Microwave irradiation and catalysis in organophosphorus chemistry

The possible combinations and connections of microwave (MW) and catalysts are discussed. MW-assisted reactions, such as the direct esterification or the alkylating esterification of phosphinic acids may be enhanced by an ionic liquid additive or a phase transfer catalyst (PTC), respectively. It is also possible that a catalytic transformation, like the Arbuzov reaction with aryl halides is promoted by MW irradiation. Moreover, it is also an option exemplified by the Kabachnik-Fields reaction, by the deoxygenation of phosphine oxides, or by the PTC alkylation of P=O functionalized active methylene containing substrates that MW irradiation substitutes the catalysts. Last but not least, as it is in the Hirao reaction, MWs may make possible the simplification of the catalyst system possible. [GRAPHICS] .