Book excerpt: Authored by one of the leading experts in the field, this is the only comprehensive overview of chiral organophosphorus compounds, from asymmetric synthesis to catalysis and pharmacological applications. As such, this unique reference covers the chemical background as well as spectroscopical analysis of phosphorus compounds, and thoroughly describes all the various synthetic strategies for these substances. Metal-, organo- and biocatalyzed reactions for the introduction of phosphorus are explained as are asymmetric oxidation and reduction methods for the preparation of all possible oxidation states of phosphorus. The text also includes industrial applications for these compounds. Of particular interest to chemists working in the field of asymmetric synthesis, as well as to the pharmaceutical industry due to the increasing number of phosphorous-containing drugs.