Improving the synthesis of alkyl phosphates as sol-gel precursors

Abstract

Alkyl phosphates can be used as sol-gel precursors for phosphate-based glasses and glass-ceramics. An improvement in the synthesis of alkyl phosphates is presented. Following the procedure here described, it is possible to limit the fraction of condensed phosphates to 1-2%. At the same time, a ratio between mono- and di-substituted phosphates near to that given by the reaction stoichiometry may be attained.