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| "Synonyms:TBEP Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, phosphate (3:1) Tri(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate Tris(2-butoxyethanol) phosphate Tributoxyethyl phosphate Molecular Formula:C18H39O7P Molecular Weight: 398.47 HS Code: 2919900090 Grade：Enterprise Standards Hazard Class:General Cargo" | |||||||||
78-51-3
boss chem
78-51-3
1. Product Overview
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) is a clear, low-viscosity organophosphate liquid that combines flame retardancy, plasticizing action and defoaming power in a single molecule. It is one of the most widely used phosphate ester additives in household and industrial materials — a standard flame-retardant plasticizer for PVC, polyurethane rubber and cellulose polymers, and the classic plasticizer of floor polishes.
TBEP owes its versatility to a balanced structure: three butoxyethyl chains give excellent compatibility with polar polymers and extreme low-temperature flexibility (pour point below −70 °C), while the central phosphate group delivers halogen-free flame retardancy and defoaming activity. From flooring to synthetic leather, printing inks to medical rubber stoppers, one additive serves a remarkably broad formulation base.
A single additive, four core value propositions:
Flame-Retardant Plasticizers:
● a halogen-free flame-retardant plasticizer for PVC, polyurethane rubber, cellulose and epoxy systems;
Floor Polish & Coatings:
● the standard plasticizer of floor polishes and coatings, improving film formation, leveling and durability;
Defoaming & Processing Aids:
● an effective defoamer and multifunctional processing additive in polymer formulations;
Specialty Elastomer :
● a low-temperature plasticizer for elastomers
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) |
Synonyms | TBEP; TBXP; KP-140; Tributoxyethyl phosphate; 2-Butoxyethyl phosphate; Tris(butoxyethyl) phosphate |
CAS No. | 78-51-3 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 201-122-9 |
Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₉O₇P ((C₄H₉OCH₂CH₂O)₃P=O) |
Molecular Weight | 398.47 g/mol |
Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid |
Boiling Point | 215 – 228 °C (4 mmHg) |
Density | ≈ 1.006 g/cm³ (20 °C) |
Pour Point | < −70 °C |
Flash Point | ≈ 190 °C |
Solubility | Slightly soluble in water (≈ 1.1 g/L); soluble in most organic solvents |
3. Chemistry & Structure
TBEP is a trialkyl phosphate: a central P=O group bonded to three 2-butoxyethyl chains — (C₄H₉OCH₂CH₂O)₃P=O. The phosphate center provides halogen-free flame retardancy through gas-phase radical scavenging and condensed-phase char formation; the butoxyethyl chains provide plasticizing compatibility with polar polymers and extreme cold flexibility. This combination — flame retardant + plasticizer + defoamer — is what makes TBEP a true multifunctional additive.
Grade selection follows the market. Industrial grade serves plastics, rubbers, inks and defoaming; coating/polish grade serves floor polishes and coatings where film performance and color matter;
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Halogen-free flame retardancy: phosphorus-based fire protection without halogen or corrosive smoke.
● Efficient plasticizing action: improves flexibility and processing of PVC, polyurethane, NBR and cellulose polymers.
● Extreme low-temperature flexibility: pour point below −70 °C for cold-service polymer products.
● Proven floor-polish performance: the standard plasticizer for gloss, leveling, wear and scuff resistance.
● Built-in defoaming: reduces foam in latex, adhesive and processing systems.
● Broad polymer compatibility: works across vinyl, polyurethane, acrylic, cellulosic and epoxy formulations.
● Multifunctional economy: one additive combining three functions, simplifying formulation.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Flame-Retardant Plasticizers (Core Application)
TBEP is a standard flame-retardant plasticizer of the polymer industry:
● PVC compounds: flame-retardant plasticizer for flexible PVC, synthetic leather and flooring;
● Polyurethane rubber and foams: plasticizer and flame retardant for PU elastomers and flexible foams;
● Cellulosic polymers: plasticizer for cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose and PVA systems;
● Acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), epoxy and adhesives: flame-retardant plasticizer and modifier.
5.2 Floor Polish & Coatings
● Floor polish: the classic plasticizer of emulsion floor polishes — improves film coalescence, gloss and leveling;
● Scuff and wear resistance: strengthens polish films against black-heel marks and abrasion;
● Coatings: plasticizer and flow aid in specialty coating systems.
5.3 Defoaming & Processing Aids
● Defoamer: reduces foam in adhesives, latex and processing fluids;
● Inks: plasticizer and leveling aid in printing inks;
● Waterborne systems: defoaming and film-formation aid in water-based formulations.
5.4 Specialty Elastomer
● Low-temperature elastomers: cold-flexible plasticizer for seals and gaskets;
● Synthetic leather and textiles: plasticizer in coating layers;
● Light-stabilizing systems: heat/light-stable plasticizer for demanding service.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 200 kg galvanized iron drum or HDPE drum, 1,000 L IBC, or ISO tank for bulk;
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture pick-up and contamination;
● Store away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources;
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
TBEP is used as a halogen-free flame-retardant plasticizer for PVC, polyurethane rubber, cellulosic polymers, NBR and epoxy systems; as the standard plasticizer of floor polishes and coatings; as a defoamer and processing aid in adhesives and latex; and low-temperature elastomers.
TBEP plasticizes the polymer film of emulsion floor polishes, helping the film coalesce, level and develop gloss, while improving wear, scuff and black-heel-mark resistance. It also contributes light stability. This combination has made TBEP the benchmark plasticizer of floor-polish formulations for decades (WHO EHC 218 documents its use in floor polishes).
The phosphate group acts in two ways: in the gas phase it scavenges combustion-propagating free radicals (H·, OH·), and in the condensed phase it promotes char formation that shields the polymer. Because it contains no halogens, TBEP provides fire protection with less corrosive smoke than halogenated systems.
TBEP has low acute toxicity but can irritate the skin and eyes, and long-term environmental and endocrine-related studies have raised attention (WHO EHC 218; PXR-agonistic activity reported).
