Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Triethyl Phosphate (TEP)

1. Identification

Product Name: Triethyl Phosphate
Chemical Formula: (C2H5O)3PO
CAS Number: 78-40-0
Synonyms: Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester; TEP
Recommended Uses: Flame retardant, plasticizer, solvent in chemical synthesis, intermediate in pesticides
Restrictions: Industrial use only, not intended for food or pharmaceutical manufacturing
Supplier: [Provide company identification]
Emergency Contact: [Provide emergency number and address]
UN Number: 2528

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 4), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Acute toxicity (oral, Category 4)
Label Elements: Warning, exclamation mark symbol
Important Hazards: Causes moderate eye and skin irritation, may affect respiratory system, presents fire hazard at elevated temperatures
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Health Effects: Headache, dizziness, cough, abdominal pain, eye redness, skin rash
Environmental Risk: Toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations or chronic exposure
Signal Word: Warning

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Triethyl Phosphate
Percentage: >99% by weight
Impurities: Trace phosphoric acid, ethanol <1%
Ingredient CAS Numbers: Triethyl Phosphate: 78-40-0, Ethanol: 64-17-5 (trace), Phosphoric acid: 7664-38-2 (trace)
Molecular Weight: 182.16 g/mol

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist (cough, shortness of breath).
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice if irritation continues.
Eye Contact: Remove contact lenses, flush eyes immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes, see an ophthalmologist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, consult physician or poison control.
Note for Physician: Treat symptoms, monitor for respiratory distress, provide supportive care.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water fog (not direct stream).
Special Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides on burning, forms flammable vapors
Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Phosphorus oxides, ethylene, carbon monoxide
Fire Control Advice: Isolate fire area, cool containers exposed to heat with water spray, avoid runoff into waterways
Explosion Risk: Containers may rupture under fire conditions

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, prevent inhalation and skin contact, wear protective gloves, chemical goggles, and respirator
Spill Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite), collect in containers for disposal, avoid open flames
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, surface water—report to authorities if large spill escapes containment
Decontamination: Wash contaminated surfaces with water and detergent, collect residues, dispose as hazardous waste
Methods for Containment: Stop leak at source, use diking to contain liquid

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in a well-ventilated place, avoid breathing vapors, avoid skin or eye contact, use personal protection gear, keep away from heat, sparks, static
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed, labeled containers, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from strong oxidizers & acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong alkalies, oxidizing agents, water-reactive compounds
Transfer Advice: Use grounded, electrically conductive containers, use non-sparking tools

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established national exposure limit for TEP; ACGIH recommends minimizing exposure by best industrial hygiene practices
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation, fume hood for laboratory work, spill containment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), goggles or face shield, lab coat, flame-resistant clothing, suitable respiratory protection where vapors might build up
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, avoid eating, drinking or smoking during use

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Melting Point: -56°C
Boiling Point: 215°C
Flash Point: 115°C (closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 550°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.19 mmHg at 25°C
Solubility: Miscible with ethanol, ether, soluble in water (17 g/L at 20°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.072 at 20°C
pH: Neutral (6-7 for 10% in water)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.8

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal handling, moderate temperature, and dry storage
Hazardous Decomposition: Generates phosphoric acid, carbon monoxide, phosphorus oxides on heating
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers and acids, forms toxic gases
Polymerization: Does not polymerize under standard storage conditions
Conditions To Avoid: Extreme heat, open flame, incompatible substances
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizers, water-reactives

11. Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal, oral, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat) 1150 mg/kg; LD50 dermal (rabbit) >2,800 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: May cause central nervous system effects with prolonged or repeated exposure
Irritation: Skin and eye irritant; may cause respiratory tract irritation in high exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Reproductive Effects: Evidence from animal studies suggests no known reproductive hazard at typical occupational exposures
Sensitization: Not a known skin sensitizer

12. Ecological Information

Eco-Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations; EC50 (Daphnia magna, 48 hr): 170 mg/L
Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential (log Kow 0.8)
Mobility: High in soil and water due to solubility
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion or global warming properties

13. Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose in compliance with local, regional, and national regulations; use licensed chemical disposal contractor
Incineration: Suitable for energy recovery or approved incineration facilities
Packaging: Triple rinse containers before disposal or recycling; puncture after cleaning to prevent re-use
Prevent Release: Never discharge into drains, watercourses, or soil
Waste Code: Consult local hazardous waste codes

14. Transport Information

UN Number: 2528
Proper Shipping Name: Triethyl Phosphate
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), secondary risk: combustible liquid
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Corrosive, Environmentally Hazardous
Marine Pollutant: No, but prevent accidental release
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright, secure against movement and leaks, not loaded with incompatible substances

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EU REACH: Registered substance, subject to restrictions for some applications
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous chemical
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting at normal concentrations
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictograms, warning statements consistent with GHS
Other International: EINECS: 201-114-5; listed in Canada DSL, Australia AICS, China IECSC
Worker Protections: Use of personal protection and engineering controls mandated under relevant health and safety laws