Polyether phosphoric acids or esters

Compounds of the general formula:

• ##STR5## wherein p=30 to 800 and
• (a1)
• m=1, P2 A=O atom,
• X=OH and Y=X or --O--C.sub.1-5 -alkyl,
• Z=O or S atom;
• or
• (a2)
• m=1,
• A=O atom
• X= ##STR6## Y=X or --O--C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, Z=O atom;
• or
• (a3)
• m=1,
• A=O atom,
• X=OH, Y=--S--C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, --S--C.sub.2-5 -alkyl amine, --S--C.sub.1-5 -alkyl carboxyl,
• Z=O atom;
• or
• (b)
• m=1,
• A=S atom,
• X=Y=OH,
• Z=O atom;
• or
• (c)
• m=0,
• X=Y=OH, ##STR7## Z=O atom, and their derivatives in which one of the two ##STR8## groups is replaced by a C.sub.1-5 alkoxy group and the alkali metal derivatives and salts with ammonia and amines, of the acids of phosphorus and of the carboxylic acids.