Direct functionalization of white phosphorus by organolithium reagents to organophosphorus compounds

Abstract

The direct synthesis of organophosphorus compounds from white phosphorus (P₄) has very important scientific significance and application value. The review focuses on the direct functionalization of white phosphorus by organolithium reagents to organophosphorus compounds, including three parts: (i) the development of P₄ functionalization by organo-mono-lithium reagents, and the recent breakthroughs for the synergistic activation strategy of Lewis acid and organo-mono-lithium reagents; (ii) the new discovery of organo-di-lithium reagents mediated P₄ activation, including the aggregation states of products, reaction mechanism and derivatization reactions; and (iii) modes of organolithium reagents mediated P₄ activation. This timely review will accelerate the development of P₄ functionalization for the construction of organophosphorus compounds.