Abstract: Alkylene-bridged diphosphate compounds can be used to modify, namely, reduce, the viscosity of fluid flame retardants (polybrominated aryl oxides, oligomeric phosphate esters, etc.) which are useful in flame retarding polyurethane and thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of a hydrocarbylvinyl-1-phosphonic acid hydrocarbyl ester, such as a 1-phenylvinylphosphonic acid dialkyl ester, which utilizes: (a) the base catalyzed addition (preferably using a nonnucleophilic strong organic base) of a hydrocarbyl phosphite, such as a dialkyl phosphite containing no more than about eight carbon atoms in either of its alkyl groups, to an aldehyde or methyl ketone, such as a phenyl ketone, as exemplified by acetophenone, to form a hydrocarbyl 1-hydroxy-1-hydrocarbylphosphonate, such as a dialkyl 1-hydroxy-1-phenylalkylphosphonate compound; (b) the acid-catalyzed esterification (preferably acetylation) of the compound from (a) with an acid anhydride to form an acylated intermediate; and (c) the removal of carboxylic acid (preferably at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 215° C.

Abstract: A flame retardant mixture, suitable for use in polyurethane foams, comprises a polybrominated diphenyl oxide (e.g., pentabromodiphenyl oxide) and an organic diphosphate (e.g., an aromatic diphosphate). A small amount of triaryl phosphate can also be present for viscosity reduction purposes.

Abstract: Phenolphthalein bis(dihydrocarbyl phosphates), optionally substituted with chloro or bromo atoms, can be used as fire retardant additives for polymers.

Abstract: Glycol bisphosphate compounds are formed by first hydrolytically condensing a dihydrocarbylhalophosphate to form a tetrahydrocarbyl pyrophosphate and then reacting the pyrophosphate with a cyclic ether to form the glycol bisphosphate.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride resin can be plasticized with a carbon monoxide-propylene copolymer. Since the copolymer is soluble in organic solvent, it and the polyvinyl chloride can be dissolved in an organic solvent and then cast to form a film. The copolymer can be a liquid, relatively low molecular weight material, which can be heat blended with the resin along with a smaller amount of a conventional external plasticizer for the resin.

Abstract: Glycol bisphosphate compounds are formed by first hydrolytically condensing a dihydrocarbylhalophosphate to form a tetrahyrocarbyl pyrophosphate and then reacting the pyrophosphate with a cyclic ether to form the glycol bisphosphate.

Abstract: Melamine pyrophosphate is made by the direction reaction of pyrophosphoric acid and melamine in an aqueous reaction medium at a temperature of from about 0.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C., preferably from about 0.degree. C. to about 20.degree. C.

Abstract: Diaryl sulfones are formed in a two-stage procedure. The first involves the reaction of an aryl sulfonic acid with an aryl reagent containing active hydrogen while by-product water is removed azeotropically. In the second stage, which contains unreacted sulfonic acid, is treated with a sulfone condensing agent and additional aryl reagent to react additional, unreacted aryl sulfonic acid from the first stage.

Abstract: Liquid mixed triaryl thiophosphate mixtures can be prepared by forming a mixture of phenol and substituted phenols, forming a phosphite from that mixture and sulfurizing the phosphite, washing the thiophosphate with aqueous base, and drying the so washed thiophosphate under mild conditions. The products are liquid while containing at least 25 percent symmetrical triaryl thiophosphate. Colorless and odorless products are prepared.

Abstract: A composition comprises polyurethane, a two-component flame retardant system consisting of an additive first flame retardant containing organophosphorus, and a second flame retardant containing organochlorine or organobromine.The composition of the invention may be employed for polyurethane foams, especially rigid foams.Diminished combustibility for rigid foam is measured by a flame-spread index less than 75 and a smoke developed index less than 450 when subjected to ASTM Test E-84, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.Dimethyl methylphosphonate is a representative additive organophosphorus first flame retardant. Trichloroisopropyl alcohol is a representative second flame retardant containing organochlorine.