Tributyl phosphate
chemical compound
Tributyl phosphate, known commonly as TBP, is an organophosphorus compound with the chemical formula (CH3CH2CH2CH2O)3PO. This colourless, odourless liquid finds some applications as an extractant and a plasticizer. It is an ester of phosphoric acid with n-butanol.
Production
Tributyl phosphate is manufactured by reaction of phosphoryl chloride with n-butanol.
POCl3 + 3 C4H9OH → PO(OC4H9)3 + 3 HCl
Production is estimated at 3,000–5,000 tonnes worldwide.
Use
TBP is a solvent and plasticizer for cellulose esters such as nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate, similarly to tricresyl phosphate. It is also used as a flame retardant for cellulose fabrics such as cotton. It forms stable hydrophobic complexes with some metals; these complexes are soluble in organic solvents as well as supercritical CO2. The major uses of TBP in industry are as a component of aircraft hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and as a solvent for extraction and purification of rare-earth metals from their ores.
TBP finds its use as a solvent in inks, synthetic resins, gums, adhesives (namely for veneer plywood), and herbicide and fungicide concentrates.
As it has no odour, it is used as an anti-foaming agent in detergent solutions, and in various emulsions, paints, and adhesives.
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