For almost 40 years, difluoromethylene phosphonates have proven to be versatile molecular tools in biochemical studies owing to their close resemblance to naturally occurring phosphates and phosphonates. As bioisosteric, non‐hydrolyzable analogs of these essential molecules, difluoromethylene phosphonates can target the critical parts of the cellular machinery and therefore exhibit a diverse spectrum of biological activity. In the past ten years, there have appeared many new methods for the synthesis of difluoromethylene phosphonates. Most notably, photoredox catalysis has firmly entered the field, while cross‐coupling and nucleophilic strategies have met considerable elaboration and refinement, entirely in accord with the current trends in synthetic organic chemistry. Herein, we introduce difluoromethylene phosphonates as a distinct, high‐tech subclass of synthetic phosphonates resulting from the research efforts on the cross‐section of organophosphorus, organofluorine, and bioorganic chemistry. We then proceed to the discussion of general methods for the preparation of difluoromethylene phosphonates, comprehensively reviewing reactions developed in the past 15 years while providing the context of earlier works where appropriate. Finally, we present selected examples of molecules with high biological activity, their biological targets, and the synthetic steps employed for their preparation.

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An electrochemical sulfur dioxide insertion reaction of alkenes and alcohols with potassium metabisulfite as the sulfur dioxide surrogate has been developed, which provides a green and efficient method for the preparation of sulfonate esters.

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Due to the pivotal role of tailor-made amino acids in modern medicinal chemistry research and drug design, the interest in the development of synthetic methodology for preparation of these compounds is at an all-time high. Currently, electrochemical approaches for synthesis of amino acids are being actively pursued to take the advantage of sustainability and green chemistry facets offered by the electrochemistry. This work presents the first specially focused, comprehensive treatment of the literature data related to synthesis of amino acids via electrochemical means. Aspects of practicality, benefits and current shortcoming of this approach are critically discussed.