Reaction of barbituric/thiobarbituric acid with phosphines or phosphites and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates for synthesis of phosphorus zwitterions or phosphonate derivatives.

A three-component reaction between barbituric/thiobarbituric acid, phosphines, and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates in dry acetonitrile led to the formation of barbiturate/thiobarbiturate-functionalized stable zwitterionic salts in a one-pot process. When trialkyl phosphites were used instead of phosphines, barbiturate/thiobarbiturate-functionalized phosphonates were obtained in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]