarvone and 2-caren-4-one

Reaction of α,β-unsaturated monoterpenic ketones – carvone, pinocarvone and 2-caren-4-one – with the sodium salt of diethylphosphite in diethylphosphite media results in regioselective addition to the conjugated carbon–carbon double bond and formation of the corresponding oxophosphonates.