- ▸ Flame-retardant plasticizer for flexible PVC, vinyl and nitrocellulose
- ▸ Anti-wear and extreme-pressure additive in lubricants and hydraulic fluids
- ▸ Fire-resistant flexibilizer for coatings and polymer compounds
- ▸ Plasticizer for nitrocellulose lacquers and cellulosic films
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.
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Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is a triaryl phosphate ester that serves three roles at once: a flame-retardant plasticizer for PVC and cellulosics, and an anti-wear / extreme-pressure additive in lubricants and hydraulic fluids. It is a low-volatility, high-performance phosphate ester. Identity: CAS 1330-78-5.
What it is
Tricresyl phosphate (CAS 1330-78-5) is a triaryl phosphate liquid, an ester of phosphoric acid with cresols. Modern commercial grades are specified low in the ortho isomer; specify the grade you need and confirm its regulatory status for your application.
How it performs in fire
As a flame retardant it works in the condensed phase, promoting a protective char, and at the same time it plasticizes the polymer — so in flexible PVC it provides fire performance and flexibility together. In lubricants and hydraulic fluids it functions as an anti-wear and extreme-pressure additive rather than as a flame retardant.
Applications
TCP is used as a flame-retardant plasticizer in flexible PVC, vinyl, nitrocellulose and cellulosic coatings, and as an anti-wear / EP additive in lubricants, greases and hydraulic fluids. Related triaryl options: TPP and TXP; alkyl-aryl alternatives CDP and DPO.
Forms, grades and handling
TCP is supplied as a clear-to-pale liquid in drums, IBCs and bulk. Specify the grade (e.g. low-ortho). 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 Tricresyl 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 | Flame-retardant plasticizer / lubricant additive (triaryl phosphate) |
| Flame-retardant type | Triaryl phosphate |
| Role in fire performance | Condensed-phase char; plasticizer |
| CAS Number | 1330-78-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C21H21O4P |
| Molecular Weight | 368.36 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 809-930-9
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tricresyl phosphate (TCP) used for?
Tricresyl phosphate (CAS 1330-78-5) is a triaryl phosphate ester used as a flame-retardant plasticizer in flexible PVC and cellulosics, and as an anti-wear / extreme-pressure additive in lubricants, greases and hydraulic fluids. Specify the grade and confirm regulatory status for your use.
Is TCP a plasticizer or a flame retardant?
Both — in flexible PVC and cellulosics TCP plasticizes and flame-retards at the same time. In lubricants and hydraulic fluids it is used instead as an anti-wear / EP additive.
What grade of tricresyl phosphate should I specify?
Modern commercial TCP is specified low in the ortho isomer; tell us your application and we will quote the appropriate grade with its CoA. Confirm regulatory status for your market and end use.
How is bulk tricresyl phosphate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies tricresyl 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 Tricresyl Phosphate?
Tricresyl Phosphate (CAS 1330-78-5) 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 809-930-9).