ABSTRACT
Organic compounds of phosphorus play an integral role in the biochemical processes of all living systems. All phosphorus accessible to living organisms occurs in phosphate minerals as orthophosphates. The chemistry of phosphonates has developed more slowly than that of phosphate because of the difficulty of synthesizing the C–P bond and the wide availability of, and information on, orthophosphate and phosphate esters. With recognition of the unique chemical properties of phosphonates, commercial interest is increasing markedly. The types of phosphonates of potential or actual industrial interest include catalysts, lubricant additives, flame retardants, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, and plasticizers. In addition, commercial interest has developed in the use of phosphonates as insecticides, plant growth effectors, and health care products. The industrial applications can indirectly affect our life processes by inadvertent environmental or occupational exposure, thus generating the necessity of our knowing how phosphonates are used industrially. Information on both naturally occurring organophos-phonates and synthetically produced organophosphonates will be included.
