Synthesis of organophosphorus compounds using ionic liquids

Organophosphorus chemistry was developed in the last decade by promoting the synthesis reactions using ionic liquids either as solvent or catalyst. Ionic liquids (ILs), the so-called “green solvents”, have gained interest in the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds as alternatives to flammable and toxic organic solvents and catalysts. ILs have beneficial properties because they provide high solubility for many organic and inorganic compounds or metal complexes, have no vapor pressure, and are reusable. Also, in some cases, they can enhance the reactivity of chemical reagents. In this review, we aimed at showing the synthesis of different organophosphorus compounds under green and mild conditions using ILs as reaction media or catalysts, according to a trend developed in the last years. A novel trend is to perform these syntheses under microwave irradiation conditions together with ILs as solvents and catalysts.