Process for the oxidation of dialkyl esters of 2-hydroxy-ethylphosphonic acid

Abstract

A process for the preparation of diesters of carboxymethylphosphonic acid of the formula: (RO).sub.2 P(O)CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H, in which R is a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloaliphatic radical having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, a phenyl or naphthyl radical which can be substituted, an aralkyl radical having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, or in which the (RO).sub.2 P group forms a ring having 2 to 5 carbon atoms which can be substituted, characterized in that dialkyl ester of 2-hydroxyethylphosphonic acid of the formula (RO).sub.2 P(O)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH, in which R has the abovementioned meaning, is reacted with oxygen in the presence of water and a catalyst which contains at least one metal selected from the platinum metals group.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.