The kabachnik-fields reaction: Synthetic potential and the problem of the mechanism

The data published in the last decade concerning the mechanism of the Kabachnik - Fields reaction and its significance for the chemistry of organophosphorus compounds as a method for synthesis of α-amino phosphonates and its numerous functionally substituted derivatives and analogues (phosphinates, phosphine oxides) are generalised and described systematically. The discussion covers both the classical variant of the Kabachnik-Fields reaction and its modifications using phosphorus chlorides, neutral esters, and inorganic phosphorus-containing acids and also chemical processes modelling separate stages of the reaction (hydrophosphorylation of imines and amination of α-hydroxy phosphonates). Some information on the use of α-amino phosphonates is given