PBr3 reaction

[mohit]

How is the reaction of PBr3 with phenolic and similar kind of hindered aromatic alcoholic group.

[YT2095]

PBr3 + 3 HOC6H5 → P(OC6H5)3 + 3 HBr

 

is this what you mean?

[big314mp]

I thought PBr3 was a brominating agent, that converted hydroxyl groups to bromides.

 

I think the reaction he wants is:

 

PBr3 + HOC6H5 -> BrC6H5 + other stuff

 

I think it would work alright (IMO). The reaction mechanism is:

 

The alcohol acts as a nucleophile and kicks a bromide off of the PBr3. The bromide that was kicked off acts as a nucleophile and kicks off the -OHPBr2 group.