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| CAS number | 1634-04-4 |
| Molecular formula | C5H12O |
| Product name | tert-Butyl methyl ether |
| Molecular Structure |  |
Appearance：clear liquid
Density：0.7404
Boiling Point：54-56ºC
Melting Point：-110ºC
Freezing Point：-108.6℃
Flash Point：-28ºC
Refractive Index：1.3675-1.3695
Water Solubility：51 g/L (20 ºC)
Stability：Stable, but may form explosive peroxides in contact with air. Extremely flammable - note low flash point. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Storage Condition：-20ºC
Vapor Density：3.1 (vs air)
Vapor Pressure：4.05 psi ( 20 °C)
Cas No: 1634-04-4
Tributyl phosphate is an organophosphorus compound with the formula (CH3CH2CH2CH2O)3PO. It is a colorless liquid with an intense fishy odor. It is readily soluble in most organic solvents and insoluble in water. It is used as a flame retardant, a plasticizer or an extraction solvent in the chemical, pharmaceutical and pesticide industries.
Tributyl phosphate is an ester of phosphoric acid, which was first prepared in 1931 by the reaction of phosphorus pentoxide with n-butyl alcohol. It is packaged as a white needle crystal or a colorless liquid. The chemical has a molecular weight of 301.17 and a melting point of 59℃ - 62℃.
Tributyl phosphate is an important flame retardant used in a variety of products. It has excellent compatibility with most substrates and superior thermal stability compared to other organo phosphate materials. Due to its high solvency and low volatility, it is especially useful in paints and coatings. It is also used as a plasticizer and as an extraction solvent in the chemical, pharmaceutical and pesticide industries.
In pharmaceuticals, tributyl phosphate is used as a solubilizer as well as a surfactant and emulsifier. It is also used as a lubricant in tablets and as a coating agent to speed up disintegration. It can also be used to prevent the absorption of iron, copper and other heavy metals.
Tributyl phosphate can also be a source of environmental contamination. It has been identified as a degreaser and can enter the environment via runoff and sewage effluent. It can contaminate groundwater as it is relatively immobile. Thus, it should be handled with caution and disposed of properly.
