Continuous Flow Organophosphorus Chemistry

Abstract

Organophosphorus derivatives are widespread compounds that chemists find from the bench to the plant, with numerous daily life applications. Besides their common utility for a wide range of notorious reactions such as the Wittig and Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons olefinations, the Arbuzov reaction, the Staudinger reaction, the Mitsunobu reaction as well as ligands for a large variety of organometallic complexes, organophosphorus compounds have also found numerous applications as active pharmaceutical ingredients and agrochemicals. Some organophosphorus derivatives are also infamously known as Chemical Warfare Agents. Within the context of generalized adoption of new process technologies in the Chemistry Toolbox, this review intends to give an update on the most recent and significant advances in continuous flow organophosphorus chemistry. Selected examples in methodology, total synthesis and for the preparation of industrially relevant targets are discussed for illustrating the assets of flow chemistry.