PROCESS FOR MAKING TETRAKIS(HYDROXYMETHYL) PHOSPHONIUM OXALATE

摘要

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium oxalate is prepared by the direct reaction of at least a stoichiometric quantity of formaldehyde with phosphine and oxalic acid at a temperature between about 40.degree. to 75.degree.C and in the absence of a catalyst and by any method which affords intimate contact of the reactants. The product is useful as a flame retardant for cellulose fabrics.