Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP ) is an organic chemical compound in the organophosphate group. It is a triakylphosphate.

Occurrence
Since tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate is easily separated from polymers, it is often found in house dust

Properties
Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate is a colourless, viscous liquid with a faint, piercing smell. It has a viscosity of 15 mPas at 20 °C.

Uses
Due to its properties (including that it is a mild biocide), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate is used in a variety of applications:


 * as a plasticizer in polymers (PVC, PU, NBR and others) giving good cold flexibility and flame retarding properties
 * as a carrier for pigments and dyes used in colouring polymers
 * as a component in cutting fluid
 * as a component in release agents, used in the metal casting industry
 * as a solvent in hydrogen peroxide synthesis

Safety
When heated above its flash point of 170 °C, TEHP can release vapours capable of forming explosive mixtures with air.

Several studies concluded that TEHP has the highest bioaccumulation factor of all organophosphate flame retardants examined.