Triethyl Phosphate

Other Classes -> Organophosphates, Other

Organophosphate

Plastics -> PUR

Plastics -> Flame retardants

log Kow = 0.80

0.8

0.8

Mild

Pleasant smelling

1.068 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.0695 g/cu cm at 20 °C

Bulk density = 8.90 lb/gal at 20 °C. Combustible.

Relative density (water = 1): 1.07

1.0725 @ 19°C

Flame retardants

Flame Retardants -> Organophosphorus flame retardant (OP)

Liquid

Colorless, high-boiling liquid

Soluble, slight decomposition (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in diethyl ether, benzene; very soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in chloroform

Soluble in most organic solvents, alcohol, ether.

In water, 5.00X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water: miscible

240 °F (NTP, 1992)

240 °F (115 °C) (Open cup)

116 °C o.c.

Warning

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Warning

H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P305+P351+P338, P330, P337+P317, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester

Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 06-02-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14738

Triethyl phosphate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: May produce hazardous decomposition products such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxides of phosphorus. (USCG, 1999)

Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

A severe skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant; [CAMEO] The substance is harmful with a narcotic effect and, at high doses, shows certain neurotoxic properties (inhibition of cholinesterase) without indicating delayed neurotoxicity. [eChemPortal: SIDSUNEP] An irritant; Targets nerves; [MSDSonline]

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester is included on this list.

Residues of triethyl phosphate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a stabilizer for formulations used before crop emerges from soil in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only.

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Ordinary foam and water may cause frothing.

Use powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.

Fresh air, rest.

Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

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.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with alcohol followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.

LC50 Eisenia foetida /(red wiggler, brandling, or manure worm)/ >1000 mg/kg/14 days

LC50 Leuciscus idus /(Ide)/ 2140 mg/L/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

LC50 Daphnia magna /(Water flea)/ 350 mg/L/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

LC50 Asellus intermedius (Aquatic sowbug) >100 mg/L/96 hr; static /formulated product/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for TRIETHYL PHOSPHATE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 65(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.80(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that triethyl phosphate is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of triethyl phosphate from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.60X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(4). Triethyl phosphate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.393 mm Hg(5). Triethyl phosphate, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(6) and is therefore not expected to readily biodegrade in the environment.

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 65(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.80(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that triethyl phosphate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.60X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(4). According to a classification scheme(5), measured BCF values ranging from 2.4-22(6) suggests the bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Triethyl phosphate, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(6) and is therefore not expected to readily biodegrade in aquatic environments.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), triethyl phosphate, which has a vapor pressure of 0.393 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase triethyl phosphate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7.0 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.53X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Triethyl phosphate does not absorb light at wavlenghts >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ ... Studies were conducted to determine the phytotoxicity of TEP using sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Mill.), and glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.) as test plants grown on Mimbres-Glendale (MG) and Nickel-Tencee (NT) sod associations obtained from White Sands Missile Range. Triethyl phosphate was applied to sod and foliar tissue at rates of 0, 4, 400, and 40 000 mg m-2 sod surface. Triethyl phosphate also was applied in a thickened formulation, as used in missile testing, at an application rate of 40 000 mg m-2 on both soil and foliar tissue. Toxicity was only observed at the highest application rate with pure and thickened TEP. The method of TEP application to soil or foliar tissue did not affect the dry matter weight of tomato or glossy privet growth. There were inconsistent effects of TEP application method on sorghum-sudangrass dry matter weight, depending on soil type. Triethyl phosphate affected the test plants differently with resistance to TEP toxicity increasing in the order: tomato congruent sorghum-sudangrass on NT soil < sorghum-sudangrass on MG soil < glossy privet. A seedling emergence study using sorghum-sudangrass, tomato, and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) resulted in similar conclusions from the whole plant studies showing TEP toxicity only at the highest application rate of 40 000 mg m-2. There were indications from sorghum-sudangrass growth and cucumber seedling emergence that TEP toxicity may be less on soil having a higher clay and organic matter content, which may have been due to TEP sorption in soil and decreased TEP bioavailability to plant roots. The absence of phytotoxicity symptoms indicated plants would not be harmed if application rates were at or below 400 mg TEP m-2.

See Ingestion.

Redness.

Dizziness. Drowsiness. Weakness. Unconsciousness.

Triethyl phosphate was one of a group of six phosphate triesters detected in the leachate from the Osaka North Port Sea-Based Solid Waste Disposal Site in Japan with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 17.0 ug/L(1). Triethyl phosphate was detected in one of five landfill leachate samples at a concentration of 1-10 ppm collected from five Danish sanitary landfills in February 1983(2). Leachate plumes from two sanitary landfills (Waterloo and North Bay, Ontario) were monitored in 1982 and triethyl phosphate was detected at 10-15 ug/L at the Waterloo site(3). Primary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant was applied to a series of basins on a kame where it was subjected to rapid infiltration treatment(4). Triethyl phosphate was not detected in the initial basin floodwater but was detected at 0.71 ug/L in a down-gradient monitoring well(4). Triethyl phosphate was detected at 0.3 ug/L in a well located in an Oklahoma landfill(5). At unreported concentrations, triethyl phosphate was detected in groundwater from Rocky Mountain Arsenal(6). Triethyl phosphate was detected in 3 samples taken from the leachate in a Swedish municipal landfill(7). Triethyl phosphate was detected in advanced waste treatment concentrates from Lake Tahoe, CA in 1974 and from Blue Plains, Washington DC in 1974(8).

The Koc of triethyl phosphate is estimated as 65(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.80(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that triethyl phosphate is expected to have high mobility in soil. Leaching through soil may be possible(SRC) as this compound has a very high water solubility of 5.0X10+5 mg/L(4). Triethyl phosphate has been detected in leachates from several landfills(5,6). During rapid infiltration studies, surface water was passed through infiltration terrain consisting of fine-ground dune sand mixed with clay and lens-shaped peat layers. A 70% reduction in the amount of triethyl phosphate initially found in the surface water was found in water which had passed through the dune(7); the loss of triethyl phosphate could be due to biotic and/or abiotic transformations(SRC). In a second rapid infiltration study, triethyl phosphate was detected in a down-gradient monitoring well after primary effluent was placed in basins situated on a kame consisting of poorly graded sands or gravelly sands with interspersed lenses of silty and sandy gravels(8).

The ability of triethyl phosphate to induce morphological transformation in the BALB/3T3 mouse cell line (Cell Transformation Assay) was evaluated. Based on preliminary toxicity determinations, triethyl phosphate was tested at concentrations of 4, 3, 2.5, 1.5 and 0.3 ul/ml in the complete medium, with cell survival ranging from 97.3% to 12.6%. None of the concentrations tested produced a significant increase in the transformation frequencies (p > 0.10) relative to the complete medium control.

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Triethyl phosphate was detected in both Soxhlet extraction and volatile organic analyses as a major component in one of seven carpet samples(1).

INDOOR: Indoor air samples taken from new or recently renovated buildings in Switzerland contained a mean triethyl phosphate concentration of 60 ug/cu m(1). Triethyl phosphate was detected in almost all indoor air samples collected from 22 houses (44 rooms) and 11 office buildings (22 offices) in Tokyo, Japan(2).

SOURCE DOMINATED: In a laboratory study of vapors (24 liters) emitted from a liquid waste lagoon (uncharacterized), triethyl phosphate was detected(1).

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester is included on this list.

Residues of triethyl phosphate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a stabilizer for formulations used before crop emerges from soil in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only.

Used as a catalyst for acetic anhydride; as a desensitizing agent for peroxides; as a solvent; as a plasticizer for resins, plastics, and gums; as a lacquer remover; as a fire-retarding, anti-foaming, and ethylating agent; as a raw material for insecticides; and to make insecticides; [HSDB]

Used as a catalyst in the production of acetic anhydride by the ketene process, as a desensitizing agent for peroxides, and as a solvent and plasticizer for cellulose acetate.

Solvent; plasticizer for resins, plastics, gums; catalyst; lacquer remover.

As a plasticizer, solvent, fire-retarding agent, anti-foaming agent

As an ethylating agent, and as a raw material to prepare insecticides such as tetraethyl pyrophosphate.

As ethylating agent; formation of polyesters which are used as insecticides.

2023: 5,500,000 - <7,000,000 lb

This chemical is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

(1972) 3.63X10+9 GRAMS

(1986) >1 million-10 million pounds

(1990) >1 million-10 million pounds

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for TRIETHYL PHOSPHATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Prepared from tetraethyl hypophosphate with ethanol in the presence of aluminum ethoxide; Manufactured by treating triethylphosphite with diethyl hydrogen phosphate.

... Manufactured from diethyl ether and phosphorus pentoxide via a metaphosphate intermediate.

Plastics -> Flame retardants

Plastics -> Polymer Type -> PUR

Plastics Product Manufacturing

Phosphoric acid, triethyl ester: ACTIVE

Compatible with many gums and resins. ...When mixed with water is quite stable at room temperature, but at elevated temperature it hydrolyzes slowly.