PHOSFLEX 176C

Phosflex 176C is a low-viscosity trialkyl phosphate ester based on Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate.

Phosflex 176C functions as a leveling agent, plasticizer, low-temperature softener, antifoaming agent, and flame-retardancy-supporting additive in industrial formulations.

Phosflex 176C combines excellent flow characteristics with efficient polymer plasticization, low-temperature flexibility, and compatibility with selected coating, rubber, wax, and resin systems.

CAS Number: 78-51-3

EC Number: 201-122-9

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₉O₇P

Molecular Weight: 398.47 g/mol

SYNONYMS

Phosflex 176C, PHOSFLEX® 176C, Phosflex® T-BEP, Phosflex T-BEP, PHOSFLEX T-BEP, Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate, Tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate, Tri(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate, Tri-2-butoxyethyl Phosphate, Tris(butoxyethyl) Phosphate, Tributoxyethyl Phosphate, Tributoxyethylphosphate, Tributyl Cellosolve Phosphate, Tributyl Cellosolve Phosphoric Acid Ester, Phosphoric Acid Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Ester, Phosphoric Acid Tri(2-butoxyethyl) Ester, Phosphoric Acid Tributoxyethyl Ester, Ethanol, 2-Butoxy-, Phosphate (3:1), Ethanol, 2-Butoxy-, 1,1′,1″-Phosphate, 2-Butoxyethanol Phosphate, Tri(2-butoxyethanol) Phosphate, Tris(2-n-butoxyethyl) Phosphate, Tris(Butylglycol) Phosphate, Tris[2-(butyloxy)ethyl] Phosphate, TBOEP, TBEP, TBOP, TBXP, KP-140, KP 140, Kronitex KP-140, Amgard TBEP, Hostaphat TBEP, Hostaphat TBEP HQ, Hostaphat B 310, Tributoxyethyl Phosphate Plasticizer, Butoxyethyl Phosphate Ester, Trialkyl Phosphate Ester, Low-Viscosity Phosphate Plasticizer, Phosphate Ester Leveling Agent, Floor-Polish Leveling Agent, Wax Leveling Agent, Polymer-Dispersion Plasticizer, Chlorinated-Rubber Plasticizer, Nitrile-Rubber Plasticizer, Rubber Low-Temperature Softener, Ore-Beneficiation Antifoaming Agent, Phosphate Ester Defoamer, CAS 78-51-3, EC 201-122-9, EINECS 201-122-9, UNII RYA6940G86, PubChem CID 6540, DTXSID5021758, CHEBI 35038, MFCD00009456, NSC 4839, NSC 62228, C₁₈H₃₉O₇P

APPLICATIONS

Phosflex 176C serves as a leveling agent in floor-polish formulations designed to produce smooth and uniform protective films.
Phosflex 176C improves spreading across resilient flooring by reducing surface defects caused by uneven liquid distribution.

Phosflex 176C supports acrylic floor finishes that require good flow before water and other volatile components evaporate.
Phosflex 176C helps freshly applied floor finishes develop a continuous appearance with fewer brush marks, streaks, or localized thickness variations.

Phosflex 176C contributes to styrenic and acrylic-styrenic floor-polish emulsions requiring a balance of hardness and film flexibility.
Phosflex 176C promotes controlled coalescence and leveling when Phosflex 176C remains compatible with the polymer dispersion and wax package.

Phosflex 176C functions as a flow-enhancing ingredient in dry-bright floor finishes intended to develop gloss without mechanical polishing.
Phosflex 176C improves the ability of the wet film to spread evenly before the polymer phase forms a durable surface layer.

Phosflex 176C facilitates the manufacture of floor-care products for institutional, commercial, and industrial maintenance programs.
Phosflex 176C enables formulators to balance application flow, gloss development, film flexibility, and resistance to visible coating irregularities.

Phosflex 176C serves as a leveling and softening agent in wax formulations used for surface protection and appearance modification.
Phosflex 176C helps compatible wax systems spread more uniformly across floors, furniture surfaces, coated materials, and industrial substrates.

Phosflex 176C supports emulsion waxes containing polymers, surfactants, wax particles, and water-soluble formulation auxiliaries.
Phosflex 176C contributes to film continuity by improving the interaction between the dispersed wax phase and the surrounding formulation.

Phosflex 176C functions in solvent-containing wax systems requiring a low-viscosity phosphate ester with slow evaporation.
Phosflex 176C provides sufficient working time for the wax layer to level before the formulation reaches its final dry state.

Phosflex 176C contributes to paper coatings that require improved surface flow and uniform binder distribution.
Phosflex 176C helps coating formulations spread across paper or paperboard without producing excessive localized accumulation.

Phosflex 176C supports coated-paper applications in which flexibility, surface appearance, and controlled film formation are important.
Phosflex 176C can improve coating uniformity when Phosflex 176C is compatible with the selected latex, pigment, and additive system.

Phosflex 176C functions as an antifoaming agent in ore-beneficiation and mineral-processing operations.
Phosflex 176C reduces persistent foam that can interfere with pumping, separation, flotation control, and process-vessel capacity.

Phosflex 176C supports mineral-processing circuits containing surfactants, collectors, frothers, and finely divided mineral solids.
Phosflex 176C helps control unwanted foam without functioning as the primary mineral collector or flotation reagent.

Phosflex 176C contributes to ore-slurry treatment where mechanical agitation and air entrainment generate unstable process foam.
Phosflex 176C promotes bubble collapse by spreading through susceptible foam films and reducing their mechanical stability.

Phosflex 176C enables mineral processors to adjust antifoaming performance through controlled addition at selected process locations.
Phosflex 176C requires site-specific testing because ore composition, water chemistry, frother type, solids concentration, and temperature affect performance.

Phosflex 176C serves as a softener and plasticizer in chlorinated-rubber formulations.
Phosflex 176C improves flexibility and processability while helping reduce the brittleness associated with rigid or highly chlorinated polymer structures.

Phosflex 176C supports chlorinated-rubber coatings, adhesives, and specialty compounds requiring low-temperature flexibility.
Phosflex 176C contributes to easier application and reduced cracking when Phosflex 176C is used at a compatible concentration.

Phosflex 176C functions as an efficient plasticizer in nitrile-rubber formulations.
Phosflex 176C reduces intermolecular forces within nitrile rubber and allows the polymer chains to move more freely during deformation.

Phosflex 176C provides useful low-temperature properties in nitrile-rubber compounds designed for flexible service.
Phosflex 176C helps elastomeric articles retain softness when exposure temperatures would otherwise increase stiffness.

Phosflex 176C contributes to seals and gaskets requiring flexibility, resilience, and controlled compression behavior.
Phosflex 176C supports sealing compounds used in industrial assemblies where low-temperature deformation and recovery are important.

Phosflex 176C supports hose formulations based on compatible nitrile or chlorinated-rubber systems.
Phosflex 176C helps flexible hoses withstand bending and movement without excessive hardening at reduced temperatures.

Phosflex 176C facilitates the manufacture of flexible shoe soles and related molded-rubber articles.
Phosflex 176C contributes to softness, resilience, and comfort while helping the rubber compound maintain practical processing characteristics.

Phosflex 176C supports rubber compounds requiring lower compression set than unsuitable plasticizer systems may provide.
Phosflex 176C enables elastomer formulators to balance softness with recovery after prolonged mechanical compression.

Phosflex 176C contributes phosphorus to compatible rubber and polymer systems requiring reduced flammability.
Phosflex 176C can support flame-retardancy performance while simultaneously providing plasticization and low-temperature flexibility.

Phosflex 176C functions as a viscosity modifier in selected plastisol formulations.
Phosflex 176C reduces processing viscosity and supports more uniform spreading, coating, dipping, or casting when Phosflex 176C is compatible with the resin system.

Phosflex 176C assists the incorporation of resins, fillers, pigments, and stabilizers into liquid polymer compounds.
Phosflex 176C improves wetting and flow when sufficient mechanical mixing distributes Phosflex 176C throughout the formulation.

Phosflex 176C serves as a plasticizer for compatible polymer dispersions.
Phosflex 176C increases film flexibility and can improve coalescence when the polymer chemistry and application conditions are suitable.

Phosflex 176C supports waterborne resin systems requiring an oil-compatible plasticizer with limited water solubility.
Phosflex 176C partitions mainly into the polymer-rich phase after Phosflex 176C is emulsified or dispersed within the formulation.

Phosflex 176C contributes to industrial lacquers and coatings requiring a low-viscosity phosphate ester.
Phosflex 176C supports leveling, resin compatibility, flexibility, and controlled application behavior in suitably formulated systems.

Phosflex 176C functions as a specialty solvent for selected resins, plasticizers, oils, and organic formulation ingredients.
Phosflex 176C provides low volatility during normal processing and allows extended interaction with compatible resin components.

Phosflex 176C supports coating formulations that require both plasticizing and surface-flow performance.
Phosflex 176C enables formulators to reduce the number of separate additives when Phosflex 176C provides multiple useful functions in the same system.

Phosflex 176C contributes to adhesive formulations based on compatible chlorinated, nitrile, acrylic, or specialty resin systems.
Phosflex 176C improves flexibility and wetting while helping the adhesive layer resist brittle behavior after drying.

Phosflex 176C supports sealants and flexible coating compounds requiring persistent plasticization.
Phosflex 176C must be evaluated for migration, extraction resistance, adhesion, cure compatibility, and long-term mechanical performance.

Phosflex 176C functions as a pigment-wetting and flow-supporting auxiliary in selected ink and coating concentrates.
Phosflex 176C helps liquid vehicles penetrate pigment agglomerates when Phosflex 176C is combined with suitable dispersants and milling energy.

Phosflex 176C contributes to specialty printing and coating systems that require slow evaporation and controlled open time.
Phosflex 176C helps the applied liquid remain mobile long enough to develop a smoother and more uniform film.

Phosflex 176C supports selected synthetic-rubber and plastic formulations requiring a halogen-free phosphorus-containing additive.
Phosflex 176C can improve flexibility while contributing to reduced flammability under formulation-specific test conditions.

Phosflex 176C enables formulators to blend a phosphate plasticizer with conventional non-flame-retarding plasticizers.
Phosflex 176C allows plasticizing efficiency, low-temperature behavior, cost, migration resistance, and flame performance to be balanced through testing.

Phosflex 176C serves as a formulation auxiliary in specialty industrial fluids where solvency and low viscosity are required.
Phosflex 176C can modify fluidity and additive compatibility when Phosflex 176C remains stable under the intended temperature and chemical conditions.

Phosflex 176C supports laboratory development of phosphate-ester plasticizer systems for polymers, rubbers, coatings, and waxes.
Phosflex 176C allows researchers to evaluate relationships among additive loading, flexibility, hardness, flow, migration, and flame response.

Phosflex 176C contributes to quality-control reference formulations used to compare alternative plasticizers or leveling agents.
Phosflex 176C provides measurable effects on viscosity, low-temperature flexibility, surface appearance, and polymer mechanical behavior.

Phosflex 176C enables industrial manufacturers to develop multifunctional formulations requiring plasticization, leveling, antifoaming, and phosphorus content.
Phosflex 176C performance should be confirmed through application-specific compatibility, aging, extraction, flammability, and processing trials.

DESCRIPTION

Phosflex 176C is a legacy commercial name associated with Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate and the current ICL trade name Phosflex T-BEP.
Phosflex 176C belongs to the class of non-halogenated trialkyl phosphate esters used as industrial plasticizers and formulation auxiliaries.

Phosflex 176C has the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₉O₇P and a molecular weight of 398.47 g/mol.
Phosflex 176C is identified by CAS Number 78-51-3 and EC Number 201-122-9.

Phosflex 176C contains one phosphoryl group bonded through oxygen atoms to three 2-butoxyethyl chains.
Phosflex 176C combines a polar phosphate centre with flexible ether-containing aliphatic groups.

Phosflex 176C is commonly manufactured by reacting 2-butoxyethanol with a suitable phosphorus-based esterification reagent.
Phosflex 176C production requires controlled reaction conditions, removal of acidic by-products, purification, and final specification adjustment.

Phosflex 176C normally appears as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid.
Phosflex 176C may exhibit a mild butyl-like or characteristic ester odor depending on purity and storage history.

Phosflex 176C has a very low commercial viscosity of approximately 12 mPa·s at 25°C according to current ICL specifications.
Phosflex 176C has a commercial specific gravity of approximately 1.02 and a phosphorus content of approximately 7.8%.

Phosflex 176C is only partly soluble in water and displays considerably greater affinity for many organic and polymeric phases.
Phosflex 176C has reported water solubility of approximately 0.66 g/L at 25°C for the defined Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate substance.

Phosflex 176C remains liquid at very low temperatures because the melting or freezing point is below approximately −70°C.
Phosflex 176C consequently provides useful handling and plasticizing performance in applications exposed to reduced temperatures.

Phosflex 176C has a high boiling range of approximately 215–228°C at a reduced pressure of 5 hPa.
Phosflex 176C exhibits low volatility under normal ambient handling conditions but should not be regarded as non-volatile during heating.

Phosflex 176C has a reported closed-cup flash point of approximately 159°C under ISO 1523 conditions.
Phosflex 176C may show a higher open-cup flash point, with practical-grade data reporting approximately 210°C by the Cleveland open-cup method.

Phosflex 176C plasticizes polymers by increasing free volume and reducing restrictive interactions between adjacent polymer chains.
Phosflex 176C allows compatible polymer segments to move more freely, producing lower hardness and improved flexibility.

Phosflex 176C improves leveling by reducing formulation viscosity and supporting redistribution of a freshly applied liquid film.
Phosflex 176C helps surface irregularities diminish before the coating, polish, wax, or resin system becomes immobile.

Phosflex 176C controls foam by entering susceptible foam films and promoting drainage or rupture.
Phosflex 176C antifoaming efficiency depends on dispersibility, surface activity, process shear, temperature, and the chemistry of the surrounding liquid.

Phosflex 176C is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions when Phosflex 176C is stored correctly.
Phosflex 176C should be protected from strong heating, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and incompatible reactive materials.

Phosflex 176C can undergo thermal decomposition during fire or severe overheating.
Phosflex 176C combustion or decomposition can generate carbon oxides, phosphorus oxides, smoke, and irritating vapors.

Phosflex 176C has low vapor pressure at ordinary temperatures and a reported vapor density substantially greater than air.
Phosflex 176C vapors generated during intense heating may accumulate in poorly ventilated low areas.

Phosflex 176C has a reported log octanol-water partition coefficient of approximately 3.75.
Phosflex 176C therefore exhibits greater affinity for organic phases than for water while showing low measured bioconcentration in cited test data.

Phosflex 176C commercial performance depends on purity, acidity, moisture, color, viscosity, phosphorus content, and trace impurities.
Phosflex 176C acceptance limits should follow the current ICL specification and the certificate of analysis supplied with each batch.

Phosflex 176C may contain small quantities of manufacturing-related impurities in technical commercial grades.
Phosflex 176C should not be assumed equivalent to analytical-grade Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate without reviewing the relevant specification.

Phosflex 176C should be tested with every polymer, resin, wax, pigment, surfactant, and stabilizer combination before commercial use.
Phosflex 176C compatibility can be affected by additive concentration, temperature, curing chemistry, water content, and processing sequence.

Phosflex 176C migration and extraction resistance depend on the surrounding polymer structure and the total formulation.
Phosflex 176C should be evaluated through heat aging, low-temperature testing, immersion, volatility, compression-set, and flammability studies.

Phosflex 176C retains quality most effectively in tightly closed containers protected from contamination and excessive heat.
Phosflex 176C should be handled according to the current regional ICL Safety Data Sheet and site-specific occupational controls.

PROPERTIES

Product Name: Phosflex 176C

Current Related Trade Name: Phosflex® T-BEP

Manufacturer: ICL

Chemical Name: Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate

IUPAC Name: Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate

CAS Name: Ethanol, 2-Butoxy-, Phosphate (3:1)

Chemical Family: Trialkyl Phosphate Esters

Substance Type: Non-Halogenated Organophosphate Ester

Primary Functions: Leveling Agent, Plasticizer, Softener, Antifoaming Agent, and Flame-Retardancy-Supporting Additive

CAS Number: 78-51-3

EC Number: 201-122-9

PubChem CID: 6540

UNII: RYA6940G86

DSSTox Substance ID: DTXSID5021758

ChEBI ID: CHEBI:35038

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₉O₇P

Structural Formula: [CH₃(CH₂)₃OCH₂CH₂O]₃P=O

Molecular Weight: 398.47 g/mol

Exact Mass: Approximately 398.2437 Da

InChIKey: WTLBZVNBAKMVDP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES: CCCCOCCOP(=O)(OCCOCCCC)OCCOCCCC

Phosphorus Content: Approximately 7.8%

Physical State: Liquid

Appearance: Clear, Colorless to Pale-Yellow Liquid

Odor: Mild Butyl-Like or Characteristic Odor

Commercial Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.02

Density of Defined Substance: Approximately 1.006 g/cm³ at 25°C

Commercial Viscosity: Approximately 12 mPa·s at 25°C

Melting Point: Below Approximately −70°C

Boiling Range: Approximately 215–228°C at 5 hPa

Closed-Cup Flash Point: Approximately 159°C

Open-Cup Flash Point: Approximately 210°C for a Referenced Practical Grade

Autoignition Temperature: Approximately 322°C

Vapor Pressure: Approximately 0.04 hPa at 150°C

Relative Vapor Density: Approximately 13.75, Air = 1

Water Solubility: Approximately 0.66 g/L at 25°C

Water Behavior: Partly Soluble

Organic Solvent Compatibility: Greater Compatibility with Organic and Non-Polar Media than with Water

Log Pow: Approximately 3.75

Surface Tension: Approximately 32.7 mN/m at 20.2°C

Volatility: Low under Normal Ambient Conditions

Ionic Character: Nonionic

Halogen Content: Halogen-Free

Plasticizing Efficiency: High in Compatible Low-Temperature Rubber Systems

Leveling Performance: Excellent in Compatible Coating and Floor-Finish Systems

Low-Temperature Properties: Excellent in Compatible Rubber Formulations

Compression-Set Performance: Supports Low Compression Set in Suitable Rubber Compounds

Resilience: Supports Good Resilience in Suitable Elastomer Systems

Foam Control: Effective Antifoaming Performance in Ore-Beneficiation Applications

TGA Weight Loss: Approximately 2% at 170°C

TGA Weight Loss: Approximately 5% at 200°C

TGA Weight Loss: Approximately 10% at 225°C

Chemical Stability: Stable under Standard Ambient Conditions

Combustibility: Combustible Liquid

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon Oxides and Phosphorus Oxides

Incompatible Materials: Strong Oxidizing Agents and Strong Bases

Conditions to Avoid: Strong Heating and Uncontrolled Contact with Incompatible Materials

Transport Status: Not Classified as Dangerous Goods under DOT, IMDG, or IATA in the Referenced Laboratory SDS

Storage Class: Combustible Liquids

Storage Conditions: Tightly Closed, Cool, Dry, and Well Ventilated

Shelf Life: Refer to the Current ICL Specification and Certificate of Analysis

FIRST AID

Inhalation: Move the person exposed to Phosflex 176C vapor, mist, or aerosol into fresh air.
Obtain medical attention if Phosflex 176C exposure causes persistent coughing, discomfort, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.

Skin Contact: Remove clothing contaminated with Phosflex 176C and rinse the affected skin thoroughly with water.
Wash skin exposed to Phosflex 176C with soap and obtain medical advice if irritation or discomfort persists.

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes exposed to Phosflex 176C immediately with plenty of clean water.
Remove contact lenses when easy to do and obtain medical attention if Phosflex 176C causes continuing redness, pain, or visual disturbance.

Ingestion: Rinse the mouth after accidental ingestion of Phosflex 176C and give a small amount of water if the person is fully conscious.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by qualified medical personnel and seek medical advice if the person feels unwell.

Note to Physicians: Treat Phosflex 176C exposure symptomatically and provide supportive care.
Consult the current ICL Safety Data Sheet because Phosflex 176C commercial specifications and regional hazard classifications may differ from laboratory-grade Tris(2-butoxyethyl) Phosphate.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling: Handle Phosflex 176C according to good industrial hygiene and chemical-processing practices.
Avoid breathing Phosflex 176C vapor or aerosol and prevent unnecessary Phosflex 176C contact with the eyes, skin, and clothing.

Ventilation: Provide effective general ventilation wherever Phosflex 176C is transferred, mixed, heated, sprayed, or sampled.
Use local exhaust ventilation and suitable respiratory protection when Phosflex 176C mist or aerosol cannot be adequately controlled.

Storage: Store Phosflex 176C in tightly closed original or supplier-approved containers.
Keep Phosflex 176C in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from excessive heat, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures: Cover drains and contain released Phosflex 176C with a suitable inert liquid-absorbent material.
Prevent Phosflex 176C from entering soil, surface water, or drainage systems and transfer recovered Phosflex 176C into labeled waste containers.

Handling Precautions: Wear suitable safety glasses, protective gloves, and work clothing while handling concentrated Phosflex 176C.
Keep Phosflex 176C away from flames and hot surfaces, wash thoroughly after handling, and review the current regional ICL Safety Data Sheet before commercial use.