The Mechanism of Reaction between Poly(vinyl Alcohol) and Phosphorous Acid

The reaction mechanism of phosphorous acid and poly(vinyl alcohol) is presented. It has been found that there during this reaction mono- and diesters are formed in which most of the acid radicals are in the phosphonic form. To confirm the presence of this form in the product obtained, reactions with diethyleneamine and chloral have been carried out as characteristic tests for phosphonic groups. The occurrence of C—P bonds resistant to hydrolysis has been also found in the reaction product.