C-P Bond Formation by Nickel or Cobalt Catalyzed Coupling Reactions

This review discloses nickel- and cobalt-catalyzed coupling reactions that allow C-P bond formation. Activation of C-halide bonds to form phosphonium, pentavalent phosphorus, or trivalent phosphorous compounds has been reported with both metals. However, the conversion of C-O bonds ((activated) ethers, carbonates, acetates) into C-P ones has been only described with Ni. Similarly, there are more examples of C-Y (Y=C, S, N, B) bond activations catalyzed by Ni than by Co. Nevertheless, the cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction between a P-H reagent and a C-H bond has been reported more often with cobalt than with nickel. In addition, for both metals, electrolytic and photocatalytic processes have been shown to produce a variety of C-P containing molecules. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential of both metals for C-P bond formation and to highlight the remaining challenges.