Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, a chemical compound commonly used as a flame retardant, plays a significant role in everyday life despite its relatively obscure name. This substance is utilized in the manufacturing of various consumer products, such as electronics, furniture, and textiles, to reduce the risk of fire hazards. Consequently, the presence of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate in these items helps safeguard individuals and their surroundings from potential fires, highlighting its importance in enhancing safety and protection in daily activities.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, also known as TBEP, is commonly used as a flame retardant in various commercial and industrial applications. This compound is often added to plastics, resins, and rubber products to reduce their flammability and improve their fire resistance. TBEP can be found in furniture, electronics, automotive components, and building materials.
In addition to its role as a flame retardant, Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate has also been investigated for potential drug and medication applications. Some studies have shown that TBEP may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic effects of TBEP in the medical field.
Overall, the commercial and industrial applications of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate are vast and diverse. This versatile compound plays a crucial role in improving the safety and performance of various products, while also showing promise as a potential therapeutic agent in the pharmaceutical industry. As research on TBEP continues, it is likely that more uses and applications for this compound will be discovered in the future.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is a colorless liquid with a faint odor. It has a chemical formula of C18H39O7P and a molecular weight of 398.48 g/mol. The density of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is approximately 1.06 g/cm3. In comparison, common food items such as sugar and salt have molar masses ranging from 58 to 180 g/mol and densities ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 g/cm3.
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate has a melting point of -67°C and a boiling point of 289°C. These temperatures are significantly higher than those of common food items such as water (melting point of 0°C, boiling point of 100°C) and olive oil (melting point of -6°C, boiling point of 300°C). This indicates that Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is more thermally stable than most food items.
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is sparingly soluble in water, but can be mixed with organic solvents. It has a low viscosity, making it easy to handle and mix with other substances. In contrast, common food items like sugar and salt are highly soluble in water and have varying viscosities, depending on the concentration of the solution. This shows that Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate exhibits different solubility and viscosity properties compared to typical food items.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is typically produced through a multistep process involving the reaction of butoxyethanol with phosphorus oxychloride, followed by neutralization with triethanolamine. The final product is then purified through processes such as distillation or recrystallization to ensure high purity levels.
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate can be procured from chemical suppliers, specialty manufacturers, or distributors who carry a range of specialty chemicals. The compound is often available in liquid form and is shipped in drums, tanks, or other suitable containers. Transportation of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is typically done using tanker trucks, rail cars, or ocean freight, depending on the quantity and destination.
It is important to ensure proper handling and storage of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate to prevent exposure and contamination. The compound should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat or ignition. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, should be worn when handling Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate to minimize the risk of exposure.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate include its potential for causing skin irritation and serious eye damage. Inhalation of the substance can lead to respiratory irritation or even respiratory failure. Ingestion of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is imperative to handle this chemical with caution and ensure proper personal protective equipment is worn at all times.
Hazard statements for Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate include “causes serious eye damage,” “causes skin irritation,” “may cause respiratory irritation,” and “may cause gastrointestinal irritation.” These statements highlight the various ways in which the substance can harm individuals who come into contact with it. It is important to follow proper safety protocols when working with Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate in order to minimize the risk of injury or harm.
Precautionary statements for handling Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate include wearing protective gloves, eye protection, and face protection. It is important to avoid breathing in dust, fumes, or mist from the substance. In case of skin contact, immediately wash with plenty of soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or label. Safe handling and storage practices are essential to prevent accidents and minimize the risks associated with Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate involves its environmental fate and persistence. Studies could focus on the compound’s behavior in various ecosystems, its potential for bioaccumulation in organisms, and its degradation pathways over time.
Another avenue of investigation could center on the toxicological effects of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate on both humans and wildlife. Research could seek to understand the compound’s mechanisms of toxicity, its potential impacts on different organ systems, and the long-term health effects of exposure.
Furthermore, research could explore the potential sources and pathways of human exposure to Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate. Studies could investigate its presence in consumer products, industrial emissions, and environmental media to better understand how individuals may come into contact with the compound.
🧪 Related Compounds
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate is a compound with the molecular formula C18H39O7P, consisting of three butoxyethyl groups attached to a phosphate moiety. Similar compounds can be identified based on the presence of multiple alkyl chains attached to a phosphoryl group.
One such compound is Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, with the molecular formula C24H51O4P. In this molecule, three ethylhexyl groups are bound to a phosphate group, similar to the structure of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate. Both compounds exhibit similar properties and applications due to the presence of multiple alkyl chains with varying lengths.
Another analogous compound is Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, with the molecular formula C6H12Cl3O4P. While the alkyl groups in this compound are chloroethyl rather than butoxyethyl, the overall structure resembles that of Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate. Both compounds share similarities in terms of chemical reactivity and potential uses in different industrial applications.
