Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis of tertiary phosphine oxides and also to certain tertiary phosphine oxides.According to the invention, an organic phase containing a halogenomethyl derivative, an hydroxymethylphosphine oxide and a phase transfer catalyst is reacted, in an organic medium, with an aqueous phase containing an inorganic base. The halogenomethyl derivative can be a micromolecule or a macromolecule.Tertiary phosphine oxides are substances which are useful, in particular, in fireproofing, in hydrometallurgy and in the field of plant protection.

Abstract: Solutions of polystyrylpyridine are prepared by a novel process which consists of carrying out the polycondensation of at least one aromatic dialdehyde, preferably terephthalic dialdehyde, and at least one pyridinic derivative substituted by at least two reactive methyl groups at a temperature between 150.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. The polycondensation reaction is stopped after the extent of condensation is equal to at least 40%, the polycondensate is then dissolved in a solvent which is methylethylketone, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene, n-propanol and preferably a mixture of methylethylketone and n-propanol.The polystyrylpyridine solutions obtained according to the process of this invention are useful for the preparation of composite materials which exhibit very good mechanical properties, excellent behavior under conditions of high temperature, flame and chemical and atmospheric agents.