In this review, the methods forming P-C bonds by coupling reactions, utilizing different >P(O)H species, are surveyed systematically. The components of the reactions are organic halides, >P(O)H species comprising dialkyl phosphites, H-phosphinates or secondary phosphine oxides and the catalyst, that is in most cases the complex of palladium or its salts. The Hirao reaction discovered in 1980 is in the focus that is the coupling of aryl halides or other aryl derivatives with mainly dialkyl phosphites in the presence of a variety of catalyst complexes. Beside P-C= and P-C bonds, P-CΞ bonds can also be established. The topic has also green chemical aspect, as it is a serious challenge for organic chemists to elaborate simple and cheap catalyst systems.
Keywords: Catalysts, Hirao reaction, organic halides, P-C coupling, >P(O)H species.