Green phosphonate chemistry – Does it exist?

Abstract

Organophosphorus chemistry plays a crucial role in several scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, medicine, and pharmacy. In particular, phosphonates have found important applications in diverse health- and technology-related areas, for example, drugs for calcium metabolic disorders, and corrosion and scale inhibitors. This review discusses the importance of phosphonate compounds from a green chemistry point of view, along the lines of synthesis, applications and recovery/recycling. It is the hope of the authors that readers will form their own answer to the question posed in the title.