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.