Preparation of aliphatic phosphates

Abstract

A process for the preparation of trialkyl and trialkenyl phosphates. The process involves oxidation of the corresponding phosphite with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas. The oxidation is catalyzed by a nonoxidizing initiator such as an organic peroxide or an azo compound, and requires the influence of ultraviolet light for optimum performance.

I claim: 
     
       1. A process for preparing aliphatic phosphates comprising introducing oxygen into a mixture of a trialkenyl or trialkyl phosphite and a source of free radicals, at a temperature below about 80° C and in the presence of light of wavelength of 2000-4000A°. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the source of free radicals is a non-oxidizing organic peroxide. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 1 wherein the source of free radicals is a dialkyl peroxide. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 1 wherein the source of free radicals is di-tert-butyl peroxide. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 1 wherein the phosphite is triallyl phosphite. 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 1 wherein the temperature is within the range of from about 10° C to about 60° C. 
     
     
       7. The process of claim 1 wherein the wavelength of the light is 2000-2500A°.