Electrochemical synthesis of substituted trialkyl phosphates

The process of synthesis of tryalkyl phosphates, i.e., derivatives of methanol, butanol, and diethylene glycol, by anodic oxidation of dimethyl phosphite in the corresponding alcohol is studied. It is found that three alkyl phosphates corresponding to the three possible combinations of substituents bound to phosphorus in phosphate are formed. It is established that the cause for formation of two of the three oxidation products is reesterification of the initial dimethyl phosphite by the alcohol in the course of electrolysis. It is assumed that the process of reesterification is catalyzed by the acid formed in the anode layer.