The increasing importance of azaheterocyclic phosphonates
in the
agrochemical, synthetic, and medicinal field has provoked an intense
search in the development of synthetic routes for obtaining novel
members of this family of compounds. This updated review covers methodologies
established since 2004, focusing on the synthesis of azaheterocyclic
phosphonates, of which the phosphonate moiety is directly substituted
onto to the azaheterocyclic structure. Emphasizing recent advances,
this review classifies newly developed synthetic approaches according
to the ring size and providing information on biological activities
whenever available. Furthermore, this review summarizes information
on various methods for the formation of C–P bonds, examining
sustainable approaches such as the Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction,
the Michaelis–Becker reaction, the Pudovik reaction, the Hirao
coupling, and the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. After analyzing
the biological activities and applications of azaheterocyclic phosphonates
investigated in recent years, a predominant focus on the evaluation
of these compounds as anticancer agents is evident. Furthermore, emerging
applications underline the versatility and potential of these compounds,
highlighting the need for continued research on synthetic methods
to expand this interesting family.