Late stage modifications of P-containing ligands using transition-metal-catalysed C-H bond functionalisation.

Phosphorus containing molecules have seen widespread applications in the development of innovative metal-ligand catalysts and materials. In recent years, the implementation of late-stage modifications of phosphorus derivatives via ortho-regioselective C-H bond functionalisation has led to faster and better ways for the synthesis of complex ligands by creating new reactions with low impact on the environment. This Feature article highlights transition-metal catalysed regioselective C-H bond functionalisation of phosphorus-containing molecules, in which the phosphorus containing unit plays the role of a directing group for C-H bond activation and the synthesis of new functional phosphorus derivatives.