Elemental phosphorus–strong base as a system for the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds

A systematic review is presented on the reactions of elemental phosphorus with organic compounds in the presence of base, proceeding via polyphosphide and polyphosphinite anions. Particular attention has been paid to new effective methods of activating red phosphorus by superbase complexes, formed from alkali metal hydroxides and polar, non-hydroxylic solvents (HMPA, DMSO, DMF, triethylphosphine oxide), by the sodium/liquid ammonia system, or under phase transfer catalysis. The direct phosphorylation of organic halides, activated alkenes, acetylenes and oxiranes is also discussed. The bibliography includes 92 references.