Organophosphorus overview

The Wittig reaction and its derivatives continue to find application in the synthesis of a diverse range of molecules. However, the aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the literature published between July 2001 and June 2002 that concentrates on the chemistry of the organophosphorus reagents themselves, and so coverage of their synthetic applications is limited to a number of pertinent, illustrative examples. 

Chambers HW (1992). Organophosphorus compounds an overview. In Organophosphates, Chemistry, Fate and Effects. (JE Chambers and PE Levi, eds), pp. 3-18. San Diego, CA, USA Academic Press. 

Ieki R (1997). Overview of the Tokyo Subway sarin attack. In Organophosphorus Poisoning (Sarin Poisoning) (R Ieki, ed.), pp. 1-3. Tokyo, Japan Sindan to Chiryo sha. 

Cannon SB, Veazey JM Jr, Jackson RS, et al Epidemic kepone poisoning in chemical workers. Am J Epidemiol 107 529-537,1978 Chambers HW Organophosphorus compounds an overview, in Organophosphates Chemistry, Fate and Effects. Edited by Chambers JE, Levi PE. San Diego, CA, Academic Press, 1992, pp 3-17... 

Even from such a brief overview of its chemistry, it should be clear that phosphorus is an element still at the forefront of all areas of practical chemistry - from purely academic right to decidedly industrial. Though many of the latter uses are declining because of environmental concerns - witness the decrease in the use of phosphate detergents, ZDDP oil additives and organophosphorus pesticides - the fact remains that demand for the element is still enormous. Eventually, as the twenty-first century progresses, this demand will impact upon resources, and economics will dictate that phosphate recovery, - for example, from sewage - becomes vital. Much work to this end is already underway. ... 

V. OVERVIEW OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TOXICITY OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS AND CARBAMATE CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS... 

---