Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) Phosphate (TCPP) - Material Safety Data Sheet

Identification

Substance Name: Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate
Synonyms: TCPP, TCPP flame retardant, Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate
CAS No: 13674-84-5
Recommended Use: Used mostly as a flame retardant in foams, especially polyurethane foams; can show up in textiles, coatings, adhesives, plastics, and sealants.
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer or distributor name and address go here; include emergency phone number for direct access to help if somebody gets exposed or there's a big leak.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Possible reproductive toxicity (Category 2), Hazardous to aquatic life (Category 2 or 3)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard.
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion; basically, any unprotected contact isn’t good.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist, wear gloves and goggles, use only in well-ventilated areas, wash thoroughly after handling, don’t let it get into drains or the environment.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate
CAS Number: 13674-84-5
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Trace organic phosphates and minor byproducts from manufacturing – these are usually at levels below 1%, so the bulk is always TCPP.
Additives: Commercial products might sometimes include small levels of stabilizers depending on the manufacturer.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for 15 minutes, lift eyelids so water gets everywhere needed, don’t rub eyes. If irritation stays, get medical help.
Skin Contact: Wash off right away with soap and a lot of water, strip off any contaminated clothes, don’t try to neutralize with chemicals—just flush the skin. If you see a rash or redness, see a doctor.
Inhalation: Get the person into fresh air, let them rest, loosen tight clothing. If breathing gets tough or coughing doesn’t clear up, time to call a healthcare provider.
Ingestion: If someone swallows it, don’t force them to puke. Rinse mouth with water, give some water to drink if they’re conscious, but then call medical help quickly.
Advice for Medical Staff: Treat symptoms, keep an eye on lung and skin irritation, monitor for allergic reactions; bring data sheet to hospital if available.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water mist, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide—don’t grab a water jet since that could spread things.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, organophosphorus compounds, possibly CO and CO₂ if it burns hot enough.
Protective Equipment: Full gear for firefighters: self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), flame-resistant clothing, heavy gloves.
Firefighting Guidance: Move people and containers out of danger, use water spray to cool containers. Wear protective equipment since smoke can be nasty. Stay upwind to avoid breathing in anything toxic.
Specific Hazards: Burning TCPP isn't just another chemical fire—expect irritating and toxic fumes, especially up close or in a closed space.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Put on gloves, goggles, maybe a proper mask or respirator if there's a lot of vapor. Don’t forget boots or shoe covers—this stuff sticks.
Environmental Precautions: Keep it out of drains, water courses, and soil. Use pads, booms, or absorbent barriers if outdoors.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spills with sand, clay, or other inert material; shovel into a labeled disposal drum. Clean area with detergent and water, not just a dry sweep—TCPP gets slick and slippery.
Ventilation: Open doors or run exhaust fans if inside; the less you breathe, the better.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear gloves and goggles, use chemical-resistant clothing if frequent or lengthy exposure is possible. Avoid skin and eye contact, don’t breathe vapors, and wash after use.
Ventilation: Use in areas with good airflow or local exhaust to keep vapors down.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, somewhere dry, cool, and away from flames or direct sunlight. Avoid temperature swings to keep it stable.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases; keep well separated or there could be nasty surprises.
Storage Containers: Use steel drums, polyethylene, or glass—TCPP often comes in corrosion-proof drums for good reason. Don’t put in food or drink containers; makes sense but worth saying.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No strict government exposure limits currently in the US, but industry recommendation is to keep levels as low as reasonably possible, especially for regular workers.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or extra ventilation; enclosed systems are ideal for bulk use.
Personal Protection: Gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber do the job), safety goggles, normal lab coats or aprons. Respirators if there's vapor—an organic vapor cartridge mask is best.
Hygiene Measures: Wash up before breaks, lunch, or heading home. Keep eating and drinking away from where TCPP is handled.
Environmental Controls: Stop leaks into drains, wetlands, or open soil; keep cleanup supplies ready.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint; some call it “sweetish” but it’s not hard to miss at higher concentrations
Melting Point: -64°C (-83°F)
Boiling Point: 244°C (471°F) at 101.3 kPa
Flash Point: Around 220°C (Cleveland Open Cup)
Vapor Pressure: Low, about 0.022 Pa at 20°C
Density: 1.29-1.32 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (about 1.0 g/L at 20°C); more in ethanol, acetone
Viscosity: About 45-65 mPa·s (20°C)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Approx. 2.6–3.3 (suggests it can hang around in fats and soils)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions; not quick to break down
Thermal Decomposition: Breaks down if heated strongly, releasing phosphorus oxides, hydrogen chloride, and other irritating byproducts
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, strong sunlight, moisture over time
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids or bases, strong reducing agents; mixing with these could give off toxic or corrosive gases
Hazardous Reactions: Nothing if kept away from above hazards; not known to polymerize on its own.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral (rats): LD50 ~4000 mg/kg; skin absorption less toxic but still a concern for irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Repeated or long contact can redden or dry skin, maybe even rash
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Stings and reddens eyes, could lead to lasting irritation without a good rinse
Respiratory Sensitization: Repeated inhalation may cough, irritation or a scratchy throat, some evidence of risk for lung issues
Germ Cell Mutagenicity / Carcinogenicity: Not enough clear evidence on cancer in humans, but some animal tests raise red flags for both reproduction and possible cancer after long-term exposure
Other Effects: Some studies point to liver, kidney, and blood effects from long-term exposures; these are mostly from animals, but they suggest not to play around with this stuff without respect.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to fish (LC50 for fathead minnow around 7 mg/L in 96 hours), may affect water fleas and algae at similar levels
Persistence and Degradability: Doesn’t break down easily in water or soil, so it hangs around for months or longer
Bioaccumulation: Can get into fish or wildlife through fat and tissue; log Kow above 3 suggests long-term buildup isn’t out of the question
Mobility in Soil: Moderate; weak binding to soil, rain can wash some into waterways
Other Adverse Effects: Known to show up in rivers and lakes near factories and areas where treated foam or products wear down or get thrown away.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incineration at high temperatures with proper systems to scrub or trap off-gases—landfill only as a last option and only in properly lined and permitted sites
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse and send to hazardous waste facility; don’t reuse drums for anything edible, personal care, or animal feed
Precautions: Keep chemicals segregated, follow local and national laws—don’t dump down the drain, in household trash, or out back in the yard.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under most transport codes (ADR, IMDG, IATA), but still keep it in secure, leak-free drums
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good, but “Environmentally hazardous liquid, n.o.s. (if required)” covers it well.
Packing Group: Usually not assigned one, but check local regs
Transport Precautions: No open packaging, store upright, avoid stacking heavy drums unless approved, carry spill kits in transport trucks where possible
Special Precautions: Label as hazardous to the environment even if shipping codes don’t require.

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Listed under TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), AICS (Australia). Some countries list TCPP as a substance of concern; check for workplace exposure limits, use restrictions, and reporting duties.
Labeling Requirements: Labels should include hazard warnings, emergency contact, and proper use symbols
Workplace Rules: Many health and safety laws treat TCPP as a hazardous chemical, requiring training, handling plans, and emergency instructions
Other Standards: OSHA, EU Directives, and some local authorities require tracking and reporting for large-scale use