Diazaphospholene and Diazaarsolene Derived Homogeneous Catalysis

Abstract

The past 20 years has seen significant advances in main group chemistry and their use in catalysis. This Minireview showcases the recent emergence of phosphorus and arsenic containing heterocycles as catalysts. With that, we discuss how the Group 15 compounds diazaphospholenes, diazaarsolenes, and their cationic counterparts have proven to be highly effective catalysts for a wide range of reduction transformations. This Minireview highlights how the initial discovery by Gudat of the hydridic nature of the P−H bond in these systems led to these compounds being used as catalysts and discusses the wide range of examples currently present in the literature.