Abstract: There is described a co-polymerisable phosphorus containing polymer precursor which comprises: a) a polymerisable unsaturated bond; b) a oxycarbonyl or iminocarbony group; and c) a free hydroxy group or a functional group obtainable by reaction of a free hydroxy group with a suitable electrophile; and d) a terminal phosphorus and oxygen containing group located at the end of a carbon chain and comprising at least one group selected from: hydroxy phosphorus and an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group attached to a phosphorus atom through an oxy group; where the polymer precursor: is substantially free of halo comprising species; has a molecular weight (Mn if a polymer) of from about 200 to about 5,000 daltons; and optionally, has a Hoppler viscosity measured at 25° C. of less than about 14,000 mPa.s.

Abstract: Phosphorus-comprising polyol, oligomer derived from this phosphorus-comprising polyol, polymer derived from this oligomer, processes for their preparation and uses of these. The present invention relates to a phosphorus-comprising polyol. The invention also relates to an oligomer derived from this phosphorus-comprising polyol and to the composition comprising this oligomer. The invention also relates to a polymer derived from this oligomer. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of this phosphorus-comprising polyol, of this oligomer, of this polymer and of this composition. The invention also relates to the uses of this phosphorus-comprising polyol, of this oligomer, of this polymer and of this composition. The composition can be cross-linked by irradiation and exhibits flame-retardant properties.