aryylifosfaatit

Arylphosphates, known in Finnish as aryylifosfaatit, are a class of organophosphorus compounds in which an aryl group is bonded to a phosphorus atom through a phosphoester linkage. They are commonly represented by the general structure Ar–O–P(=O)(OR')_2, where Ar denotes an aryl substituent such as phenyl, chlorophenyl, or naphthyl, and OR' represents alkoxy groups. Arylphosphates are often synthesized by the reaction of phosphoric acid derivatives with aryl halides or phenols under the influence of a base or a transition‑metal catalyst.

In biological and ecological contexts, arylphosphates are notable for their role as insecticides and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Many commercial pesticides, including organophosphorus insecticides like malathion and parathion, contain aryl phosphate moieties. These compounds act by phosphorylating the serine hydroxyl group in the active site of acetylcholinesterase, inhibiting the enzyme and leading to accumulation of acetylcholine in synapses. Due to their acute toxicity to mammals and aquatic organisms, arylphosphates are subject to stringent regulatory controls in many countries.

Beyond pesticidal applications, arylphosphates serve as intermediates in organic synthesis. They are utilized in the synthesis of phosphodiester backbones of oligonucleotides, in the phosphorylation of alcohols and phenols, and in the preparation of phosphoribulokinase‑like catalysts. The reactivity of the phosphorus center allows for a variety of substitution reactions, making arylphosphates valuable building blocks in medicinal chemistry and materials science.