Bicyclic Systems With Bridgehead (Ring Junction): Phosphorus, Arsenic, Antimony, or Bismuth Atoms

The chemical literature from the last 12 years, devoted to bicyclic compounds having a phosphorus atom at the ring junction, is reviewed in this chapter. Data related to these derivatives is presented in which a bridgehead phosphorus atom is incorporated in: fully conjugated rings (fused ring systems and nonfused ring systems), nonconjugated and partially conjugated ring systems divided according to the nomenclature scheme [n.m.0], [n.m.1] and [n.m.o]. A brief presentation of theoretical methods, experimental structural methods and thermodynamic aspects is briefly presented in the initial part of the manuscript. The final paragraphs discuss jointly the synthesis and reactivity of rings containing arsenic, antimony, or bismuth and applications of selected compounds.