Product Name: Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP)
Chemical Formula: C21H21O4P
Synonyms: Tri-cresyl phosphate; TCP; phosphoric acid, tri-m-cresyl ester
Recommended Use: Plasticizer for plastics and rubber, hydraulic fluids, flame retardants
Manufacturer Details: Provided by producer or supplier information
Emergency Contact: Provided by manufacturer or local poison control center
CAS Number: 1330-78-5
Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral - Category 3); Skin and eye irritation (Category 2/2A); Neurotoxin; Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 2)
Label Elements: Skull and crossbones for acute toxicity, exclamation mark for irritant, environment symbol for aquatic toxicity
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed; long-term exposure may cause nerve damage; causes skin and eye irritation; toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation, skin and eye contact; wear protective equipment; handle in well-ventilated area; keep away from drains and natural waters
Other Hazards: Repeated, prolonged exposures increase risk of delayed neuropathy; possible accumulation in aquatic organisms
Chemical Name: Tricresyl Phosphate
Common Name: TCP
Concentration: Typically 99% or higher
Impurities: O-cresyl and p-cresyl isomers (impurities may affect neurotoxicity profile)
Molecular Weight: 368.36 g/mol
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air; support breathing; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance; watch for symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or delayed neurological effects
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently for at least 15 minutes with water; remove contact lenses; obtain medical attention if stinging or redness continues
Advice for Physicians: Monitor for delayed neurotoxic effects; treat symptomatically and supportively
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray
Special Hazards: On combustion, releases toxic and irritating fumes including phosphorous oxides and phenolic compounds
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and complete fire protective clothing
Firefighting Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe; use water spray to cool tanks; avoid run-off contamination
Explosion Hazard: Not readily explosive, but containers may burst when heated
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, and approved respiratory protection
Environmental Measures: Prevent release to waterways, soil, and drains; alert relevant authorities in case of significant spill
Spill Clean-Up Methods: Absorb with inert materials (such as sand or diatomaceous earth); scoop into a sealable container for proper disposal
Decontamination: Wash spill site after material pick-up; ventilate area thoroughly
Safe Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation; avoid inhaling vapors or mist; avoid skin and eye contact; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from sunlight and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, acids)
Special Handling Notes: Handle only in chemical fume hood or with local exhaust; keep away from flame and high heat; label containers clearly
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m³ (skin), OSHA PEL: Not established (values updated as regulations change)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation; process enclosure; emergency wash facilities in proximity
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective goggles, lab coats, and, when necessary, face shields and respirators (NIOSH-approved for organic vapors)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid
Odor: Slight aromatic odor
Boiling Point: 410 °C (770 °F) at 760 mmHg
Melting Point: -30 °C (-22 °F)
Flash Point: 219 °C (426 °F) (closed cup)
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Miscible with ethanol, benzene, ether
Density: 1.16–1.22 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure: 0.0002 mmHg at 20 °C
Viscosity: 37–45 mPa·s at 20 °C
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 4.1 (high bioaccumulation potential)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of handling and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Elevated temperature, open flames, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition: Phosphoric acid fumes, cresols, carbon oxides (CO and CO2)
Polymerization: Not likely under recommended storage conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Oral LD50 (rat) 17–30 mg/kg; may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, gut disturbances
Chronic Effects: Delayed neurological damage; progressive weakness or paralysis possible with repeated exposure
Skin and Eye Effects: Causes irritation, redness, possible dermatitis or blistering with prolonged contact
Symptoms on Overexposure: Numbness, unsteady gait, muscle weakness, long-term nerve damage (organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy)
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA but some studies suggest potential risk
Reproductive Toxicity: Evidence is limited but not fully ruled out; data remains inconclusive
Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life (Daphnia LC50: 1–10 mg/l over 48 hours)
Chronic Aquatic Toxicity: Potential for adverse long-term effects in water environments
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable; persists in sediment and water
Bioaccumulation: High potential (bioconcentration factor: 80–160 in fish)
Mobility: Low water solubility; binds to soil and sediment
Other Ecological Hazards: May cause bioaccumulation and toxicity in food web over time
Waste Handling: Dispose through licensed chemical waste contractor
Disposal Methods: Incineration preferred for complete destruction under controlled conditions; avoid landfilling untreated waste
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers, puncture or crush, and manage as hazardous waste
Precautions: Never dispose in drains, natural waters, or municipal waste streams
UN Number: UN 2574
Proper Shipping Name: Tricresyl Phosphates
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright and secure; warn carriers of leakage risk; emergency response input required for spills in transit
OSHA: Regulated toxic substance; general duty to protect workers from hazardous chemicals
TSCA: Listed under Toxic Substances Control Act (United States)
REACH: Subject to restrictions and registration in the European Union
Other Regulations: SARA 313 reporting required in the US; Canadian WHMIS classification: D1B (toxic material); environmental reporting mandatory where spills reach aquatic systems
Labelling Requirements: Clear hazard labelling and Safety Data Sheets as per GHS/CLP and local rules; training required for handling staff
