Our intention has been to provide a short introduction to the chemistry and mode of action of insecticidal phosphoric acid compounds, with particular reference to the relationship between structure and activity. The yearly production of these pesticides is now approaching 100,000 tons and thus offers an important example of applied research. If, however, one examines the historical develop ment of these compounds, it is apparent that this was preceded by a hundred years of pure chemistry of phosphorus. The utility of the phosphoric acid pesticides is undisputed today - and furthermore it can be expected that they will solve many of the world's nutritional problems" yet from this field of applied research many paths are now leading back into basic research in chemistry, biochemistry, biology and toxicology etc. This clearly illustrates the problem of attempting to define pure and applied research. Originally, this book was conceived for students of chemistry who, on completion of their study, were uncertain about the place of applied research in industry but it was soon clear that such material, when supplemented with further data, would serve as an introduction to the field of pesticidal phosphoric acid compounds for many technicians, officials and scientists who, in various authorities in agriculture, in chemical and biological research, are concerned with the problems of crop protection and more recently with questions of pollution of the environ ment.

Filling the gap for an up-to-date reference that presents the field of organophosphorus chemistry in a comprehensive and clearly structured way, this one-stop source covers the chemistry, properties, and applications from life science and medicine. Divided into two parts, the first presents the chemistry of various phosphorus-containing compounds and their synthesis, including ylides, acids, and heterocycles. The second part then goes on to look at applications in life science and bioorganic chemistry. Last but not least, such important practical aspects as 31P-NMR and protecting strategies for these compounds are presented. For organic, bioinorganic, and medicinal chemists, as well as those working on organometallics, and for materials scientists. The book, a contributed work, features a team of renowned scientists from around the world whose expertise spans the many aspects of modern organophosphorus chemistry.

Rapid progress in the field of organophosphate compounds has made this new edition necessary. Particular attention has been paid to new developments in biologically active products as this is probably of greatest interest to practical chemists. I have therefore updated the chapter on chemistry and, in connection with this, rewritten the chapter on metabolism. I should especially like to thank Professor Dr. HELLMUT HOFFMANN for his constant encouragement and interest in my work and for many fruitful discus sions. The co-author to the 1st edition, Dr. KARL-JULIUS SCHMIDT, died suddenly on November 21, 1980. I treasure the memory of a valued colleague of many years standing. Elberfeld, January 1982 CHRISTA FEST VII Preface to the First Edition Our intention has been to provide a short introduction to the chemistry and mode of action of insecticidal phosphoric acid compounds, with particular ref erence to the relationship between structure and activity. The yearly produc tion of these pesticides is now approaching 100,000 tons and thus offers an im portant example of applied research. If, however, one examines the historical development of these compounds, it is apparent that this was preceded by a hundred years of pure chemistry of phosphorus.

This volume pulls together a wealth of up-to-date information on the toxicology of this diverse and ubiquitous class of insecticides. Leading experts review the reactivity of organophosphorus compounds with cholinesterase, as well as their metabolism and biological effects on humans and other nontarget organisms. The book not only covers the anticholinesterase actions of organophosphates, but also other, presumably independent, effects, such as teratogenicity, delayed neuropathy, immunotoxicity, and behavioral toxicity. - Offers crucial overviews of chemical and biochemical reactivity and biological responsiveness of mainly nontarget organisms - Reviews new developments in assessment of metabolism and disposition of organophosphorus compounds - Examines organophosphorus compound-induced toxicity mediated by mechanisms other than inhibition of acetylcholinesterase - Covers new research on differences in toxicity induced by the variety of organophosphorus - Analyzes current controversies on the relevance of certain biochemical parameters in actual organophosphate toxicity in vivo

Organophosphorus Chemistry provides a comprehensive annual review of the literature. Coverage includes phosphines and their chalcogenides, phosphonium salts, low coordination number phosphorus compounds, penta- and hexa-coordinated compounds, tervalent phosphorus acids, nucleotides and nucleic acids, ylides and related compounds, and phosphazenes. The series will be of value to research workers in universities, government and industrial research organisations, whose work involves the use of organophosphorus compounds. It provides a concise but comprehensive survey of a vast field of study with a wide variety of applications, enabling the reader to rapidly keep abreast of the latest developments in their specialist areas. Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued. The current list of Specialist Periodical Reports can be seen on the inside flap of this volume.