In this Perspective, we discuss what we perceive to be
the continued
challenges faced in catalytic hydrophosphination chemistry. Currently
the literature is dominated by catalysts, many of which are highly
effective, that generate the same phosphorus architectures, e.g.,
anti-Markovnikov products from the reaction of activated alkenes and
alkynes with diarylphosphines. We highlight the state of the art in
stereoselective hydrophosphination and the scope and limitations of
chemoselective hydrophosphination with primary phosphines and PH
3
. We also highlight the progress in the chemistry of the heavier
homologues. In general, we have tried to emphasize what is missing
from our hydrophosphination armament, with the aim of guiding future
research targets.