An efficient and simple protocol for silvercatalyzed direct C3 phosphonation of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a] pyrimidin-4-ones with dialkyl phosphites has been developed. The reaction shows high regioselectivity, broad scope of substrates, and good functional group compatibility. Importantly, the phosphorylated 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one product 3 u can be employed as efficient probes for Fe 3 + .