TRİ(2-BUTOXYETHANOL) PHOSPHATE

Introduction

Tri butoxyethyl Phosphate and tri(2-butoxyethanol) phosphate are different names for the same chemical compound. The correct IUPAC name is tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, and it is commonly known as TBEP or tributoxyethyl phosphate. It is an organophosphate ester used primarily as a plasticizer, flame retardant, and leveling agent in industrial applications.

In the context of food, TBEP is not a direct food additive. Its primary food-related use has been as a plasticizer in the manufacture of food packaging materials, particularly in adhesives and coatings. It is also present in some food-grade lubricants. As an indirect additive, its presence in food packaging is subject to strict regulatory limits to ensure it does not migrate into the food at unsafe levels.

CAS Number

78-51-3

Synonyms

• TBEP
• Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate
• Tributoxyethyl phosphate
• KP-140
• Kronitex KP-140
• Phosphoric acid, tributoxyethyl ester
• Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, phosphate (3:1)

Topic Headings

1. Primary Industrial and Food Contact Applications (list form)

• Plasticizer in food packaging — Added to plastics, adhesives, and coatings on food packaging to increase flexibility and durability.
• Flame retardant — Used to reduce the flammability of various materials, including those used in food processing environments.
• Leveling agent — Used in paints and inks to ensure an even, consistent surface coating.
• Wetting agent — Used in some industrial processes to improve liquid spreading on surfaces.
• Lubricant additive — Incorporated into some industrial and food-grade lubricants.

2. Mechanism as a Plasticizer (paragraph form)

TBEP functions as a plasticizer by embedding itself between the polymer chains of a rigid plastic material like PVC. Its molecules act as a lubricant, increasing the free volume between the polymer chains and allowing them to slide past one another more freely. This internal lubrication reduces the glass transition temperature of the material, transforming it from a hard, brittle state to a soft, flexible, and durable form suitable for film and coating applications.

3. Physical and chemical properties (list form)

• Appearance — Clear, colorless, viscous liquid.
• Odor — Mild, characteristic odor.
• Molecular weight — 398.48 g/mol.
• Boiling point — Decomposes at high temperatures (above 200°C).
• Viscosity — High, about 12-15 cP at 25°C.
• Solubility — Slightly soluble in water (0.1-1 g/100 mL) but miscible with many organic solvents.
• Phosphorus content — Approximately 7.8% by weight.

4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)

This substance is primarily regulated as an indirect food additive by the FDA. It is listed in the Inventory of Food Contact Substances (FCS) and can be used as a component in food contact materials when it complies with specific regulations. Its safety for these uses is based on migration data showing that the amount transferring to food is below established toxicological concern thresholds. While it has low acute toxicity, it is an environmental pollutant and can be toxic to aquatic life. It is not permitted for direct addition to food in any major market.