Material Safety Data Sheet: Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP)

Identification

Product Name: Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP)
Chemical Name: Phosphoric acid, trioctyl ester
CAS Number: 78-42-2
Synonyms: TOP, TOF, Tri-n-octyl phosphate
Recommended Use: Used as a plasticizer for cellulose esters and ethers, flame retardant, extraction solvent in nuclear reprocessing, antifoam additive
Manufacturer Information: Insert company address, phone number, contact details for emergency
Emergency Contact Number: Local poison control, company emergency line, CHEMTREC

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Aquatic Acute Toxicity (Category 3)
Label Elements: Exclamation mark pictogram, hazard statements for eye and skin, warnings about aquatic effects
Potential Health Effects: Mild to moderate skin and eye irritation, throat discomfort from inhalation of mist, central nervous system effects with high exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to environment, use protective gloves, keep away from open flames and hot surfaces
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, ingestion, inhalation of aerosols

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Trioctyl Phosphate
Concentration: 98% or higher in commercial product
Impurities: Trace amounts of di-n-octyl phosphate and other organophosphates
Additives: None typically included
Molecular Formula: C24H51O4P
Molecular Weight: 434.63 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, remove contact lenses, get medical help if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water, seek attention for rash, remove contaminated clothing, launder before reuse
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing if needed, get help for persistent respiratory symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, sip water if conscious, never give anything by mouth to a drowsy or unconscious person, consult medical personnel
Symptoms: Burning, redness, headache, dizziness at high concentrations, gastrointestinal upset if swallowed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, regular foam, do not use water jet
Hazards from Combustion: Releases irritating fumes, phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides, dense smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit, prevent run-off from entering drains or environment
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray, evacuate area, use water fog for protective cooling only

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Put on protective equipment such as gloves and splash-proof goggles, ventilate area, avoid breathing vapor
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from reaching water courses or soil, alert authorities if product enters water or soil
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or earth, collect residues in sealable containers, clean surface with detergent, avoid using solvents
Disposal: Store collected spill substances for proper hazardous waste disposal, label the waste container accurately
Decontamination: Wash area with water and mild soap, ventilate after spill cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid creating mist and splashes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid skin and eye contact, keep away from heat and ignition sources
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, ventilated location, protect from direct sunlight, store away from incompatible materials like strong oxidizers and acids
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, peroxides
Storage Temperature: Typical ambient temperature, do not freeze, avoid excessive heat

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, good industrial hygiene practice recommends minimizing exposure
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety shower, eyewash stations in work areas
Respiratory Protection: Respirator with organic vapor cartridge for aerosols or poor ventilation
Hand Protection: Nitrile, neoprene or PVC gloves
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Lab coat, chemical resistant apron, long sleeves
Hygiene: Remove contaminated clothing, wash hands before eating or drinking, do not smoke or eat in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Thick, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -56°C
Boiling Point: About 215°C at 5 mmHg
Flash Point: 220-230°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slow
Flammability: Not highly flammable but combustible
Vapor Pressure: 0.00025 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: (air = 1) >1
Solubility in Water: Nearly insoluble, forms oily film
Specific Gravity: 0.924-0.927
Partition Coefficient: log Kow = 6.37
Autoignition Temperature: Around 390°C
Decomposition Temperature: 180°C and above
Viscosity: 8-10 mPa·s at 20°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed containers at standard temperatures, atmospheric pressure
Reactivity: Weakly reacts with oxidizers, strong acids
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: May release phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide during decomposition or burning
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizing conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): about 2900 mg/kg, LD50 dermal (rabbit): higher than 6000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Mild irritant in rabbits and humans
Eye Effects: Moderate to strong irritation on contact
Inhalation: Low toxicity, respiratory irritation from aerosols or mist
Chronic Effects: Not known to cause long-term effects at typical exposures, animal studies did not show reproductive toxicity
Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified as mutagenic or carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Target Organ Effects: Central nervous system at high doses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, LC50 (fish) about 10 mg/L, hazardous to algae and invertebrates
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, tends to adsorb to sediments
Persistence/Degradability: Slowly biodegradable in soil and water, can persist under anaerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Potential to bioaccumulate, log Kow suggests higher risk in aquatic species
Aquatic Toxicity: Acute and chronic effects for aquatic invertebrates, not acutely toxic to birds or mammals

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect residues in labeled hazardous waste containers, comply with local regulatory requirements
Methods of Disposal: Incinerate in approved facility, do not pour unused material down the drain, do not dump in environment
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers, puncture and dispose as hazardous waste
Disposal Precautions: Avoid contact with soil and groundwater, follow all local, state, federal rules
Recycling: Not typically recycled due to contamination risk

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport under UN regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated, Trioctyl Phosphate
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not designated
Marine Pollutant: May be considered a marine pollutant, check local requirements
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly sealed and checked for leaks before shipment, avoid transporting with oxidizing agents

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not listed as a hazardous chemical under OSHA HAZCOM
TSCA (USA): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered, restrictions may apply for specific uses
DSL (Canada): Listed
EINECS (EU): 201-116-6
SARA Title III: Not classified as a hazardous or reportable quantity substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Label Requirements: Conspicuous labeling for safe handling, hazard pictograms recommended
Other Regulations: Local workplace safety rules may apply, use personal protection and environmental precautions as standard