+ RBr -> (C₂H₅O)₂P(O)R + KBrFor converting aryl halides, palladium-catalysis can be employed. The C-P coupling process is reminiscent of the Buchwald-Hartwig amination.

Reaction of diethyl phosphite with Grignard reagents results in initial deprotonation followed by displacement of the ethoxy groups. This reactivity provides a route to secondary phosphine oxides, such as dimethylphosphine oxide