Phosphorus-based organocatalysis encompasses several subfields that have undergone rapid growth in recent years. This Outlook gives an overview of its various aspects. In particular, we highlight key advances in three topics: nucleophilic phosphine catalysis, organophosphorus catalysis to bypass phosphine oxide waste, and organophosphorus compound-mediated single electron transfer processes. We briefly summarize five additional topics: chiral phosphoric acid catalysis, phosphine oxide Lewis base catalysis, iminophosphorane super base catalysis, phosphonium salt phase transfer catalysis, and frustrated Lewis pair catalysis. Although it is not catalytic in nature, we also discuss novel discoveries that are emerging in phosphorus­(V) ligand coupling. We conclude with some ideas about the future of organophosphorus catalysis.

Chemical synthesis typically relies on reactions that generate complexity through elaboration of simple starting materials. Less common are deconstructive strategies toward complexity—particularly those involving carbon-carbon bond scission. Here, we introduce one such transformation: the hydrodealkenylative cleavage of C(sp3)–C(sp2) bonds, conducted below room temperature, using ozone, an iron salt, and a hydrogen atom donor. These reactions are performed in nonanhydrous solvents and open to the air; reach completion within 30 minutes; and deliver their products in high yields, even on decagram scales. We have used this broadly functionality tolerant transformation to produce desirable synthetic intermediates, many of which are optically active, from abundantly available terpenes and terpenoid-derived precursors. We have also applied it in the formal total syntheses of complex molecules.

We have prepared a previously unreported family of P-stereogenic [2.2.1] bicyclic chiral phosphines through straightforward syntheses starting from the natural product carvone. This design rationale prompted the development of an unforeseen C-dealkenylation reaction. We have applied these organocatalysts in the asymmetric syntheses of a bevy of pyrrolines, obtained in high yields and enantioselectivities, including a biologically active small molecule, efsevin.

P-Chiral [2.2.1] bicyclic phosphines (HypPhos catalysts) have been applied to reactions between α-alkylallenoates and imines, producing guvacine derivatives. These HypPhos catalysts were assembled from trans-4-hydroxyproline, with the modular nature of the synthesis allowing variations of the exocyclic P and N substituents. Among them, exo-(p-anisyl)-HypPhos was most efficacious for [4 + 2] annulations between ethyl α-methylallenoate and imines. Through this method, (R)-aplexone was identified as being responsible for the decrease in the cellular levels of cholesterol.

Reported herein is a one‐pot protocol for the oxodealkenylative introduction of carbonyl functionalities into terpenes and terpene‐derived compounds. This transformation proceeds by Criegee ozonolysis of an alkene, reductive cleavage of the resulting α‐alkoxy hydroperoxide, trapping of the generated alkyl radical with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl (TEMPO), and subsequent oxidative fragmentation with MMPP. Using readily available starting materials from chiral pool, a variety of carbonyl‐containing products have been accessed rapidly in good yields.

Carbon–carbon bond fragmentations are useful methods for the functionalization of molecules. The value of such cleavage events is maximized when paired with subsequent bond formation. Herein we report a protocol for the cleavage of an alkene C­(sp3)–C­(sp2) bond, followed by the formation of a new C­(sp3)–S bond. This reaction is performed in nonanhydrous solvent and open to the air, employs common starting materials, and can be used to rapidly diversify natural products.

Reported herein is a one‐pot protocol for the oxodealkenylative introduction of carbonyl functionalities into terpenes and terpene‐derived compounds. This transformation proceeds by Criegee ozonolysis of an alkene, reductive cleavage of the resulting α‐alkoxy hydroperoxide, trapping of the generated alkyl radical with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl (TEMPO), and subsequent oxidative fragmentation with MMPP. Using readily available starting materials from chiral pool, a variety of carbonyl‐containing products have been accessed rapidly in good yields.

Carbon–carbon bond fragmentations are useful methods for the functionalization of molecules. The value of such cleavage events is maximized when paired with a subsequent bond formation. Herein we report a protocol for the cleavage of a C(sp³)–C(sp²) bond, followed by the formation of a new C(sp³)–S bond. This reaction is performed in non-anhydrous solvent and open to the air, employs common starting materials, and can be used to rapidly diversify natural products. We have also subjected the thiylated products to various synthetic transformations, demonstrating their utility as synthetic intermediates.