Taming PH3: State of the Art and Future Directions in Synthesis

Appetite for reactions involving PH3 has grown in the past few years. This in part is due to the ability to generate PH3 cleanly and safely via digestion of cheap metal phosphides with acids, thus avoiding pressurized cylinders and specialized equipment. In this perspective we highlight current trends in forming new P–C/P–OC bonds with PH3 and discuss the challenges involved with selectivity and product separation encumbering these reactions. We highlight the reactivity of PH3 with main group reagents, building on the early pioneering work with transition metal complexes and PH3. Additionally, we highlight the recent renewal of interest in alkali metal sources of H2P– which are proving to be useful synthons for chemistry across the periodic table. Such MPH2 sources are being used to generate the desired products in a more controlled fashion and are allowing access to unexplored phosphorus-containing species.