Chiral Brønsted base catalysis is a fascinating and highly explored field of research. For many years catalysts based on chincona alkaloid chiral scaffolds have constituted privileged systems widely employed in numerous base-promoted organic transformations. Recently, a novel group of chiral base catalysts has been successfully introduced. The application of organosuperbases, namely cyclopropenimines, guanidines, and iminophosphoranes, as chiral catalysts is receiving increasing attention. The aim of this Concept article is to summarize recent progress in the field of chiral iminophosphorane superbase organocatalysis. Catalysts design, different approaches to their synthesis, and applications in asymmetric synthesis are outlined and discussed in detail.

Owing to their wide reactivity profile, as well as a broad range of biological activity, organophosphorus compounds play a pivotal role in modern organic chemistry. Recently, much effort has been devoted to their preparation in an enantioselective fashion. This microreview summarizes the use of chiral organic molecules as catalysts in the synthesis of optically active organophosphorus compounds. Particular attention is given to the catalytic activation modes employed in the devised synthetic strategies, with special emphasis on factors governing stereochemical reaction outcomes. Furthermore, the importance of the products obtained and their selected applications are discussed.

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