Trioctyl Phosphate, Tris 2-ethylhexyl Phosphate, TEHP, TOP, TOF, 78-42-2
TRIOCTYL PHOSPHATE (TOF / TEHP / TOP)
CAS Number: 78-42-2
EC Number (EINECS): 201-116-8
Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₅₁O₄P
Molecular Weight: 434.63 g/mol
REACH Registration No: 01-2119491304-40-XXXX
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Description |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) |
Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate |
| Other Names |
Trioctyl Phosphate, TEHP, TOP, TOF, Phosphoric acid tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate |
| CAS Number |
78-42-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) |
201-116-8 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₂₄H₅₁O₄P |
| Molecular Weight |
434.63 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Organophosphate ester (phosphate ester) |
| Structure |
[(C₈H₁₇O)₃P=O] - Phosphate ester with three 2-ethylhexyl groups |
| Appearance |
Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor |
Mild characteristic |
| REACH Registration No |
01-2119491304-40-XXXX |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Value / Range |
| Molecular Formula |
C₂₄H₅₁O₄P |
| Molecular Weight |
434.63 g/mol |
| Appearance |
Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor |
Mild characteristic |
| Density (20°C) |
~0.92 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point |
~215°C (at 4 mmHg) |
| Melting Point |
< -70°C |
| Flash Point |
> 110°C (Pensky-Martens closed cup) |
| Autoignition Temperature |
> 400°C |
| Viscosity (25°C) |
13 - 15 cP (mPa·s) |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
~1.442 |
| Solubility in Water |
Insoluble (~0.001 g/L) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents |
Soluble in alcohols, ketones, ethers, hydrocarbons |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) |
< 0.01 mmHg (very low) |
| LogP (octanol/water) |
~6.0 (highly hydrophobic) |
| Acid Value |
≤ 0.1 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content |
≤ 0.1% |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent |
Solubility |
Condition |
| Water |
Insoluble |
All temperatures |
| Methanol |
Soluble |
- |
| Ethanol |
Soluble |
- |
| Acetone |
Soluble |
- |
| Ethyl Acetate |
Soluble |
- |
| Benzene |
Soluble |
- |
| Toluene |
Soluble |
- |
| Chloroform |
Soluble |
- |
| Mineral Oils |
Soluble |
- |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Soluble |
- |
Critical Note: Trioctyl phosphate is insoluble in water (hydrophobic) but shows excellent miscibility with most organic solvents, oils, and polymers. Its high LogP value (~6.0) explains its oil solubility and effectiveness as a plasticizer.
SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property |
Description |
| Chemical Class |
Organophosphate ester (phosphate ester) |
| Functional Group |
Phosphate ester (P=O and P-O-C bonds) |
| Reactivity |
Low reactivity under normal conditions |
| Hydrolysis (Acidic) |
Slow hydrolysis in acidic medium; releases 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and phosphoric acid |
| Hydrolysis (Basic) |
Slow hydrolysis in basic medium |
| Thermal Decomposition |
> 250°C releases phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides, and hydrocarbons |
| Oxidation |
May react with strong oxidizers |
4.1. Stability
| Parameter |
Information |
| Thermal Stability |
Stable under normal conditions (up to ~200°C) |
| Hydrolytic Stability |
Stable at neutral pH; slow hydrolysis in acidic/basic conditions |
| UV Stability |
Good |
| Incompatibilities |
Strong oxidizers, strong acids (at high temperature), strong bases (at high temperature) |
| Decomposition Products |
Phosphorus oxides (POₓ), 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, CO, CO₂ |
SECTION 5: PURITY AND QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter |
Standard Grade |
High Purity Grade |
| Purity (GC) |
≥ 98.0% |
≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance |
Colorless to light yellow liquid |
Colorless liquid |
| Color (APHA) |
≤ 100 |
≤ 50 |
| Density (20°C) |
0.920 - 0.925 g/cm³ |
0.921 - 0.923 g/cm³ |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) |
≤ 0.1 |
≤ 0.05 |
| Water Content (KF) |
≤ 0.1% |
≤ 0.05% |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
1.441 - 1.444 |
1.442 - 1.443 |
| Color (Hazen) |
≤ 100 |
≤ 50 |
| Viscosity (25°C) |
13 - 15 cP |
13 - 14 cP |
SECTION 6: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
6.1. Plastics and Polymer Industry
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| PVC Plasticizer |
Provides flexibility and processability |
High |
| Polyurethane (PU) |
Flexibility and low-temperature flexibility provider |
High |
| NBR (Nitrile Rubber) |
Plasticizer, processability enhancer |
High |
| Polymer Coloring |
Pigment and color carrier |
High |
6.2. Rubber Industry
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility Provider |
Maintains flexibility at low temperatures |
High |
| Processing Aid |
Processability enhancer in rubber compounds |
High |
6.3. Metalworking
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Cutting Fluids |
Lubricant and extreme pressure additive |
Moderate |
| Mold Release Agent |
Mold release in metal processing |
Moderate |
| Metalworking Oils |
Additive |
Moderate |
6.4. Hydraulic Fluids
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Hydraulic Oils |
Base fluid or additive |
Moderate |
| Heat Transfer Fluids |
Heat transfer fluid |
Moderate |
6.5. Food Contact Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Food Packaging |
FDA-approved indirect additive (packaging) |
Regulated |
| Food Contact |
Compliant with 21 CFR 181.27, 175.105, 175.300 |
Regulated |
6.6. Specialty Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Lubricant Additives |
Extreme pressure additive |
Moderate |
| Synthetic Oils |
Base oil component |
Moderate |
| Solvent |
Solvent for resins and plastics |
Moderate |
SECTION 7: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry |
Suitability |
Explanation |
| Plastics / Polymers |
High |
PVC, PU, NBR plasticizer; pigment carrier |
| Rubber |
High |
Low-temperature flexibility provider, processing aid |
| Metalworking |
Moderate |
Cutting fluids, mold release agent |
| Hydraulic Fluids |
Moderate |
Hydraulic oils, heat transfer fluids |
| Food Contact Products |
Regulated |
FDA-approved indirect additive (packaging) |
| Cosmetics |
Not suitable |
Not approved for cosmetic use |
| Pharmaceuticals |
Not suitable |
Not pharmaceutical grade |
| Food Additive |
Not suitable |
Cannot be used as direct food additive |
SECTION 8: PROPERTIES AS A PLASTICIZER
| Property |
Value |
| Plasticizer Type |
Primary plasticizer |
| PVC Compatibility |
Good |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility |
Excellent |
| Thermal Stability |
Good |
| Volatility |
Low |
| Oil Resistance |
Good |
| Water Resistance |
Very good (hydrophobic) |
| Extraction Resistance |
Good (water, acid, base) |
| Cost/Performance |
Medium-high |
SECTION 9: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type |
Name / Description |
| IUPAC Name |
Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate |
| Commercial Names |
TEHP, TOP, TOF, Trioctyl Phosphate |
| Synonyms |
Trioctyl phosphate, Phosphoric acid tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester |
| EC Number |
201-116-8 |
| REACH Code |
01-2119491304-40-XXXX |
| CAS Number |
78-42-2 |
| INCI Name |
Trioctyl Phosphate |
SECTION 10: ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS
| Alternative CAS |
Chemical Name |
Notes / Application Area |
| 126-73-8 |
Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) |
Solvent, plasticizer, extraction |
| 78-51-3 |
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate (TBEP) |
Flame retardant, plasticizer |
| 115-86-6 |
Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP) |
Flame retardant, polymer additive |
| 1241-94-7 |
Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP) |
Oil additive, plasticizer |
| 126-71-6 |
Triisobutyl Phosphate (TIBP) |
Plasticizer, solvent |
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| GHS Classification |
Warning |
| Hazard Statements |
H315 (Causes skin irritation), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation) |
| Precautionary Statements |
P280 (Wear protective gloves/eye protection), P302+P352 (IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water), P305+P351+P338 (IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water) |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) |
> 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) |
> 2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation |
Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation |
Mild irritant |
| Skin Sensitization |
Not sensitizing |
| Mutagenicity |
Negative (Ames test) |
| Carcinogenicity |
Not classified |
| Reproductive Toxicity |
Not classified |
| Target Organs |
Skin, eyes, respiratory system (vapor at high temperature) |
SECTION 12: ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| Fish Toxicity (LC50, 96 hours) |
> 1,000 mg/L (low toxicity) |
| Daphnia Toxicity (EC50, 48 hours) |
> 1,000 mg/L |
| Algae Toxicity (EC50, 72 hours) |
> 1,000 mg/L |
| Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) |
Potential (LogP ~ 6.0) |
| Biodegradability |
Slow biodegradation; bioaccumulation potential |
| Hydrolysis |
Slow hydrolysis (pH 7, 25°C, half-life > 100 days) |
| Soil Mobility |
Low (hydrophobic, remains in soil) |
| Bioaccumulation Potential |
Moderate - high (LogP > 3) |
| Persistence |
Moderate - high |
| Water Hazard Class (WGK Germany) |
WGK 2 (hazardous to water) |
Ecotoxicological Summary: Trioctyl phosphate has bioaccumulation potential due to its high LogP value (~6.0). It shows low toxicity to aquatic organisms (LC₅₀ > 1,000 mg/L) but may exhibit persistence in the environment. Classified as WGK 2 (hazardous to water).
SECTION 13: SAFETY MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
| Parameter |
Information |
| Respiratory Protection |
Organic vapor cartridge (at elevated temperatures or mist formation) |
| Gloves |
Chemically resistant (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber) |
| Eye Protection |
Chemical safety goggles |
| Body Protection |
Chemical-resistant apron |
| Ventilation |
Local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation |
| Engineering Controls |
Closed systems (when possible) |
SECTION 14: STORAGE INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature |
15 - 30°C |
| Container |
Tightly closed metal drums, IBC tanks, bulk tankers |
| Materials to Avoid |
Fire, direct sunlight, strong oxidizers, strong acids |
| Moisture Sensitivity |
Not moisture sensitive |
| Shelf Life |
24 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Packaging |
200 kg drum, 1000 kg IBC, bulk tanker |
SECTION 15: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
Not regulated (not classified as dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class |
Not applicable |
| Packing Group |
Not applicable |
| Proper Shipping Name |
Trioctyl Phosphate |
| ADR/RID |
Not regulated |
| IMDG Code |
Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) |
Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant |
No |
| Transport Notes |
Keep away from heat; prevent leakage |
SECTION 16: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Fire Hazard |
Combustible (flash point > 110°C) |
| Extinguishing Media |
Water fog, foam, CO₂, dry chemical |
| Special Hazards |
When heated, releases phosphorus oxides (POₓ), CO, CO₂ |
| Decomposition Products |
Phosphorus oxides, CO, CO₂, hydrocarbons |
| Protective Equipment |
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Explosion Risk |
Vapor/air mixtures potentially explosive |
| Water Use |
Prevent fire-fighting water from entering the environment |
SECTION 17: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter |
Information |
| Personal Protection |
Gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing |
| Ventilation |
Increase ventilation |
| Control |
Contain spill; prevent spread |
| Cleanup Methods |
Absorb with absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite); collect in sealed containers |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies |
| Waste Disposal |
According to local regulations; incineration (hazardous waste) |
SECTION 18: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route |
Action |
| Inhalation |
Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. |
| Skin Contact |
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. |
| Eye Contact |
Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion |
Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention. |
SECTION 19: REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region / Authority |
Status |
| EU REACH (EC 1907/2006) |
Registered (01-2119491304-40-XXXX) |
| Turkey KKDİK |
Registration required |
| USA TSCA |
Listed |
| USA FDA |
Regulated for food contact: 21 CFR 181.27, 175.105, 175.300 |
| USA OSHA |
Regulated |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation |
Not approved for cosmetic use |
| Japan ENCS |
Listed |
| China IECSC |
Listed |
| Korea KECL |
Listed |
| Australia AICS |
Listed |
| Canada DSL |
Listed |
| EINECS |
201-116-8 |
| GHS Classification |
H315, H319 |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product |
Trioctyl Phosphate (TOF / TEHP / TOP) |
| CAS |
78-42-2 |
| Appearance |
Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Density |
~0.92 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point |
~215°C (at 4 mmHg) |
| Viscosity (25°C) |
13 - 15 cP |
| Water Solubility |
Insoluble |
| LogP |
~6.0 |
| Key Industries |
Plastics, rubber, metalworking, hydraulic fluids |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Use as Plasticizer: Trioctyl phosphate is an effective primary plasticizer for PVC, polyurethane, and NBR. It provides excellent low-temperature flexibility and good oil/water resistance.
-
FDA Approval: Trioctyl phosphate is approved as an indirect additive for food contact applications under FDA 21 CFR 181.27, 175.105, and 175.300 (food packaging, coatings, adhesives).
-
Bioaccumulation Potential: Due to its high LogP value (~6.0), trioctyl phosphate has bioaccumulation potential. Release to the environment should be avoided.
-
Low Toxicity: Acute toxicity is low (LD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kg). However, it may cause skin and eye irritation (H315, H319).
-
Thermal Decomposition: > 250°C may release phosphorus oxides and toxic fumes. Use SCBA in case of fire.
-
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids.
-
Plasticizer Performance: Trioctyl phosphate is particularly suitable for applications requiring low-temperature flexibility and good extraction resistance.
-
Food Contact: Can be used for indirect food contact under FDA regulations, but not approved as a direct food additive.
-
Alternatives: Other phosphate esters (TBP, TBEP, TPP, TCP) can be used in similar applications but properties and regulatory status differ.
-
REACH Registration: Registered under EU REACH (01-2119491304-40-XXXX). Registration required under Turkey KKDİK.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Trioctyl Phosphate.
