Next: Reactions Involving Phosphorous Compounds Up: Phosphorous Compounds Previous: Phosphorous Compounds Contents

General

What are alkyl phosphates?

The products of reacting an alcohol with phosphoric acid to yield an alkyl phosphate:

**Figure 56.1:** An alkyl phosphate.
$\includegraphics{img-o-alk_phosphate.eps}$

This reaction can be repeated to form a dialkyl hydrogen phosphate and ultimately a trialkyl phosphate.

**Figure 56.2:** Addition to alkyl phosphates to make di- and trialkyl phosphates.
$\includegraphics{img-o-alk_phosphate_di_tri.eps}$

What are two types of linkages found in a trialkyl phosphate?

Ester and anhydride linkages. Hydrolysis of these linkages is an exothermic process and is a key reason why adenosine triphosphate is the predominant energy currency of most living cells.

**Figure 56.3:** Ester linkages (square) and anhydride linkages (rectangle).
$\includegraphics{img-o-ester_anhydride_linkage.eps}$

Alfa Diallo 2006-08-04