Environmentally friendly chemistry with organophosphorus syntheses in focus

Abstract

The use of the microwave (MW) technique has many advantages in organophosphorus chemistry. MW irradiation may replace a catalyst, or simplify a catalytic system. New reactions may also become possible under MW irradiation. In most cases, microwaves just make the reactions more efficient in respect of rate, selectivity and yield. The benefits are shown via representative examples. In another field, our methods developed for the resolution of cyclic phosphine oxides and phosphinates are summarized. After deoxygenation, the racemic or optically active P-heterocycles were used as P-ligands in platinum complexes that together with other derivatives are potential catalysts. The third topic embraces the optimization of the synthesis of dronic acids/dronates. Starting from the corresponding carboxylic acids and using methanesulfonic acid as the solvent, 3 equivalents of phosphorus trichloride is enough as the P-reactant. Applying sulfolane as the solvent, the optimum set of reactants comprises 2 equivalents of phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid.