N-phosphino carboxylic acid amides, lactams and ureas: Synthesis, properties and applications

The chemistry of a diverse range of compounds is reviewed that have the structural motif PNCO(S) in common. The majority of compounds falls in the category of carboxylic acid phosphino amides, their cyclic representatives, the phosphino lactams, and phosphino ureas, the diamide of carbonic acid. Their chemistry is characterised by a rich and fascinating Main Group Chemistry as well as a plethora of diverse applications in catalysis, polymers, pharmacy, and the printing industry.