NMR SPECTROMETRY OF THE REACTIVITY OF 2-E THYLHEXANOL WITH PHOSPHORUSPENTOXIDE

The reaction of phosphorus pentoxide with 2-ethylhexanol has been stud ied in the absence of solvent. The analysis of raw and purified reacti on products has been carried out using P-31 NMR. This study allowed us to describe the different reaction steps and the evolution of the rea gents, intermediates, and reaction products with time. The examination of the time and temperature dependence has shown the importance of ki netic effects and has given insight into the mechanism of the action o f the alcohol on the P-O bonds of the phosphoric anhydride. The result s suggest that only the progressive cleaving of these bonds leads to t he products obtained under these conditions.