TCEP Tris(2-Chloroethyl) Phosphate — Flame Retardant Plasticizer (CAS 115-96-8)

TCEP is a chlorinated organophosphate ester produced by the reaction of phosphorus oxychloride with ethylene oxide. The structure contains three 2-chloroethyl groups bonded through phosphate linkages, yielding a molecule with 10.5–10.8% phosphorus and 37.0–37.3% chlorine by weight. Both elements contribute to flame retardancy through separate but complementary pathways — the phosphorus disrupts combustion chemistry in the condensed phase, while the chlorine generates halogen radicals that interrupt the gas-phase flame chain reaction.

The physical properties of TCEP make it easy to work with in standard compounding equipment. Viscosity at 25°C falls between 38 and 42 mPa·s — low enough for efficient incorporation into PVC plastisols or polyurethane systems without extended mix times or elevated processing temperatures. Density at 20°C runs from 1.410 to 1.430 g/cm³, which formulators need to account for when converting weight-based formulations to volume-based production batches. Acid value is held to ≤0.1 mgKOH/g, keeping the compound from accelerating degradation in pH-sensitive polymer systems.

The flash point of ≥220°C gives TCEP a safe handling and processing window that aligns with typical PVC processing temperatures. Color is controlled to ≤50 on the Platinum-Cobalt scale, producing a material that will not introduce visible discoloration into light-colored or transparent formulations. Water content is capped at ≤0.10%, which matters in moisture-sensitive systems such as polyurethane foams, where residual water triggers unwanted blowing or chain-extension side reactions.

TCEP functions primarily as a flame retardant additive, but the datasheet also positions it as a co-plasticizer — used alongside primary plasticizers like DOP or DINP to extend flame retardant effect without sacrificing flexibility. At Bastone, we produce TCEP alongside our core plasticizer portfolio, which means technical staff can advise on complete formulation packages rather than treating TCEP as a standalone procurement item.