The free-radical arylation of H-phosphinates and related compounds was examined. A practical catalytic process with the air as the oxidant could not be found. However, an inexpensive and robust methodology was developed, using catalytic Mn(II) as the radical initiator and excess Mn(IV) as the stoichiometric oxidant. Using these conditions, the inter- and intramolecular arylation of phosphinylidene compounds has a broad scope, including application to the synthesis of P-heterocycles. A full account of this methodology is presented including a discussion of its limitations.