Triethyl phosphate
[CAS# 78-40-0]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal sulfides and sulfates
• Name: Triethyl phosphate
• Synonyms: TEP
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₅O₄P
• Molecular Weight: 182.15
• CAS Registry Number: 78-40-0
• EC Number: 201-114-5
• SMILES: CCOP(=O)(OCC)OCC

Properties

• Density: 1.072
• Melting point: -56 °C
• Boiling point: 215 °C
• Refractive index: 1.405-1.407
• Flash point: 130 °C
• Water solubility: SOLUBLE

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H319-H336-H360-H361-H372
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P330-P337+P317-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1B	H350
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341

Discovery and Applications

Triethyl phosphate (TEP), with the chemical formula C6H15O4P, is an important organophosphorus compound that has a wide range of applications across various industries. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet odor, and it is primarily used as a flame retardant, plasticizer, and solvent.

The discovery of triethyl phosphate dates back to the early 20th century when organophosphorus chemistry was being explored for its potential in various industrial applications. The compound was first synthesized in the 1920s as chemists sought to develop new materials with enhanced properties. Its usefulness in stabilizing polymers and materials, combined with its ability to act as a fire retardant, quickly made it a valuable addition to industrial chemistry.

One of the primary applications of triethyl phosphate is in the production of flame retardants. It is used as a fire retardant additive in various materials, including plastics, textiles, and coatings. By incorporating triethyl phosphate into these materials, manufacturers can significantly improve their resistance to ignition and fire spread. This property makes triethyl phosphate particularly useful in the production of fire-resistant coatings for construction materials, as well as in the automotive and aerospace industries where fire safety is a critical concern.

In addition to its role as a flame retardant, triethyl phosphate serves as a plasticizer in the manufacture of polymers and resins. It is used to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastic materials, making them more suitable for applications requiring pliability and resistance to environmental stress. Triethyl phosphate is commonly used in the production of flexible PVC, rubber, and other polymeric materials where its plasticizing properties help improve the overall performance and longevity of the final product.

Triethyl phosphate is also employed as a solvent in various chemical processes and industrial applications. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it a valuable solvent for reactions and formulations in the chemical industry. It is used in the synthesis of other chemicals and as a medium for various chemical reactions, particularly those involving phosphates and phosphonates.

Moreover, triethyl phosphate finds applications in the agricultural industry, where it is used as a component in certain herbicides and pesticides. Its role in these formulations is to enhance the stability and efficacy of the active ingredients, ensuring that they perform effectively in agricultural settings.

Despite its useful properties, handling triethyl phosphate requires caution due to its potential health and environmental impacts. It is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations to minimize exposure and ensure safe use in industrial and commercial applications.

Overall, triethyl phosphate is a versatile chemical with significant applications as a flame retardant, plasticizer, and solvent. Its discovery and development have had a lasting impact on various industries, contributing to improved fire safety, material performance, and chemical processing.

References

2012. Polymers containing phosphorus groups and polyethers: from synthesis to application. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(132).
DOI: 10.1186/1752-153x-6-132

2011. Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Action Spectroscopy and Theoretical Studies of Triethyl Phosphate Complexes: Effects of Protonation and Sodium Cationization on Structure. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 22(8).
DOI: 10.1007/s13361-010-0007-6