- ▸ Solvent extraction: Extractant for rare-earth and actinide/nuclear fuel-cycle separations
- ▸ Antifoam: Defoaming agent, including cement slurries for oil-well casings
- ▸ Plasticizer: Plasticizer for cellulose esters, lacquers, and vinyl resins
- ▸ Hydraulic fluids: Component of fire-resistant aircraft hydraulic fluids
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →
Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is a trialkyl phosphate best known as a solvent and metal-extraction agent and as an anti-foam, with plasticizer and flame-retardant-phosphate roles as well. Identity: CAS 126-73-8.
What it is
Tributyl phosphate (CAS 126-73-8) is a clear, water-immiscible liquid trialkyl phosphate. It is a powerful selective solvent and a long-standing extractant for metal salts, and an effective defoamer.
How it performs in fire
It functions chiefly as a solvent, an extractant and an anti-foam; as a phosphate ester it also plasticizes and contributes phosphorus for fire performance in some systems. Its FR role is secondary to its solvent/extractant use.
Applications
TBP is used as a solvent, extractant and anti-foam in metal processing, industrial fluids and coatings, and as a plasticizer/FR-contributing phosphate. Compare the air-detraining TIBP.
Forms, grades and handling
TBP is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs and bulk. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and confirm regulatory status and restrictions for your market and end use — flame-retardant regulation evolves. Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources Tributyl Phosphate direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your polymer or system, the fire test you must pass, your maximum loading, and whether the application must be halogen-free, and we will quote the right grade. See the full range and selection logic in the flame retardants guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Solvent / extractant / anti-foam (trialkyl phosphate) |
| Flame-retardant type | Trialkyl phosphate |
| Role in fire performance | Solvent / extractant / anti-foam; phosphorus contribution |
| CAS Number | 126-73-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C12H27O4P |
| Molecular Weight | 266.31 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 204-800-2
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Solvent Extraction (SX) Reagents for Hydrometallurgy (Oil, Gas & Mining)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tributyl phosphate (TBP) used for?
Tributyl phosphate (CAS 126-73-8) is a trialkyl phosphate used mainly as a solvent and metal-extraction agent and as an anti-foam, with secondary plasticizer and flame-retardant-phosphate roles.
How is bulk tributyl phosphate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies tributyl phosphate in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity, polymer/system and the fire test you must pass.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Tributyl Phosphate (TBP)?
Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) (CAS 126-73-8) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 204-800-2).