| abstract |
Aminomethylphosphonic acid is produced by reaction of a hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine-N,N',N"-tris-carboxylic acid ester of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, in the presence of a Lewis acid as catalyst, with an ester of the phosphorous acid of the formula ##STR2## wherein R 1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, a benzyl group, the 2-cyanoethyl group or the 2,2,2-trichloroethyl group, to give an N-carboxyaminomethylphosphonic acid derivative of the formula ##STR3## and subsequent hydrolysis thereof in an aqueous medium and in the presence of a strong acid. n Aminomethylphosphonic acid can be used as active substance for influencing plant growth, and as intermediate for producing herbicidal active substances. |