Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China sales01@liwei-chem.com 1557459043@qq.com
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Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade: An In-Depth Look

Historical Development

Tributyl Phosphate, known in the chemical world since the early part of the twentieth century, came alive with industrialization. Synthetic chemistry made strides as the demand for advanced solvents pushed research deeper. Early use tied directly to large-scale extraction of rare earths and uranium, especially during wartime nuclear programs, embedding the molecule in the blueprint of the nuclear age. Over decades, its role spread to pharmaceuticals, reflecting the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for reliable excipients and process solvents. Labs and factories worldwide found it indispensable for controlled extraction methods and as a plasticizer for specialized products. As global standards rose, so did the tight quality benchmarks for pharmaceutical-grade tributyl phosphate—driving better synthesis methods and pushing manufacturers to prioritize both purity and traceability.

Product Overview

Tributyl Phosphate in BP EP USP Pharma Grade stands out for its strict alignment with international pharmacopeial norms. Produced and certified to match British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) criteria, this variant caters to the most sensitive applications in drug manufacturing and high-purity industries. Producers offer the product as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sold in standardized containers that keep out moisture and contaminants. Many industries require this specific grade to limit risks connected to impurities—especially those affecting final dosage forms. Traders, distributors, and end-users rely on detailed certificates of analysis and product traceability for compliance. Genuine suppliers reinforce transparency by offering robust documentation and batch-level data, which meets stringent audit and quality assurance reviews.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Tributyl Phosphate’s formula, C12H27O4P, captures its core: a phosphoric acid backbone esterified with three butyl groups. As a liquid at room temperature, it brings a slightly fruity smell, a boiling point above 200 °C, and a density around 0.98 g/cm3. Its moderate solubility in water and high affinity for organic solvents allow it to work in extraction and separation—especially useful in purifying active pharmaceutical ingredients. The combination of hydrophobic alkyl chains and the polar phosphate group gives it flexibility across multiple tasks. These properties also influence its behavior in chemical reactions, giving laboratories a consistent, manageable chemical for synthesis and formulation work.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Real pharmaceutical operations lean heavily on specifications that go beyond appearance and odor. Good suppliers offer details on purity (usually 99% or above for pharma grade), acidity (measured as H3PO4 content), water content (by Karl Fischer titration), residual solvents, and heavy metals—all reported in technically exacting language. Labels must carry batch numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, gross and net weight, and regulatory codes. Markings often feature ADR (European road transport), UN number (UN 2810 for toxic liquids), and handling symbols. Long gone are the days of generic stickers—stringent industries push for quick digital access to safety data sheets, assurance certificates, and detailed hazard pictograms for every batch shipped out. Mislabelling causes delays, and the best suppliers ensure their paperwork passes every compliance check, every time.

Preparation Method

Manufacturing tributyl phosphate at scale calls for disciplined chemical engineering. The standard method brings together n-butanol with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) under catalysis, pushing through a controlled esterification process. Attention pivots to temperature regulation, exact reactant ratios, and efficient removal of by-products such as HCl gas. Refiners move on to stepwise purification—distillation under reduced pressure, drying with molecular sieves or other dehydrating agents, and filtration through activated carbon. Pharmaceutical lines then run high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) checks on every finished batch. In my own observations working with chemical companies, fifteen minutes of skipped purification causes weeks of rejected material and costly rework, so quality systems and skilled staff remain constant priorities. Modern green chemistry initiatives investigate less hazardous catalysts and alternatives that yield fewer problematic by-products, keeping both people and planet safer.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Tributyl Phosphate’s chemistry makes it a prime candidate for nucleophilic substitution and transesterification. It reacts with strong acids, bases, and certain metal salts, creating a set of derivatives valuable in paints, resins, and formulation aids. In extraction, the phosphate group coordinates with metal ions — especially lanthanides and actinides — separating out valuable metals in both nuclear and industrial purification. Customizing it, such as switching out butyl chains for other alcohols, delivers esters with altered solubility or reactivity. Technical teams regularly fine-tune such modifications to match both old-school and emerging needs—something I’ve watched first-hand as chemists tinker with project-specific ligands for higher selectivity or new regulatory thresholds.

Synonyms & Product Names

Trade and technical catalogues offer a range of synonyms for Tributyl Phosphate, depending on geography or market. Look for “TBP,” “Tributylphosphoric acid ester,” “phosphoric acid tributyl ester,” and corresponding local translations. Manufacturers trademark their own label names for identification—sometimes adding in indicators for grade or purity, such as “Pharma TBP Pure” or “TBP-Pharmaco.” This parade of names reflects both competition and regulatory diversity. Knowing these synonyms becomes critical for procurement and regulatory submissions—wrong product, and manufacturing stops until the right material turns up with proper paperwork behind it. My own work coordinating imports has shown that cross-referencing these names in purchase orders and customs docs streamlines approval, prevents mistakes, and keeps audit trails strong.

Safety & Operational Standards

Working every day with industrial chemicals, operational safety sits front and center. Tributyl Phosphate’s primary risks include contact irritation, potential for toxic vapor inhalation, and environmental dangers if mishandled. Regulated facilities demand gloves, goggles, fume extraction, and thorough staff training before anyone even opens a drum. Storage calls for cool, ventilated spaces from direct sunlight, with strict segregation from incompatible substances like bases and oxidizers. My time on chemical safety committees taught me how vital quick access to spill control supplies (like absorbents and neutralizers) becomes during emergencies—every minute counts if a leak appears. Safety data sheets must always be present, and regular drills boost confidence and compliance across the production line. Beyond plant floor rules, transportation and disposal comply with national frameworks to avoid fines or site shutdowns. Auditors zero in on handling logs and waste paperwork, so documentation needs attention to detail—no shortcuts allowed if you want to keep on the approved supplier lists.

Application Area

Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade shows up across a range of high-regulation industries, but the pharmaceutical sector dominates demand. Its primary function lies in purification and separation during drug production, especially in the isolation of rare, heat-sensitive actives. It also acts as a processing solvent, helping control particle size and manufacturing consistency for tablets, capsules, and injectable formulations. Some specialty labs harness its selectivity to capture or exclude certain compounds during R&D, while downstream users value its performance as a plasticizer for flexible coatings and films. Nuclear reprocessing and metal extraction remain niche but persistent users, given TBP's ability to bind and transport radioactive ions—a reality that keeps HSE and regulatory reviews at maximum alertness. The overlap across pharma, biotech, and advanced materials reflects the strong balance of performance and regulatory fit the product delivers. Years of work in pharmaceutical operations taught me the frustrations and delays stemming from off-grade solvents—patients, shareholders, and regulatory officers all demand perfect repeatability, and this drives the market’s strict grading and paperwork requirements.

Research & Development

Research on Tributyl Phosphate runs deep, crossing fields from physical chemistry to toxicology and process engineering. Innovation teams work to refine extraction protocols, minimize losses, and recycle solvents more efficiently. I’ve seen scientists push for lower environmental impact, leading to new TBP derivatives that degrade faster or extract with less by-product formation. Testing also hones in on performance tweaks that help scale up lab results to full production—eliminating bottlenecks and waste streams that cut into lean manufacturing dreams. Academic partnerships speed things along, as universities model how small structural changes can amplify selectivity or reduce toxicity. Industry patents illustrate both the incremental improvements and the radical departures, such as functionalized TBP lines for exclusive niche applications. All this R&D safeguards the future supply chain, integrates green chemistry principles, and supports a stronger, safer pharmaceutical pipeline.

Toxicity Research

Toxicologists track Tributyl Phosphate with careful attention, knowing health regulators step in fast at the faintest sign of risk. Chronic exposure has raised questions around long-term liver, kidney, and nervous system effects. Animal studies and occupational health reviews steer limits on airborne concentrations and skin contact. Acute hazards include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, especially with poor ventilation or lack of personal protective equipment. Environmental authorities require monitoring of effluent to stop water and soil contamination, demanding ongoing reviews of process residues and accidental releases. Real-life cases in manufacturing environments, where training or safety systems falter, lead to hard lessons and tighter rules. My experience in risk management confirms that regular training, active environmental monitoring, and robust medical surveillance make a measurable difference—prevention costs less than remediation or liability claims. The steady evolution of global GHS labeling keeps users informed and accountable at every handling step.

Future Prospects

Future demand for Tributyl Phosphate in pharma will likely follow patterns seen with other legacy solvents—tightening regulations, sustainability pressures, and constant technical upgrades. Experts expect new purification strategies and biodegradable alternatives to compete, but established supply chains and robust performance credentials keep pharma-grade TBP highly relevant for critical applications. Regulatory agencies, industry groups, and global supply chain leaders keep reshaping standards toward cleaner, safer, and more traceable chemical sourcing. As digital systems and automation deepen compliance, producers and users who build on this foundation with full transparency stay ahead of the pack. Green chemistry research holds promise for process upgrades that strengthen both worker safety and the environment, and as someone who tracks these trends, I see a future where holistic risk-reduction converges with operational efficiency—pushing TBP and its alternatives toward both safety and progress, without compromising on quality that modern medicine and its supply chain now depend on.




What is Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade used for?

Understanding Tributyl Phosphate’s Role in Pharma

Tributyl phosphate stands out in the chemical crowd thanks to its handy ability to separate, extract, and purify. Walking through the back doors of any pharma production plant, you’ll notice the sheer variety of chemicals jostling for space, each bringing something valuable to the table. Tributyl phosphate—or TBP, as many call it—has carved out a place for itself in pharmacy because of its consistency, reliability, and its proven track record with delicate processes.

Why Do Companies Trust TBP Pharma Grade?

Years working in regulated labs teach you one thing: not every chemical makes the cut. Pharma standards—BP, EP, USP—aren’t just fancy acronyms; they protect patients by demanding purity, traceability, and accountability. Reputable producers respect these boundaries, only sending out pharma-grade TBP when quality can be backed up every step of the way. Without shortcuts, TBP BP EP USP pharma grade delivers the kind of purity that meets the highest benchmarks, supporting critical steps in medicine making without introducing risky surprises.

In my hands-on experience, TBP’s reputation holds up because suppliers don’t just test once at the start; they check all the way through. These checks guard against contaminants that might sneak in during transfer or storage. Knowing this makes a difference, especially for those of us who’ve had batches held up because something as simple as one off-spec bottle brought down an entire run.

Applications Making a Difference

Among the daily tools on a pharmacist’s bench, TBP finds steady work as a solvent and an agent for purification. The pharmaceutical sector leans on TBP to isolate key ingredients during active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis. Whether extracting antibiotics, cleaning up steroids, or acting as a carrier in specialty reactions, TBP steps up where common solvents fall short—handling extremes in temperature, resisting degradation, and doing the job cleanly.

Tasks like making penicillin call for solvents that won’t leave behind chemical shadows—TBP has proven itself time and again. Its properties help separate impurities quickly, streamlining operations for both small-batch specialty drugs and large-volume generics. It saves hassle, cuts down waste, and keeps everything running on schedule.

Safety, Regulation, and Growing Concerns

With experience also comes a sense of responsibility. TBP, while valuable, brings risks if handled carelessly. Workers need clear instructions, and facilities stay up to code with robust air-handling systems. Some folks ask if reliance on chemicals like TBP could pose long-term health or environmental risks. Science-based regulation has closed those gaps—occupational safety standards and proper disposal rules now shape how plants handle, store, and clean up after TBP.

Recent years brought more talk about transparency in sourcing. Public trust grows when supply chains explain where chemicals come from and how companies keep impurities out. Beyond rules, good companies train crews, run regular safety drills, and work with trusted partners who back up their batches with real documentation.

Looking Ahead: Responsible Innovation

TBP’s story fits into the bigger challenge of modern drug manufacturing. Pharma keeps searching for even cleaner, safer, and greener options. Some groups explore bio-based alternatives or more recyclable solvents. The industry doesn’t move overnight, though—change needs strong data, honest reporting, and investment in new equipment. What matters today is keeping the focus on safety, integrity, and trust, so patients get the purest medicines possible, every time.

What are the specifications and purity levels of Tributyl Phosphate in BP, EP, and USP Pharma Grades?

Why Purity Matters in Pharmaceutical Chemicals

In the world of pharmaceuticals, tributyl phosphate (TBP) doesn't get much attention outside chemical circles, but in real-life pharma operations, purity isn’t a checklist—it’s the backbone of trust and safety. TBP serves as a solvent and a plasticizer, turning up in manufacturing steps that influence everything from tablet coatings to extraction processes. Each grade—BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia)—sets its own level for what counts as “pure.”

How TBP Grades Shake Out in Practice

Spotting the difference in grades starts with specifications. The BP, EP, and USP pharmacopeias don’t just copy each other; they reflect the regulatory and technical demands of their regions. In basic terms, pharmaceutical-grade TBP under these standards usually claims a purity of at least 99.0%. Some batches stretch to 99.5%, depending on supplier rigor and intended end use. That missing one percent isn’t just water or dust—think about residues from synthesis, other butyl phosphate isomers, or trace contaminants like heavy metals. Each pharmacopoeia checks for specific impurities that could trigger side effects or interfere with the drug product.

Breaking Down Specification Details

Identity Testing: Every standard, whether BP, EP, or USP, lines up a battery of tests to confirm that the chemical structure matches what’s expected. IR spectra, refractive index, and sometimes color tests show the product didn’t slip through quality control with an uninvited cousin. Authenticity matters because one impurity in the lab can snowball into regulatory headaches.

Purity Level: Across each pharmacopoeia, TBP’s minimum purity sits at 99%. High-performing batches run up to 99.5%, which gets logged on certificates of analysis. From practical experience, even a 0.5% jump in purity can mean fewer headaches further down the line—a drop in failed batches, and less stress chasing down sources of contamination.

Moisture and Volatiles: TBP doesn’t react happily when moisture creeps in. European and American standards cap water content at around 0.1%. BP and EP both test using Karl Fischer titration, and strict storage matters here. I’ve seen cases where small leaks in storage tanks lead to out-of-spec batches, shutting down hours of production until someone finds the cause.

Acidity and Alkalinity: Process control in manufacturing brings constant worry about the pH shifting out of range. BP and EP require a near-neutral response; any noticeable acidity triggers a deeper inquiry into possible cross-contamination. This might sound technical, but nobody wants a recall over trace acid that erodes ingredient performance—or someone’s trust.

Heavy Metals and Residual Solvents: Regulatory updates now push for extremely low limits. Usually, heavy metals can’t exceed 10 ppm, and solvents like hexane, which might show up from synthesis or cleaning, face low detection limits. Past incidents where solvents exceeded thresholds led to major regulation rewrites, showing how one poorly cleaned tank can affect global supply chains.

Practical Solutions for Meeting Specs

Over the years, the labs I’ve worked with relied less on end-product testing and more on in-line monitoring and supplier audits. Pick the right partners, keep transparency high, and problems stay small. Investing in sealed, specialty storage tanks and stricter logistics trimmed fail rates in half for one client. Not cutting corners on supply chain checks translates into smoother compliance, fewer slowdowns, and a product that doctors trust—because patients have no room for error.

Every gram of TBP moving through pharma plants tells a bigger story about science, regulation, and the people keeping our medicines safe. Sticking to the best available standards isn’t just about passing another round of lab tests—it’s treating health as something built on details, effort, and never settling for “good enough.”

Is Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade safe for pharmaceutical applications?

The Role and Concerns Around Tributyl Phosphate

Tributyl phosphate, often known by its abbreviation TBP, shows up in many corners of industrial chemistry. In pharmaceuticals, it’s sometimes present as a solvent, a plasticizer, or as part of extraction processes. At first glance, seeing it labeled “BP EP USP Pharma Grade” might raise hopes that safety is a given. In reality, that label means TBP was made and tested to meet British, European, and US pharmacopeia standards. These standards aim to weed out harmful impurities and ensure a certain level of quality, but the label isn’t a shield against every risk.

TBP Safety Depends on More Than Just Purity

It’s easy to get lulled into trusting a substance simply because it carries pharma-grade status. Yet, safety in actual use also depends on how much TBP goes into a product, how it’s processed, and whether the final medicine can carry traces after manufacturing. Even highly purified TBP brings potential risks. Scientists have raised concerns about skin irritation, eye irritation, and even effects on the nervous system with large exposures. Years ago, TBP showed up in discussions about potential reproductive and developmental effects, although most of what we know comes from studies where animals took in levels higher than what’s typical in medicine production.

Regulations in Europe, North America, and elsewhere demand detailed safety data for substances like TBP. Makers and pharma companies must show that either the compound leaves no detectable residue in the drug or, if it sticks around, that levels pose no risk over a patient’s lifetime. The International Council for Harmonisation, or ICH, asks for rigorous assessment of solvents and ingredients through Q3C and Q3A guidelines. These help set out acceptable levels for solvents based on evidence and long-term studies, not just on standard chemical purity.

Direct Experience in Handling TBP

I’ve seen people working in pharma labs treat TBP with the same respect as any other powerful solvent. Gloves, goggles, and plenty of ventilation stand out as must-haves any time a bottle comes off the shelf. Spill kits aren’t just for show—just a few drops on the skin can mean stinging and discomfort. Nobody argues about cutting corners on cleanup. From these daily routines, it’s clear nobody trusts TBP on reputation alone. What matters is staying mindful about where and how it fits into production and what analytical checks confirm about its absence in the pills, capsules, or fluids that reach patients.

Practical Steps Toward Safe Use

Pharma firms have a checklist that runs longer than most shopping lists. Raw TBP batches need batch-specific certificates of analysis and may need re-testing before use. Processes are designed to minimize how much TBP enters the system, and clever engineering often keeps it from ever touching the medicine itself. Quality control teams check finished products using highly sensitive tools – gas chromatography and mass spectrometry leave little room for error. Results showing traces above allowed limits can halt an entire production run.

Trust grows out of these checks and the transparency of companies sharing data with regulators and customers. For those looking at TBP as an ingredient or processing aid in pharmaceuticals, the answer revolves around process, not just the label. Any use must make sense in context, with firm evidence showing it’s risk-free for patients under real-world conditions. Pharma grade is just one slice of a much larger safety story.

What packaging sizes are available for Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade?

Why Packaging Matters for Tributyl Phosphate

Any time I walk into a warehouse, the first things I notice are the barrels, carboys, and totes stacked along the walls. You spot differences in size, color, labels—each detail tied closely to the chemical’s end use. With Tributyl Phosphate—known to some as TBP—the story is the same. How this chemical arrives can make or break a process, whether in a pharmaceutical plant, a lab, or a distribution center. So, picking the right packaging doesn’t just keep the warehouse tidy, it protects both the product and the people handling it.

From Small Reagents to Bulk Production

Pharma-grade TBP steps out in a range of packaging styles. Some developers prefer smaller bottles, usually in the 500-milliliter to 1-liter range. These are perfect for the analytical lab or controlled pilot studies. Weight restrictions matter here, since lifting a 25-kilogram drum onto a benchtop feels much different than handling a 1-liter bottle. This smaller option keeps waste low and handling simple. Glass or sturdy plastic usually wins for these, since TBP can get aggressive with the wrong material.

Larger-scale users often skip right past bottles and order TBP in 5-liter or 10-liter carboys, sometimes even 20-liter containers depending on the project’s size. Working on a synthesis batch for a commercial API? Those carboys cut down on packaging changes and let you run longer cycles without interruption. Staff who’ve worked long shifts know fewer swaps cut down on mistakes and spillage.

Scaling Up: Drums and IBC Totes

TBP supports extraction processes on an industrial scale, so it’s no surprise that full-size 200-liter (55-gallon) drums are one of the most common sights wherever pharmaceuticals are manufactured. These drums come constructed out of high-quality HDPE or steel lined with suitable coatings, which helps guard against leaks or unwanted reactions. TBP stored in well-sealed drums not only travels better over long distances, it also provides more reliable stock for steady production lines. That means fewer quality hiccups and better compliance with GMP requirements.

Super-sized plants and high-throughput distribution hubs lean on 1,000-liter intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or totes. Think of these as the workhorses for enterprises that need thousands of liters a month. IBCs feature integrated valves for controlled dispensing, sturdy cages for stacking, and labeling real estate to meet any regulatory checklist. I’ve seen plenty of situations where IBCs save both money and time, thanks to less frequent deliveries and fewer trips to recycling the empty packaging.

Preventing Trouble: Choosing and Handling Safely

With TBP, careless storage or poor packaging can mean leaks, fire risks, or staff exposure. That’s why paying close attention to drum gaskets, cap security, and how tightly IBC valves seal is a daily habit in the best-run facilities. In my years watching warehouse teams, the sites that check packaging for swelling, leaks, and missing labels stay ahead of accidents and recall headaches. Pharma grade TBP calls for tighter oversight—no one wants a batch spoiled by cross-contamination from a container that wasn’t up to standard.

Package choice links straight to how companies keep up with shifting pharmacopoeial standards. Traceability, tamper-evidence, and lot identification end up as vital as the chemical’s purity. Suppliers with a strong track record in quality and prompt shipping tend to offer smart recommendations on the sizing that suits both your batch size and local safety regulations.

Smart Sourcing Brings Peace of Mind

Every lab manager and plant supervisor faces the same question—how much do you order, and how does it arrive? The choices, whether a 1-liter lab glass, a 20-liter jug, a drum, or an IBC, can unlock savings or cause hassle. The best experiences I’ve had came from partnerships where the supplier understood the reality on the ground. Packaging trails close behind purity as a purchase driver, and for good reason. It’s not about simply containing a liquid—it’s about keeping people and products safe from beginning to end.

How should Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade be stored and handled?

Staying Safe with Chemicals That Matter

Throughout my time in labs and on factory floors, one thing sticks with me: taking shortcuts with chemicals invites trouble. Tributyl Phosphate, or TBP for short, holds its place in many pharma and research settings. It separates liquids, extracts compounds, and keeps processes moving. Sounds routine, right? Here’s the deal: safe handling shapes not only workplace health but also the medicine and materials people rely on every day.

Looking at What Makes TBP Special—and Tricky

You’ll find TBP clear, maybe with a faint yellow tint, giving off a smell that hints at trouble. It doesn’t catch fire easily, though it’ll burn if pushed. TBP can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs and loves to evaporate slowly. Forget it on a bench, it puts vapors in the air. Absorb it through your glove or let it hit skin, and soon you might feel headaches or dizziness. I learned early: treat it with respect and keep it away from food or drinks, always.

How to Keep TBP Out of Harm’s Way

I’ve stored TBP plenty—industrial plant to research storeroom. Go with a tight-sealed container, glass or strong, chemical-resistant plastic, no metal that could corrode. Label everything with hazard symbols, batch details, and the opening date. That faded marker scrawl may seem harmless; it isn’t when someone reaches for the wrong bottle by mistake.

For location, shoot for cool, dry, ventilated space out of direct sun. Heat pumps up pressure inside sealed drums. Sun cooks off vapors and changes chemical qualities. TBP shouldn’t share shelves with acids, alkalis, or oxidizers. That kind of neighbor spells trouble: leaks mix and suddenly you’ve got dangerous fumes, even fire risk.

Moving, Measuring, and Using With Care

Picture pouring from a heavy drum, a splash hitting your wrist, or vapor getting sucked up with each breath. That’s why I suit up: goggles, proper gloves—nitrile works well—and a decent lab coat. If anything spills, all staff should have steps drilled into memory—neutralizer or absorbent, ventilate, and dispose waste per local rules. No colleague ever thanked a boss for skipping training on spill kits or missing warning signs.

Mixing or measuring TBP? Always do it in a fume hood. Even small drops release fumes that pile up quick in a closed room. Waste builds up, too, and dumping even a few milliliters down the drain lands a company in hot water with regulators. Proper chemical waste containers, all labeled, all tracked, that’s what keeps inspectors and local communities happy.

Getting Handling Right Benefits Everyone

Safe storage and handling dig deeper than workplace checklists. It protects the medicines that reach the market, shields workers and their families, and keeps the environment cleaner. OSHA and European safety agencies lay out their guidance for a reason—the facts show poor handling leads to more injuries and long-term effects. Even seasoned teams need regular reminders and retraining, since complacency creeps in fast.

Automation now takes over some old jobs, reducing direct contact. But everyone from procurement to janitorial staff should still respect what’s in every container. The personal experience I’ve gained echoes the research: one mistake can guide new protocols better than a mountain of paperwork. Still, I prefer to share lessons before trouble hits. That’s the kind of culture that pushes the industry forward—and puts safety first where it really counts.

Tributyl Phosphate BP EP USP Pharma Grade
Names
Preferred IUPAC name Tributyl phosphate
Other names TBP
Tributylphosphate
Phosphoric acid tributyl ester
Phosphoric acid, tri-n-butyl ester
Tri-n-butyl phosphate
Pronunciation /ˌtraɪˈbjuːtɪl fəʊsˈfeɪt/
Identifiers
CAS Number 126-73-8
Beilstein Reference 4254980
ChEBI CHEBI:36005
ChEMBL CHEMBL142967
ChemSpider 15916
DrugBank DB11179
ECHA InfoCard 03bb3dde-c566-41ee-950a-8d939864595c
EC Number 204-800-2
Gmelin Reference Gmelin Reference: 137176
KEGG C01830
MeSH D017045
PubChem CID 6586
RTECS number TD9625000
UNII J699L8B0Z9
UN number UN3272
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) CompTox Dashboard (EPA) DSSTox Substance ID: DTXSID2020589
Properties
Chemical formula C12H27O4P
Molar mass 266.32 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor Odorless
Density 0.972 g/cm3
Solubility in water Insoluble in water
log P 4.0
Vapor pressure 0.4 mmHg (20°C)
Acidity (pKa) 1.3
Basicity (pKb) 1.60
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) Diamagnetic (-60 × 10⁻⁶ cgs)
Refractive index (nD) 1.420 - 1.423
Viscosity 3.5 – 4.6 cP
Dipole moment 2.68 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 576.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -1367 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -7214 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code V09IX04
Hazards
GHS labelling GHS07, GHS08
Pictograms GHS06,GHS08
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H302 + H312 + H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
Precautionary statements P210, P261, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) NFPA 704: 2-1-0
Flash point 150°C
Autoignition temperature 410°C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 (oral, rat): 3000 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (oral, rat): 3000 mg/kg
NIOSH TT4100000
PEL (Permissible) PEL: 5 mg/m³
REL (Recommended) 1 mg/m³
IDLH (Immediate danger) IDHL: 30 ppm
Related compounds
Related compounds Phosphoric acid
Dibutyl phosphate
Monobutyl phosphate
Trimethyl phosphate
Triethyl phosphate
Trioctyl phosphate