Alkyl Phosphinites: Versatile Synthetic Intermediates for Dehydration Condensation Reactions

Recent advances in the oxidation–reduction condensation reaction of alkyl phosphinites are described. The carbon–sulfur, carbon–carbon, or carbon–nitrogen bond forming reactions and cyanation, isocyanation reactions are established. These reactions proceed through inversion of configuration even when tertiary alkyl phosphinites are employed, providing thus, a novel route to chiral hydrosulfides, amines, nitriles, and isocyanides from easily available chiral alcohols.