A method for forming 1,3,5,7-tetraalkyl-6-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantane, comprising:
- obtaining a solution comprising an ethereal solvent and an aluminum hydride;
- adding dichloro(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine to the solution to produce 2,4-dimethoxyphenylphosphine, wherein the solution has a temperature from greater than −20° C. to 50° C. throughout the method;
- and
- reacting the 2,4-dimethoxyphenylphosphine with an acidic mixture comprising diones to produce 1,3,5,7-tetraalkyl-6-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,4,8-trioxa-6-phosphaadamantanes.