Methylphosphonic acid


Methylphosphonic acid is an organophosphorus compound with the chemical formula. CH3P2. The phosphorus center is tetrahedral and is bonded to a methyl group, two OH groups and an oxygen. Methylphosphonic acid is a white, non-volatile solid that is poorly soluble in organic solvent but soluble in water and common alcohols.

Preparation

Methylphosphonic acid can be prepared via the Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction from triethylphosphite:
The dialkylphosphonate is then treated with chlorotrimethylsilane:
The siloxyphosphinate is then hydrolyzed: