Stereoselective reactions of trivalent phosphorus compounds

The data on stereoselective reactions of achiral compounds of trivalent phosphorus with chiral nucleophiles (derivatives of secondary alcohols, amines, and amino acids) are analyzed and discussed. In certain cases, these reactions enable preparation of optically active aminophosphines and phosphinites, precursors in the synthesis of chiral organophosphorus compounds and phosphine ligands. The reactions are suitable for elucidation of mechanism and stereochemistry of nucleophilic substitution at trivalent phosphorus atom.