Patent · US Expired

Production of phosphate esters

US6232485A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
5References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 26, 1999
Grant dateMay 15, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 26, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC07F9/12
  • WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A process for the production of liquid meta-rich triaryl phosphate esters having low triphenyl phosphate content and low viscosity comprises (a) an alkylation stage wherein a phenol is reacted with an olefin having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to give a reaction product comprising a mixture of meta and para alkylated phenols; and (b) a transalkylation stage wherein the mixture of alkylated phenols from the alkylation stage is heated in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to increase the meta isomer content of the mixture to at least 25% whilst maintaining a phenol level below 22%; and (c) a phosphorylation stage wherein the mixture of alkylated phenols from the transalkylation stage is reacted with a phosphorylating agent; and wherein the strong acid catalyst used in stages (a) and (b) is a Bronsted acid having an acid strength of less than zero. Preferred catalysts are activated clays such as bentonite, montmorillonite or Fullers Earth clay. The alkylation and transalkylation are conducted at temperatures between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., preferable 150.degree. C. and 180.degree. C.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.