Recent developments in the asymmetric synthesis of P-chiral phosphorus compounds

This review discusses methods for the asymmetric synthesis of P-chiral tri-, tetra- and pentacoordinated organophosphorus compounds with many applications in stereoselective synthesis and in asymmetric catalysis with reference to updated literature findings as well as the author's original research. The review also describes asymmetric addition and cycloaddition reactions, oxidations, including metal catalyzed and non-metal, biocatalytic methods, in addition to synthetic approaches via nucleophilic substitution of the appropriately substituted precursors. The uses of chiral organophosphorus compounds in some asymmetric transformations such as hydrogenation and alkyl/arylation reactions are also discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.