Process for the production of a phosphorus-containing organic compound

A process for the production of an organic phosphorus-containing product having the formula (I)

• 5
• wherein:
• R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, O-alkyl or O-aryl;
• R3, R4, R5 and R6 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, R7OH, R8CN, R9NXY or CH(CH2)nOR10OR11, where
• R7 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OH)(CH2)n;
• R8 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OAc)(CH2)n and,
• R9 is CH(CH2)n or CHCO2R12, where R12 is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, and
• X and Y are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or ester;
• R10 and R11 are the same or different and may be hydrogen, alkyl or aryl or the two groups may be linked by (CH2)n to form a cyclic ring;
• and
• n is from 0 to 12,
• which comprises reacting a phosphorus-containing oxide of formula (II)
• 6
• wherein the various symbols are as defined above, with an unsaturated hydrocarbon of formula (III)
• 7
• wherein the various symbols are as defined above, in the presence of a boron compound and at a temperature of less than or equal to 50° C.