Phosphorus-containing polyurethanes were synthesized by reacting phosphonic acid diesters (RO)(2)P(O)X (X = H, CH3, Ph) with hydroxycarbamates. These phosphorus-containing polyurethanes were characterized by a combination of molecular-weight determination (GPC) and NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the polymers was evaluated by a combination of TGA and DTA techniques. These polymers are readily soluble in highly polar solvents like DMF and DMSO. The phosphorus-containing polyurethanes are water soluble.