Substance profile
Triethyl Phosphate
Triethyl Phosphate is a liquid with a mild odor.
01 · Identification
What Triethyl Phosphate is
Triethyl Phosphate is a liquid with a mild odor. Its molecular formula is C6H15O4P and its molecular weight is 182.15 g/mol. It boils at 216 °C, melts at -56.4 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
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 |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Triethyl 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 | 215.5 °C (419.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 215 °C (419 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 215.5 °C (419.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -56.4 °C (-69.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -56.39 °C (-69.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -57 °C (-70.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.068 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 1.0695 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.0665 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in diethyl ether, benzene; very soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in chloroform | HSDB | |
| Soluble in most organic solvents, alcohol, ether. | HSDB | ||
| Soluble, slight decomposition (NTP, 1992) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.15 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.39 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 115.56 °C (240 °F) | HSDB | |
| 116 °C (240.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 454.44 °C (850 °F) | HSDB | |
| 451.67 °C (845 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 452 °C (845.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.7 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 6.28 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 6.3 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Triethyl Phosphate
Storage conditions
In general, materials which are toxic as stored or which can decompose into toxic components...should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, out of direct rays of the sun, away from areas of high fire hazard, and should be periodically inspected... Incompatible materials should be isolated from each other.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Organophosphates, such as TRIETHYL 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 Triethyl Phosphate in the storage compatibility matrix →