Product Name: Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate
Synonyms: TBEP, Phosphoric acid, tris(2-butoxyethyl) ester
CAS Number: 78-51-3
Recommended Use: Plasticizer for polymers, component in hydraulic fluids, flame retardant
Supplier Information: Manufacturer addresses and emergency numbers must be included by the chemical provider, with special attention given to accurate after-hours contact information since chemical incidents rarely happen during regular office hours.
GHS Classification: Eye irritation, Category 2A; Skin irritation, Category 2; Aquatic Chronic, Category 3
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to the environment, seek medical attention if exposed
Other Hazards: May form slippery surfaces if spilled—injuries often happen not because of direct contact but because someone walked on an untreated spill.
Chemical Name: Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate
Concentration: >96%
CAS Registry Number: 78-51-3
Impurities: Trace amounts of mono- and di-butoxyethyl phosphates may be present; these can increase skin and eye irritation potential. Always better to ask for details from the supplier about any side products.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; if symptoms persist, medical attention becomes a must, as chemical vapors may not have a strong odor but still irritate airways.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing instantly, rinse skin with soap and water, do not forget hidden areas like wrists or behind knees
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally, immediate follow-up with an eye doctor is a smart move
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, call poison control or get medical help immediately—one quickly learns not every accidental swallow can be treated the same
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam; water spray to cool but not for direct extinguishing
Specific Hazards: Produces phosphorylated and carbon oxide fumes when burned, which are unhealthy to breathe
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus are not a luxury
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid runoff; contaminated water can carry hazards far beyond the fire site. Stay upwind and watch out for slippery conditions as burning can create slick surfaces.
Personal Precautions: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and sturdy footwear; slick surfaces can send even steady workers sliding
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into the soil and waterways; this chemical can persist and accumulate
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb spill with inert material, such as sand or earth, scoop up and place in proper chemical waste container. Wash area with water and detergent, don’t overlook cracks and crevices in flooring where residue pools
Safe Handling: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and avoid skin contact, use within a fume hood or ventilated space; don’t eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container away from heat, sparks, and direct sunlight, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers and acids—mixing can lead to more dangerous byproducts
Special Sensitivities: TBEP can seep through common plastics, so choose chemical-resistant linings and containers; always label containers clearly
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits, but workplace air monitoring recommended where used in bulk
Engineering Controls: Use exhaust ventilation, closed systems, and spill containment for higher-volume applications
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or butyl gloves, splash-proof goggles, chemical aprons, and safety footwear
Hygiene Measures: Always wash hands thoroughly before eating or leaving work; remove contaminated clothing promptly, and don’t launder with other clothing at home to prevent unintentional family exposure
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slight, mild odor—don’t rely on smell to detect hazardous levels
Boiling Point: About 298 °C
Melting Point: Below -60 °C
Flash Point: Around 210 °C (closed cup)
Solubility in Water: Poorly soluble, forms emulsions
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Viscosity: Moderate
Specific Gravity: About 1.07-1.09
pH: Not relevant (neutral liquid)
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions but can degrade in heat, direct sunlight, or strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames
Incompatible Materials: Acids, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces phosphorous oxides, carbon oxides during combustion
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Moderately irritating to skin and eyes, can cause headaches or nausea if vapors present
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term or repeated exposure may cause dermatitis or other skin issues
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA at this time; always wise to check updates as research evolves
Other Effects: Animal studies have shown developmental toxicity at high exposures, so pregnant workers should avoid contact entirely
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms, even at low levels
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable; sticks around in sediment and soil
Bioaccumulability: Can build up in living things
Mobility: Can leach into groundwater if released; consider local geology and water flow when developing spill plans
Other Adverse Effects: Discharge into waterways should never be allowed—spot checks must back up promises about safe handling
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and send to authorized hazardous waste facility; do not pour down drain
Packaging: Empty containers may retain residue, triple-rinse and puncture before disposal, ship according to local hazardous waste rules
Special Precautions: Notify disposal site about the type and quantity to help them prepare; never assume municipal waste will filter out all harm
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods under the main transport rules, but shipping companies may apply restrictions
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous for transport, still, pack securely to prevent leaks
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Not marine pollutant by strict definition, but accidental release during transit often gets noticed only after damage is done; handle as if it could cause an issue
US TSCA: Listed
EU REACH: Registered
SARA 313: Not subject to SARA Title III reporting, but always worth checking site-specific requirements
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Local and state regulations may set lower thresholds for workplace exposure or require extra reporting—never hurts to stay in touch with a local environmental officer so nothing gets missed
