1 - Methods for Preparation and Physical Properties of H-Phosphonates

Abstract

The chapter describes the most commonly used approaches for obtaining the diesters of H-phosphonic acid by several synthetic procedures. The first procedure explained in the chapter is the production of diesters of H-phosphonic acid from phosphorus trichloride and alcohols. Dialkyl H-phosphonates are produced in many countries on an industrial scale primarily from phosphorus trichloride and alcohols. The second procedure is the production from H-phosphonic acid; there are a few patents devoted to the preparation of dialkyl H-phosphonates through direct esterification of H-phosphonic acid with alcohols. The third procedure is the preparation from white phosphorus and alcohols. This method of preparation of dialkyl H-phosphonates involves oxidation of white phosphorus followed by treatment of the intermediate with alcohols. The chapter discusses other preparatory methods for the production of diesters, followed by insights into the physical properties and thermal stability of the diesters.