The following paper presents an efficient and environmentally friendly method for producing phosphate monoesters, in which the only byproduct is water, as opposed to a different reaction, which also gives off pyridine hydrochloride as a byproduct.
The paper describes that it was experimentally determined that the best solvent, tertiary amine, and catalyst (or nucleophilic base) for the reaction are DMF-nitroethane, tributylamine, and N-butylimidazole, respectively, each giving the highest yield. This is a summary of the main reaction discussed in the paper.
* The article states that water was constantly removed by azeotropic reflux, so that the reverse reaction was prevented.

Organic molecules contain carbon

Alcohol
hydrocarbon with a hydrogen replaced by “OH”.
Acid
hydrocarbon with a hydrogen replaced by a carboxyl “COOH”.
COOH -> COO- + H+
Amine
hydrocarbon with a hydrogen replaced by an amine “NH2″. Basic- accepts protons. NH2 + H+ -> NH3+
Phosphate
addition of -PO4= (switch)
Amino Acid
hydrocarbon with amino and carboxyl groups