Microwave irradiation and catalysis in organophosphorus reactions

Abstract

AbstractThe usual advantage of microwave (MW) assistance is making organic reactions faster and more efficient. In this article we present reaction types from organophosphorus chemistry, when MW-assisted transformations (e.g. the direct esterification and alkylating esterification of phosphinic acids) may be promoted by suitable catalysts, or vice versa, when a catalytic reaction is enhanced by MW irradiation (e.g. the Arbuzov reaction of aryl halides), and when catalysts may be omitted or simplified under MW irradiation as shown by the alkylation of active methylene containing P=O substrates/the Kabachnik–Fields reaction/deoxygenation of phosphine oxides, and the Hirao reaction, respectively.