Process for the preparation of alkyl alkenylphosphinates

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for the preparation of alkyl esters of alkenylphosphinic acid, having the general formula I (I), wherein R1 represents H or CH3, R2 alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl and R3 alkyl having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms is disclosed. The process comprises cleaving an alkyl ester of 2acetoxyethyl phosphinic acid, having the general formula II (II), in contact with a liquid, catalytically acting medium and at a partial pressure of the total of the components of the reaction system in the range of from 1 to 500 mbar and drawing off the, resulting alkyl esters of alkenyl phosphinic acid and other volatile reaction products. The process can be easily carried out in an industrial …