An improved preparation method of benzyl and thenyl triphenylphosphonium salt

New benzyl and thenyl phosphonium salts have been prepared by an improved method in solution from the parent alcohols and triphenylphosphine hydrobromide. Benzyl-type alcohols containing a tertiary amine can also be converted within high yields to phosphonium salts by removing the formed water by azeotropic distillation. Solvent (methylene chloride, chloroform and acetonitrile) and temperature have been chosen in close relation to the alcohol reactivity. Purification is straightforward and yields are relatively high.