A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula R13P, where R1 represents an aryl group substituted by an alkoxy, aryloxy, dialkylamino, dialkylaminoalkyl, dialkylamido, alkoxyalkoxy, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, dialkylamidosulfonyl, alkylsulfonate or lithiated hydroxyl group, comprising:
- lithiating a compound of the formula R1—H;
- with a compound of the formula Q-Li, where Q represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl group;
- in a solvent comprising an ether compound of the formula E1-O-E2, where each of E1 and E2 independently represent a substituted alkyl group or a substituted aryl group, and having a boiling point of at least 40° C. at atmospheric pressure;
- and
- reacting the resultant compound R′—Li, without isolation thereof, with phosphorous trichloride.