Background: Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction has played a key role for the synthesis of dialkyl or diaryl
phosphonates by reacting various alkyl or aryl halides with trialkyl or triaryl phosphite. This reaction is very
versatile in the formation of P-C bond from the reaction of aliphatic halides with phosphinites or phosphites to
yield phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides. The Arbuzov reaction developed some methodologies,
possible mechanistic pathways, selectivity, potential applications and biologically active various phosphonates.
Objective: The synthesis of phosphonates via Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction with many new and fascinating
methodologies were developed and disclosed in the literature, and these are explored in this review.
Conclusion: This review has discussed past developments and vast potential applications of Arbuzov reaction
in the synthesis of organophosphonates. As presented in this review, various synthetic methodologies were developed
to prepare a large variety of phosphonates. Improvements in the reaction conditions of Lewis-acid mediated
Arbuzov rearrangement as well as the development of MW-assisted Arbuzov rearrangement were discussed.
Finally, to achieve high selectivities and yields, fine-tuning of reaction conditions including solvent
type, temperature, and optimal reaction times to be considered.
