The interaction of phosphorus pentachloride and alcohols

The usual equation given for this reaction is pa +iJOH - iJCl+POCl,+HCl. 

Under certain controlled conditions Gerrard, with primary alcohols, has obtained the chloroesters ii0 P(0)Cl2 and (i 0)2P0Cl as well as the alkyl chloride. He therefore postulates the following mechanism employing the hypothetical i OPCl4  

Owing to the greater electron release in derivatives from secondary alcohols, olefins would be produced by a mechanism such as the following  

Metaphosphates have been prepared by the action of phosphoric anhydride on dry ether and also by metathesis  

Phoqihoric anhydride will also convert a neutral phosphate ester into the metaphosphate ester 

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