The chemistry of combustion of organophosphorus compounds

The state of the art of studies on combustion of organophosphorus compounds (OPC) is presented. The chemical processes occurring in flames upon introduction of OPC additives, the mechanisms of OPC transformations and effect on the combustion rate and the structure and propagation limits of hydrogen and hydrocarbon flames are considered. The key results of experimental and theoretical studies and simulation of the combustion chemistry of hydrogen and hydrocarbon mixed and diffusion flames with and without OPC are described. The mechanism of flame promotion and inhibition by OPC is analysed. The prospects of practical applications of phosphorus compounds as flame promotors and suppressants are evaluated. The toxicity and environmental impact of OPC are discussed.