Synthesis
: THPC can be synthesized with high yield by treating phosphine with formaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid.
Applications in Different Industries
:
In the production of crease - resistant and flame - retardant finishes
on cotton textiles and other cellulosic fabrics, THPC is of great
significance. For example, in the Proban process, THPC is treated with
urea. The urea condenses with the hydroxymethyl groups on THPC, and the
phosphonium structure is converted to phosphine oxide. The resulting
product is applied to fabrics through a "pad - dry process," and then
the treated material is treated with ammonia and ammonium hydroxide to
make the fibers flame - retardant.
Water Treatment
THPC can
effectively bind and remove heavy metals and other contaminants from
aqueous solutions due to its chelating properties. It is used in
industrial and commercial recirculating cooling water systems, heat
transfer water systems, and industrial process water systems to control
bacteria, algae, and fungi.
Leather Industry: It is used as a tanning agent, which can improve the quality and durability of leather.
Catalysis Field: It can be used as a phase - transfer catalyst and a polymerization catalyst, playing a role in promoting chemical reactions
Material Science: It is used to modify the
properties of various materials. For example, it is used as a cross -
linking agent in the preparation of protein - based hydrogels for 3D
cell encapsulation, which can control the gelation time and mechanical
properties
Chemical Reaction Characteristics
THPC can condense with many other types of monomers in addition to
urea, such as amines, phenols, and polybasic acids and anhydrides. The
hydroxymethyl groups on THPC can also undergo replacement reactions. For
example, when THPC is treated with α,β - unsaturated nitrile, acid,
amide, and epoxides, the base can induce the condensation between THPC
and acrylamide with the displacement of the hydroxymethyl groups.
Environmental Impact: THPC is toxic to aquatic
organisms. It may have potential impacts on the ecological environment.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its discharge and
disposal to avoid polluting water bodies.