Phosphorus Compounds as Precursors and Catalysts for Radical C-C Bond-Forming Reactions

The photochemistry of organophosphorus compounds and their reactions with carbon-centred radicals was studied from the 1950s to the 70s, but has not been well exploited in synthetic chemistry until very recently. This review discusses the various modes of reactivity that phosphorus compounds display in radical C-C bond forming reactions, including the role of phosphonium salts as radical precursors, phosphines and phosphites as deoxygenating agents from oxygen-centred radicals and phosphines in electron- and charge-transfer chemistry. We also highlight the potential that these processes have in the future development of new reactions and cascade processes.