Material Safety Data Sheet for Tributyl Phosphate (TBP)

Identification

Product Name: Tributyl Phosphate
Chemical Formula: (C4H9O)3PO
CAS Number: 126-73-8
Other Names: TBP, Phosphoric acid tributyl ester
Recommended Use: Solvent extraction, plasticizer, flame retardant, reagents for nuclear fuel reprocessing
Manufacturer/Supplier Information: Supplier contact details printed on container label
Emergency Contact: Local or national poison center numbers; manufacturer’s emergency line
UN Number: UN 3272
Restrictions on Use: Industrial and laboratory use only, not for food or medical applications

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Clear colorless liquid, mild odor
Hazard Class: Irritant, harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation
GHS Classification: Acute oral toxicity (Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A)
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or breathed, causes moderate eye and skin irritation, may cause nausea, dizziness
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritant), health hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tributyl Phosphate
Concentration: ≥ 99%
Common Impurities: Minor traces of phosphoric acid derivatives, dibutyl phosphate
Additives: None specified for standard TBP formulations

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected area with plenty of soap and water, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if easy to do, obtain ophthalmological assessment
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation, burning sensation, headache, dizziness, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jet may spread product
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic gases including phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Firefighters’ Protection: Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing
Special Hazards: Containers exposed to fire may rupture, produce dense toxic smoke

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant clothing; ventilate area well
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil; alert authorities in case of significant spill
Methods of Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), place in closed containers for disposal; wash residue from area with detergent and water
Small Spills: Wipe up with paper towels, dispose in chemical waste container
Large Spills: Evacuate non-essential personnel, limit area access, contain and collect

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas with appropriate containment, avoid breathing vapors or contact with skin and eyes, keep away from heat, sparks, open flames
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating or drinking in work area
Storage Conditions: Store TBP in tightly closed, clearly labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible chemicals such as oxidizers, acids, and moisture
Storage Temperature: Kept below 25°C whenever possible for stability
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers, moisture-sensitive materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, workplace monitoring recommended for airborne concentrations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation where necessary to minimize exposure
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved respirators for airborne vapor or mist generation, especially in spills or confined spaces
Hand Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or full-face shield
Skin Protection: Lab coats, coveralls, chemical-resistant aprons and boots as necessary

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Mild, ester-like
Odor Threshold: Not clearly established
Boiling Point: 289°C (552°F)
Melting Point: -80°C (-112°F)
Flash Point: 146°C (295°F) (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 357°C (675°F)
Flammability: Combustible
Explosive Limits: Not available
Vapor Pressure: 0.0018 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 9.6 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.974 - 0.977 (water = 1) at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (ethanol, ether, benzene)
Viscosity: 3.6 mPa·s at 20°C
pH: Not applicable
Partition coefficient (log Kow): 4.0

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids and alkalis
Hazardous Reactions: May form toxic fumes under fire conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, flame, sparks, contact with strong oxidizing or reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosphorous oxides
Polymerization: Product does not undergo hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 3200 mg/kg, Dermal LD50 (rabbit): > 3100 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure linked to liver and kidney effects in animal studies, no substantial evidence for carcinogenicity
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion
Skin and Eye Contact: Causes significant irritation; eye exposure can result in conjunctivitis and corneal injury
Respiratory Effects: Prolonged inhalation may irritate respiratory tract
Sensitization: Not considered a skin or respiratory sensitizer
Repeated Dose Toxicity: Possible impairment of kidney or liver with prolonged, repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence in standard tests
Reproductive Effects: No information suggesting reproductive toxicity

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, especially invertebrates and fish; LC50 (fish, 96h): 10-30 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately resistant, potential for bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate (log Kow = 4.0)
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility reduces mobility, tends to bind to organic matter
Other Effects: Breakdown in water and soil may produce toxic phosphorus compounds, limited information on effects for terrestrial organisms
Avoid Release: Avoid discharge to environment and water sources

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Treat as hazardous waste according to local, state, federal, and international regulations; incineration recommended in approved facility
RCRA Hazardous Waste Code: Not specifically listed but likely subject to regulation
Container Disposal: Do not reuse, triple rinse then puncture and dispose of in line with regulations
Spill Cleanup Debris: Collect all residues, decontaminate surfaces thoroughly before area reuse
Sewage Disposal: Not allowed; must not enter drains or watercourses

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3272
Proper Shipping Name: Tributyl phosphate
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive, for bulk), may vary based on concentration and regulatory interpretation
Packing Group: III
Labeling: “Corrosive” or as required by jurisdiction
Transport Note: Avoid transport with oxidizers, food, or consumables; secure against container rupture during movement
Special Precautions: Document quantities, assure compatibility with other cargo
Marine Pollutant: Yes – mark on containers and shipping manifests

Regulatory Information

TSCA (USA): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered, subject to restrictions
DSL (Canada): Listed
OSHA (USA): Considered hazardous
SARA Title III: Not specifically listed for reportable quantities
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Inventory Status: Australia (AICS), Japan (ENCS), Korea (KECI), Philippines (PICCS), China (IECSC) – all listed
Labeling Requirements: Chemical hazard and warning pictograms clearly displayed
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace and environmental release controls in most jurisdictions