From rocks to bioactive compounds: a journey through the global P(v) organophosphorus industry and its sustainability

Abstract

This tutorial review aims at presenting the usefulness and the diversity of organophosphorus compounds within the context of a more sustainable phosphorus chemistry. Three topics will be emphasized while reflecting on green chemistry: firstly, a short sum-up of the phosphorus resources and their industrial and environmental ties will be given to contextualize the framework of this review. The rich nomenclature, properties, and applications of organophosphorus compounds will then be highlighted, emphasizing P(V) comparatively to P(III) ones. Finally, a brief review of the current synthetic routes towards organophosphorus molecules and their inherent challenges will be described before presenting a few promising alternatives.