Equilibrium Measurements for the Reactions of Phosphorus Amides with Formaldehyde

The reaction of phosphorus monoamides with formaldehyde was monitored electrochemically by following the con centration of formaldehyde. Equilibrium measurements show that the methylol derivative is formed in low concentration in aqueous solution. Furthermore, dissolution of the solid methylol derivative of diethylphosphoramidate in water caused essentially complete release of formaldehyde. Phosphorus diamides qualitatively appear to react to a greater decree with formaldehyde, but it was impossible to make quantitative measurements due to successive or competitive reactions.