Triisobutyl Phosphate, Tri-isobutyl Phosphate, TIBP, 126-71-6

Triisobutyl Phosphate, Tri-isobutyl Phosphate, TIBP, 126-71-6

TRIISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE (TIBP)

Triisobutyl Phosphate / Tri Iso Butyl Phosphate / Tris(2-methylpropyl) Phosphate / Phosphoric Acid Triisobutyl Ester
CAS Number: 126-71-6
EC Number: 204-798-3

1. IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

General Structure:

        O
        ||
(CH3)2CHCH2O - P - OCH2CH(CH3)2
        |
        OCH2CH(CH3)2

4. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:

POCl3 + 3 (CH3)2CHCH2OH → (CH3)2CHCH2O-P(=O)(OCH2CH(CH3)2)2 + 3 HCl

5. AVAILABLE FORMS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Typical Specifications:

6. APPLICATIONS

6.1. Textile Industry – Most Common Use

6.2. Defoamers (Foam Control Agents)

6.3. Printing Inks

6.4. Construction Chemicals

6.5. Oil Field Chemicals

6.6. Plastics and Polymers Industry

6.7. Paints and Coatings

6.8. Other Applications

7. PHOSPHATE ESTERS COMPARISON TABLE

Industry Suitability Summary:

8. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION (GHS CLASSIFICATION)

Risk Phrases (EU):

Safety Phrases (EU):

9. HAZARD STATEMENTS (H-CODES)

10. SAFETY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Health Effects:

Water Hazard Classification (WGK Germany):

12. FIRST AID MEASURES

13. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

14. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

15. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact (may cause sensitization)

• Use with adequate ventilation

• Wear chemical resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene)

• Keep away from ignition sources

• In case of spill, contain with inert absorbent material

16. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

17. REGULATORY INFORMATION

EINECS: 204-798-3

WGK Germany: 1 (Low hazard to water)

18. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Database Identifiers:

19. INDUSTRY SUITABILITY SUMMARY

20. SUMMARY AND IMPORTANT WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Triisobutyl phosphate (TIBP, C12H27O4P, CAS 126-71-6) is a colorless, transparent liquid organophosphate ester. It has a molecular weight of 266.31 g/mol, density of 0.965 g/mL at 20°C, boiling point of approximately 205°C, and flash point of 150°C. It is produced by the esterification of isobutanol with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3), yielding >99% purity product with >85% yield. TIBP is primarily used in the textile industry as an auxiliary chemical, penetrant, and dyeing aid. It is also widely used as a defoamer (foam control agent) in various industrial processes including textile processing, pulp and paper, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. Additional applications include printing inks, construction chemicals (concrete admixtures), oil field chemicals (drilling fluid defoamers), plastics and polymers (processing aids), paints and coatings, metalworking fluids, and adhesives.

Key Properties:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• SKIN SENSITIZER: May cause allergic skin reaction (H317, R43)

• COMBUSTIBLE: Flash point 150°C; keep away from high heat and open flames (H227)

• LOW TOXICITY: Oral LD50 >5,000 mg/kg (rabbit); Dermal LD50 >5,000 mg/kg (rabbit)

• THERMAL DECOMPOSITION: Produces toxic phosphorus oxides (POx) when heated

• USE PPE: Wear protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), protective clothing, safety goggles

• STORAGE: Below 30°C, cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers

• WATER HAZARD: WGK 1 (Low hazard to water)

IMPORTANT WARNINGS:

Skin Sensitization Hazard: Triisobutyl phosphate is classified as a skin sensitizer (H317, R43). Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause allergic skin reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms may include redness, itching, rash, and dermatitis. Once sensitized, subsequent exposure to even small amounts may trigger a reaction. Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene) and protective clothing. If skin contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

Flammability Considerations: Although TIBP has a relatively high flash point (150°C), it is still combustible. It should be kept away from high heat, open flames, sparks, and other ignition sources. The autoignition temperature is 430°C. Upon thermal decomposition, TIBP releases toxic phosphorus oxides (POx) which are irritating and hazardous to the respiratory tract. In case of fire, use water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, or foam. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Low Acute Toxicity: Triisobutyl phosphate has very low acute toxicity. The oral LD50 in rabbits is >5,000 mg/kg, and the dermal LD50 is also >5,000 mg/kg. This indicates that TIBP is not acutely toxic via ingestion or skin absorption. However, it is still a skin sensitizer and may cause allergic reactions. Large ingestions may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Environmental Profile: TIBP has low water solubility (264 mg/L at 25°C) and is classified as WGK 1 (low hazard to water) in Germany. It is slowly biodegradable and has low to moderate bioaccumulation potential. While aquatic toxicity is low, large spills should be contained and prevented from entering waterways. Dispose of waste material in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Storage and Stability: Store TIBP below 30°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent contamination and moisture ingress. Protect from strong oxidizing agents and strong bases, which may cause decomposition or undesirable reactions. Under normal storage conditions, TIBP is stable for 12-24 months.

Comparison with Other Phosphate Esters: TIBP is specifically optimized for textile auxiliaries, defoamers, penetrants, inks, construction chemicals, and oil field applications. For nuclear fuel processing and metal extraction, tributyl phosphate (TBP) is superior. For plasticizers in plastics and polymers, trioctyl phosphate (TOP) and tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) are preferred. For flame retardant applications, triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is commonly used. Each phosphate ester has unique properties suited to specific applications.

Defoamer Applications: TIBP is particularly effective as a defoamer (foam control agent) due to its surface-active properties. It reduces surface tension and destabilizes foam bubbles, causing them to collapse. It is used in textile processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, water treatment, chemical reactors, drilling fluids, and paint formulations. The effectiveness of TIBP as a defoamer is related to its low water solubility and ability to spread on liquid surfaces.

Textile Industry Specifics: In textile processing, TIBP serves multiple functions. As a penetrant, it helps dye and finishing solutions penetrate more deeply and uniformly into fabric fibers. As a leveling agent, it promotes even dye distribution, reducing streaks and uneven coloration. As a wetting agent, it reduces surface tension, allowing better wetting of hydrophobic fibers. These properties make TIBP a valuable auxiliary chemical in textile manufacturing.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Triisobutyl phosphate is a skin sensitizer. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Keep away from high heat and open flames. In case of skin sensitization or allergic reaction, seek medical attention. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.