Production of N,N-Bis-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-aminomethane phosphonic acid dialkyl esters

Abstract

A process for the production of N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-aminomethane phosphonic acid dialkyl esters of the formula ##STR1## in which R is an optionally substituted alkyl radical with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and R' is hydrogen or a lower alkyl radical with up to 6 carbon atoms, Comprising reacting an oxazolidine of the formula ##STR2## with a dialkyl phosphite in the presence of an acid ion exchanger. Preferably R is ethyl or isopropyl, R' is hydrogen or methyl, the ion exchanger is a sulfonated polystyrene resin and the reaction is effected at about 30.degree. to 120.degree. C, especially 60.degree. to 100.degree. C. The products are thereby obtained rapidly in higher purity than heretofore possible.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.