Abstract: Improved liquid phase process useful in the hydrocyanation of diolefinic compounds to produce nonconjugated acyclic nitriles and to the liquid phase process of isomerization of the nitriles to 3- and/or 4-monoalkene linear nitriles. The improvement involves conducting the process in the presence of zero-valent nickel and a multidentate phosphite ligand. The invention also provides a novel method of making phosphorochloridite.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making compounds of the formula ##STR1## by reacting phosphorus trihalide with the corresponding phenol and fluorinating the resulting halophosphite intermediate, in the presence of a catalyst which comprises dimethylformamide.

Abstract: A method of preparing diarylchlorophosphate comprising the step of reacting alkyldiarylphosphate represented by formula (1) and thionyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst:R.sup.1 O--P(O)(OAr).sub.2 (1)(where R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group). According to the invention there is provided a method of preparing diarylchlorophosphate having a high purity at a high yield, which can be advantageously used in industrial applications.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a brominated compound which comprises the step of reacting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a chloroformate, a chlorosulfite and a chlorophosphite with a brominating agent for a time sufficient to obtain at least one brominated compound. In particular, an alcohol is converted into a chloroformate, chlorosulfite or a chlorophosphite, which is then brominated to obtain the desired product. In another embodiment, a brominating agent is reacted with a reactant selected from the group consisting of thionyl chloride, phosgene and phosphorous oxychloride, followed by contacting the reaction product obtained with an alcohol to be brominated.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a brominated compound which comprises the step of reacting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a chloroformate, a chlorosulfite and a chlorophosphite with a brominating agent for a time sufficient to obtain at least one brominated compound. In particular, an alcohol is converted into a chloroformate, chlorosulfite or a chlorophosphite, which is then brominated to obtain the desired product. In another embodiment, a brominating agent is reacted with a reactant selected from the group consisting of thionyl chloride, phosgene and phosphorous oxychloride, followed by contacting the reaction product obtained with an alcohol to be brominated.

Abstract: Phosphorus compounds having at least one chlorine, bromine or iodine bonded directly to phosphorus are transhalogenated with fluorine by reaction with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in an inert solvent, e.g., xylene, methylene chloride, in a manner such that said anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is added to said phosphorus compound at a rate such that said anhydrous hydrogen fluoride reacts with said phosphorus compound without the accumulation of an amount of unreacted anhydrous hydrogen fluoride which is sufficient to cause substantial decomposition of the desired fluorophosphorus product. A catalytic amount of a pyridine-type compound may optionally included in the reaction.

Abstract: Phosphorus compounds having at least one chlorine, bromine or iodine bonded directly to phosphorus are transhalogenated with fluorine by reaction with a fluoride salt, e.g., KF, or ammonium fluoride in the presence of a hydrogen halide salt of a pyridine-type nitrogen base, e.g., pyridine hydrochloride.

Abstract: Phosphorus compounds having at least one chlorine, bromine or iodine bonded directly to phosphorus are transhalogenated with fluorine by reaction with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in an inert solvent, e.g., xylene, methylene chloride, in a manner such that said anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is added to said phosphorus compound at a rate such that said anhydrous hydrogen fluoride reacts with said phosphorus compound without the accumulation of an amount of unreacted anhydrous hydrogen fluoride which is sufficient to cause substantial decomposition of the desired fluorophosphorus product.

Abstract: Phosphorus compounds having at least one chlorine, bromine or iodine bonded directly to phosphorus are transhalogenated with fluorine by reaction with a fluoride salt, e.g., KF, or ammonium fluoride in an inert solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Included are halogenated phosphate-phosphites and their acid halides and acids. The halogenated phosphate-phosphites can be prepared by a process comprising serially contacing(A) a phosphorus trihalide with a triol;(B) a halogenating agent; and(C) an oxirane or an alcohol;under conditions sufficient to prepare the halogenated phosphate-phosphite. Steps (A) and (B) can prepare their acid halides. Use of water in step (C) can prepare their acids. For example, 3-((bis(2-chloroethoxy)phosphino)oxy)(2-bromoethyl-2-methylpropyl, 2-bromoethyl, 2-chloroethyl)phosphorate can be prepared from 2-methyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol; phosphorus trichloride; bromine; and ethylene oxide.Also included is use of the compounds as a hyraulic fluid or flame retardant. For example, polyurethanes can be rendered less flammable with the halogenated phosphate-phosphite flame retardant.