ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF TRIETHYL PHOSPHATE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: production of triethyl phosphate from white phosphorus by electrolysis. SUBSTANCE: process is conducted continuously by circulating the white phosphorus solution in ethanol containing water and additive imparting electrical conductivity to system through separate reactor for saturation of solution by phosphorus and flow-through specific-gravity cell where solution is subjected to electrolysis. Electrolysis is performed at current density of 0.5-2.5 kA/sq m and temperature not above 40 C. Used as additive imparting electrical conductivity to system is hydrogen chloride at concentration of 0.5-2.0 mole/l. Specific-gravity cell is provided with graphite anode and corrosion-resistant cathode possessing low over-voltage of hydrogen. Cathode is made from platinum, platinized titanium, tungsten or graphite. Content of target product in solution is maintained at level of 30-40 mass-% to reduce expenses for regeneration of alcohol. Content of water in reaction mixture is maintained within 1-2 mass-% to reduce amount of byproduct-ethyl chloride. EFFECT: increased productivity; enhanced economical efficiency and ecological safety; fire safety. 8 cl, 1 tbl, 15 ex