Substance profile
Tri-p-cresyl phosphate
Tri-p-cresyl phosphate is needles from alcohol; tablets from ethanol and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Tri-p-cresyl phosphate is
Tri-p-cresyl phosphate is needles from alcohol; tablets from ethanol and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C21H21O4P and its molecular weight is 368.4 g/mol. It boils at 420 °C, melts at 77.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Tri-p-cresyl phosphate
- tricresyl phosphate (m-m-m-, m-m-p-, m-p-p-, p-p-p-)
- tritolyl phosphate (m-m-m-, m-m-p-, m-p-p-, p-p-p-)
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P280, P301, P302, P312, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tri-p-cresyl phosphate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 410 °C (770 °F) | decomposes, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 224 °C (435.2 °F) | at 35 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 77.5 °C (171.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| 25 °C (77 °F) | ISOMERIC MIXT | HSDB | |
| -35 °C (-31 °F) | crystallizing point | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.162 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.1623 g/cm³ | HSDB | ||
| 1.247 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, benzene, chloroform. | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.074 mg/L at 24 °C | at 24 °C, Practical grade | HSDB | |
| Water solubility: 0.1 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C, Isomeric mixture | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 6e-7 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 0.0000017 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| 3e-8 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 210 °C (410 °F) | HSDB | |
| 225 °C (437 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 410 °C (770 °F) | HSDB | |
| 385 °C (725 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 12.7 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tri-p-cresyl phosphate
Storage conditions
Tricresyl phosphates should be stored in a cool, well ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and away from open flames. Containers should be made of galvanized steel; these should be effectively sealed and their contents clearly marked. Tricresyl phosphates should not be used in plastic articles which are likely to come into contact with foodstuffs or clothing. /Tricresyl phosphates/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Organophosphates, such as TRI-P-TOLYL PHOSPHATE, are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tri-p-cresyl phosphate in the storage compatibility matrix →