Process of preparing organophosphorus compounds by phase transfer catalysis

Process for preparing an organophosphorus compound of the formula (I):

• ##STR22## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be different or the same and are selected from the group consisting of alkoxyl containing at least 3 carbon atoms, alkyl, aryl, and aryloxyl groups, and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be in connection forming a heterocyclic ring structure of about 5 to about 7 members including the phosphorus atom;
• R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 can be different or the same and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl groups and where R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 can be in connection forming a heterocyclic ring structure of about 3 to about 7 members including the amide nitrogen atom, said process comprising
• (a) reacting an organophosphorus compound of the formula (II), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in formula (I):
• ##STR23## with a 2-substituted alkanoic amide of the formula (III):
• ##STR24## where X is a good leaving group, and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are as defined as in formula (I);
• and
• (b) conducting said reacting in a liquid-liquid, two-phase system comprising an aqueous phase containing a high concentration of an aqueous base and an organic phase containing a phase transfer catalyst and under reaction conditions such that degradative hydrolysis of the products or reactants is substantially avoided and such that said organophosphorus compound of formula (I) is a product of said reaction.