Tributyl phosphate
| Tributyl phosphate | |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | (CH3CH2CH2CH2O)3PO |
| Appearance | colorless to yellowish liquid |
| CAS number | 126–73–8 (anhydrous) 6131–90–4 (trihydrate) |
| Physical | |
| Molecular weight | 266.32 amu |
| Melting point | 193K (-80°C; -112°F) |
| Boiling point | 562K (289°C; 552°F) |
| Density | FIXME g/cm3 |
| Crystal structure | FIXME orthorhombic |
| Solubility | FIXME g/100 g of water |
| Thermochemistry | |
| ΔfH0gas | -? |
| ΔfH0liquid | ? |
| ΔfH0solid | ? |
| S0gas, 1 bar | ? |
| S0liquid, 1 bar | ? |
| S0solid | ? |
| Safety | |
| Ingestion | "May cause abdominal pain, vomiting. Other symptoms parallel inhalation." [1] |
| Inhalation | "Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. May cause headache. May also mildly affect blood cholinesterase levels, which will affect central nervous system operation." [1] |
| Skin | "Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May be absorbed through the skin with possible systemic effects." [1] |
| Eyes | "Causes irritation, redness, and pain." [1] |
| Firefighting Data | |
| Flash point | 120C (248°F) |
| Extingushing Media | "Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Water or foam may cause frothing."[1] |
|
SI units and standard conditions used unless otherwise stated. | |
Tributyl phosphate is an odorless liquid, colorless to pale yellow in appearance, with applications in industrial and nuclear chemistry. It is slightly flammable and moderately dangerous to humans.
Table of contents |
History
Section pending.
Production
Section pending.
Use
Industrial
Section pending.
Nuclear Chemistry
Tributyl phosphate can be used in the extraction of plutonium from spent uranium nuclear fuel rods, as part of a process known as purex. (Because of this, the shipment of 20 tons of tributyl phosphate to North Korea from China in 2002, coinciding with the resumption of activity at the Yongbyon nuclear facilities, was seen by the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency as cause for concern; that amount was considered sufficient to extract enough material for perhaps three to five potential nuclear weapons.)
Hazards
The material will burn, but (in the absence of significant vaporization) should not pose a particular explosive hazard. Inhalation and ingestion should be avoided due to possible central nervous system effects. A lab coat and safety glasses should be worn; an Tributyl phosphate is not presently known to be, or suspected of being, a carcinogen, but may be mutagenic or have reproductive effects; consult the substance's MSDS for full details (see link at bottom).