Triisobutyl Phosphate, often shortened to TIBP, carries the CAS number 126-71-6 and falls under the HS Code 29199000. This liquid chemical finds a home in solvent extraction, especially in the mining and metal industries. Chemically, its structure holds the formula C12H27O4P, which points to twelve carbon atoms, twenty-seven hydrogens, and a single phosphorus atom surrounded by four oxygens. On paper, it may sound complicated, but this substance pops up as a clear, colorless, or slightly yellow liquid, floating somewhere between oily and runny. Its density usually comes in at about 0.960 g/cm³ measured at 20°C.
TIBP stands out for resisting water but attracts organic solutions such as alcohols, ethers, and esters. That separation allows it to act as a plasticizer for various resins and rubber, which means manufacturers lean on it to spark flexibility in certain products. Beyond its day job, TIBP also works well as a defoamer in some cement and concrete pouring settings, where controlling the level of bubbles matters. Some chemical processes even use this stuff as an agent for solvent extraction, such as yanking out rare earth elements or uranium from ores.
Liquid TIBP runs clear to faint yellow, but it can sometimes appear in other forms like flakes, solid chunks, powder, or pearls—though the liquid type dominates commercial use. Some suppliers might sell TIBP in plastic drums or iron containers, up to 200 liters or more per drum, always sealed tight to prevent contamination. TIBP does not form crystals easily, and any suggestion that it comes in crystal form usually results from contaminated or impure batches. Given the density and its low freezing point, you can expect it to stay liquid across a wide temperature range, unlike more fragile chemicals that break down or freeze on chilly days.
Looking at TIBP on a molecular level, its phosphorus atom sits inside a three-branched isobutyl structure, all attached through oxygen bonds. This gives the molecule a certain resilience to breakdown, which can be handy for storage and reuse. It has a molecular weight of 266.32 g/mol, and remains stable under most work conditions unless exposed to extreme heat or strong acids. Most laboratories note a boiling point of around 230°C, signaling good thermal stability. TIBP does not dissolve well in water, which limits accidental spills spreading through sewer water, but makes cleanup with organic solvents much easier.
Handling Triisobutyl Phosphate requires steady attention. Inhalation of its vapor, or unguarded skin contact, can irritate airways or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. The chemical does not explode or burn easily, but still counts as a flammable liquid, with flash points just over 135°C, so sparks and open flames near storage and use sites add unnecessary risk. Most spill guidance points to the use of absorbent materials like sand or earth, grabbing gloves and goggles before cleanup, and ensuring decent ventilation. Over the long haul, repeated exposure without protection can dry skin or do worse damage, and environmental risk comes from the toxicity to aquatic animals, which means spills in open streams or wells can destroy local habitats.
Storing TIBP takes a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat sources. Ventilated rooms work best, and those handling it get training on chemical management. Transportation rules, such as those built into laws like the UN ADR, require tight lids, labels, and emergency procedures. Waste material most often gets incinerated or handled as hazardous industrial waste, ruled by regulations demanding tracking and full disposal records.
Industrial-grade TIBP often comes with purity levels above 99%. Suppliers should provide certificates of analysis and data sheets listing densities, melting points (if applicable), boiling points, acid values, and water content by percentage. These sheets detail material traceability back to the raw inputs: isobutyl alcohol and phosphorus oxychloride form the backbone of TIBP production, run over special catalysts to squeeze out every molecule. Facilities tracking batch numbers keep defective or off-spec shipments out of sensitive production lines, especially those making plasticizers for toys, cables, or consumer goods.
Customers dive into these specifications for each purchase, reading up on compatibility, safe blending practices, and correct disposal routes. Technical support sometimes crosses over with academic lab research, especially as clients want more eco-friendly alternatives or need to keep up with shifting chemical regulations across markets in Europe, the US, or Asia.
Triisobutyl Phosphate makes an impact on a regular basis in upstream industries: paints, hydraulic fluids, antifrothing cement additives, even as electroplating agents. Some workers might remember the sharp, slightly fruity odor from plant floors or labs, linking it to plastic production or ore refining columns. Because TIBP does not leach color or heavy metals, it works great in high-purity settings where other chemicals may pollute output. Testing in pharmaceutical, adhesive, and textile labs keeps the market evolving, though strict oversight steers companies away from careless dumping or misuse.
Risk comes mostly from accidental exposure, spills, or improper disposal. Companies can shift to closed-loop systems to minimize vapor release. Workers should rely on personal protective gear, clear emergency plans, and well-marked containers. When mishandling or storage lapses don’t show up, productivity stays high and the environment takes less of a hit.
