C‐phosphorylation of <i>N</i>‐arylpyrroles

Abstract

Abstract Phosphorylation of N‐arylpyrroles with phosphorus tribromide proceeds regioselectively at the position 2 of the heterocyclic system. A 2‐to‐3 migration of the dibromophosphino group has been discovered, with its ease depending on the electronic nature of a substituent on the phenyl ring, solvent polarity, and the presence of pyridine hydrobromide in the reaction mixture. Further phosphorylation of 2‐ and 3‐monophosphorylated N‐arylpyrroles regioselectively involves the respective positions 4 and 5 of the heterocycle and is governed by the electron‐acceptor effect of the phosphorus‐containing substituent. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 13:223–228, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10012