ABSTRACT
The characteristics of phosphorus are presented first and serve as the basis for the synthesis and mechanism of phosphorus-containing flame retardants. The modes of action of phosphorus-containing flame retardants are then discussed with the focus on the factors affecting the efficiency. Selected synthetic methodologies by utilizing P–Cl or P–H functional groups to prepare phosphorus-containing flame retardants are described, followed by the important commercial applications of phosphorus-containing flame retardants found in the electric and electronic. Finally, the trends of phosphorus-containing flame retardants and their future are envisaged.
