Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-aminomethane phosphonic acid dimethyl esters corresponding to the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein each R, may be the same or different and represents hydrogen or, preferably, a lower, linear or branched alkyl radical or halogen-substituted alkyl radical containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: In the production of a foamed synthetic material by the reaction of starting materials which undergo a polymerization, polycondensation or polyaddition reaction to produce a high molecular weight synthetic material in the presence of a blowing agent, e.g. a polyurethane, or by foaming an unfoamed thermoplastic synthetic material by means of a blowing agent, the improvement which comprises employing 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane as the blowing agent, optionally in admixture with 1,1-difluoro-2-chloroethane.

Abstract: A process for the production of N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyalkyl)-aminomethane phosphonic acid dialkyl esters of the formula ##STR1## in which R is an optionally substituted alkyl radical with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, andR' is hydrogen or a lower alkyl radical with up to 6 carbon atoms,Comprising reacting an oxazolidine of the formula ##STR2## with a dialkyl phosphite in the presence of an acid ion exchanger. Preferably R is ethyl or isopropyl, R' is hydrogen or methyl, the ion exchanger is a sulfonated polystyrene resin and the reaction is effected at about 30.degree. to 120.degree. C, especially 60.degree. to 100.degree. C. The products are thereby obtained rapidly in higher purity than heretofore possible.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the production of flame-resistant, hard foams which contain urethane groups from polyisocyanates, active-hydrogen containing compounds, water and/or organic blowing agents, and flame-retarding agents, the improvement wherein the flame-retarding agent used is a mixture of (a) an addition compound of (1) a mono-alcohol, a polyalcohol, or mixtures thereof, and (2) a lactam, and (b) a phosphorous containing acid or acid ester.