In connection with some other work in these laboratories on the flameproofing of cotton, we had a need for a mlethod of preparing formaldehyde-free methylolphosphines and, in particular, tris (hydroxymethy1) phosphine (11). Methylolphosphines such as Va or Vb [R€'(CH20H) 2, R= Me or Bu] can be rendered formaldehyde-free by repeated distillation, but I1 decomposes when distilled under vacuum. 2 Methylolphosphines are usually ...
