China and the United States are the leading exporters of tributyl phosphate, accounting for a substantial share of global shipments, while Germany, South Korea, and India are among the top importers. Tributyl phosphate prices have remained relatively stable amid steady cross-border flows driven by demand in flame retardants and solvent applications. Export volumes from China increased modestly in 2023–2024, while U.S. exports held steady, and European imports showed slight consolidation among key industrial users.
Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is a colorless to pale yellow, odorless, viscous liquid at room temperature with low volatility and a boiling point of approximately 289 °C. It is an organophosphorus compound classified as a trialkyl phosphate ester. TBP is widely used as a solvent extraction reagent in nuclear fuel processing and metal hydrometallurgy—particularly for uranium and rare earth elements—and serves as a plasticizer in cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, and synthetic resins. It also functions as a flame retardant additive in plastics and coatings, and as a component in hydraulic fluids and lubricant additives.
Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is a trialkyl phosphate that is the tributyl ester of phosphoric acid. TBP is a toxic organophosphorous compound widely used in many industrial applications, including significant usage in nuclear processing. TBP is a solvent and plasticizer for cellulose esters such as nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate. The major uses of TBP in industry are as a component of aircraft hydraulic fluid and as a solvent for extraction and purification of rare earth metals from their ores, such as uranium and plutonium. TBP is used also in mercerizing liquids, where it improves their wetting properties. TBP is also used as a heat exchange medium. TBP is used in some consumer products such as herbicides and water thinned paints and tinting bases.
Tributyl phosphateis an odorless colorless to yellow liquid. The solubility of TBP is only 280 mg/L in water at 25°C. It is soluble in diethyl ether, benzene, carbon disulfide. It can be miscible with ethanol. It is stable, but it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals - Acid Esters. See more about what is Tributyl Phosphate and Tributyl Phosphate SDS information.
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