Formaldehyde → Diethyl phosphonomethanol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a 2 liter, round bottomed flask fitted with a nitrogen inlet were added 500 grams (3.6 mole) of diethyl phosphite (Aldrich), 120 grams (3.8 mole) of paraformaldehyde (Baker) and approximately 6 milliliters of triethylamine. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature but no visible reaction had occurred so approximately 10 milliliters more of triethylamine was added and the mixture was slowly warmed to 90° C. The solution was heated for approximately an additional hour, filtered hot and distilled. 320 grams of a liquid product corresponding to a 60% yield was obtained.

Provenance & Evidence