Published April 1977
This report reviews processes and economics for the manufacture of
- Methyl parathion
- Malathion
- Zinc dialkyl phosphorodithioate
- Tris(mixed nonylphenyl) phosphite
These products were selected as representative of the most important organic phosphorus compounds (based on production volume) not reviewed in other PEP reports. Phosphate esters are manufactured in large volume for use as plasticizers. These, represented by tricresyl phosphate, are reviewed in PEP Report No. 62, "Vinyl Plasticizers." There are many other organic phosphorus compounds of great scientific and technical interest, but most of them are not produced in large quantities.
Methyl parathion is one of the most important insecticides. It was chosen as a representative cyclic phosphorus insecticide. Malathion, also an important insecticide, is an acyclic phosphorous compound. Zinc dialkyl phosphorodithioates are probably the single most important class of lubricating oil additives and tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite is widely used as an antioxidant in rubber and plastics.
Recent information on production is given, patents are reviewed and process costs are estimated. Information on physical properties and toxicology of the products is given in the appendices.
