Towards “user-friendly” heavier primary pnictanes: Recent developments in the chemistry of primary phosphines, arsines and stibines

Primary pnictanes (phosphines, arsines and stibines) are valuable starting materials in many reactions. In this article, an account is given of recent developments in the chemistry of “user-friendly” primary pnictanes, with emphasis on the use of the bulky substituents for their stabilization. Available structural parameters, as well as several physico-chemical properties such as melting points and sensitivity towards air and moisture, are collected and discussed. Also included is a brief survey of 31P NMR data for primary phosphines and their organotransition metal complexes.