Ethyltributylphosphonium diethylphosphate salt belongs to the family of phosphonium compounds that see use in chemical synthesis and material modification. People working in specialty chemicals encounter it primarily as a phase transfer catalyst, ionic liquid, or as a stabilizer in polymerization. Its stable existence in a range of forms—such as crystalline powder or flakes—turns it into a favorite among research teams looking to fine-tune solubility or improve thermal properties in their recipes.
Those who handle materials daily know demand shifts between flakes, powders, pearl forms, and even viscous liquids. Ethyltributylphosphonium diethylphosphate salt appears as white to off-white solid, often delivered as fine particles or crystalline fragments. It sports a density hovering around 1.15 to 1.20 g/cm³ at room temperature. Melting point typically lands between 70 and 90 °C, making it useful for heat-sensitive tasks. Solubility stands out, especially in water and polar solvents, so mixing with other ingredients comes easy. Some projects need high-purity variants, pushing suppliers to list specifications nearing 99% purity or better. For researchers, a container labeled as “raw material” will often contain a dry crystalline solid, with each batch documented for water content, trace acids, and heavy metals.
Customs officers refer to the Harmonized System code—HS Code 2920199090—for this chemical, fitting it under organic phosphorous compounds. Its molecular formula is C16H38O4P2, which builds from ethyltributylphosphonium cation and diethylphosphate anion. Structure-wise, the arrangement combines a bulky phosphonium head with the diethylphosphate tail. This balance in structure influences how well it integrates into mixtures used for catalysis, solvent systems, or ionic liquids applied in modern labs.
The physical characteristics tell more than numbers on paper. Technical teams notice that the salt absorbs moisture from air, so storing it inside moisture-proof containers makes a difference over weeks and months. Bulk forms—crystal, powder, flakes—win out in automated feeders and lab-scale bottles, compared to sticky liquids that slow down weighing or dispensing. For those scaling reactions, knowing density per liter helps calibrate pumps. Chemically, the compound’s high thermal stability pairs well with processes that run hot. Teams use it as a phase transfer catalyst, especially for exchanging ions between water and oil phases in a reactor—tasks tricky for organics focused on small-molecule modification. Texture matters, too: crystalline forms pour freely, while fine powders cling to surfaces, requiring antistatic precautions in dry environments. These handling tips rarely show up in standard product data but come straight from time spent at the bench.
People need to know the risks before opening the drum. Ethyltributylphosphonium diethylphosphate salt does not belong to the common highly hazardous class, though as with most organophosphorus chemicals, ingestion or direct eye contact causes irritation or worse. Safety data sheets point out the need for gloves and goggles—lab coats are part of the uniform. Spills create slippery floors and cleanup teams know that water dissolves the material quickly, making containment easy but also stressing the importance of waste management. Airborne dust during transfer work can irritate the lungs, so proper ventilation sticks as a frontline defense. Emergency showers and eye washes in the immediate area go under “common sense” essentials, required by facility safety reviews. In terms of environmental fate, not all discharge options are equal: capturing spent salt and collecting for proper chemical waste processing is the routine in regulated labs, especially those near waterways.
In my own chemical research work, versatility counts more than a single “headline” use. I’ve seen this salt perform in synthesizing ionic liquids, stabilizing polymers, and catalyzing reactions. For colleagues in battery research, the compound’s ionic nature means it acts as a conductivity enhancer. The physical solidity ensures you can measure out precise quantities—far easier than fussing with sticky oils. Choosing between powder and pearls depends on the production scale and mixing method; large flake or crystalline forms work best in industrial-scale mixing tanks, reducing clumping and boosting dispersion rates. As with many specialty salts, working with small suppliers for custom specifications ensures a steady supply chain—crucial for avoiding workflow disruptions. This experience taught me to double-check product batch certificates for purity, moisture, and any sign of hydrolytic breakdown, especially after long transit or storage.
Anyone serious about working with ethyltributylphosphonium diethylphosphate salt finds value in establishing robust storage protocols—dry, airtight containers, and climate-controlled rooms extend shelf life. Labs that require regular large-batch synthesis should invest in proper weighing and dispensing gear, tailored to powders and crystal handling. For plant-scale deployments, integrating automated feeders and in-line humidifiers brings consistency and cuts down on manual error. On the safety front, real improvement comes from regular staff training: new hires benefit from hands-on demonstrations, not just safety videos, especially when handling chemicals prone to dust generation. Vendors that share comprehensive safety, handling, and impurity data win trust faster from buyers. Solid communication—between procurement, technical, and waste management teams—prevents mistakes and keeps processes smooth from lab bench to pilot plant.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethyltributylphosphonium Diethylphosphate |
| Molecular Formula | C16H38O4P2 |
| HS Code | 2920199090 |
| Physical State | White to off-white solid (flakes, powder, crystals, pearls), sometimes viscous liquid |
| Density | ~1.15-1.20 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 70–90 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and polar solvents |
| Hazard/Handling | Use gloves, goggles; avoid inhalation and direct contact; store dry and airtight |
| Common Uses | Phase transfer catalyst, ionic liquid synthesis, polymer stabilization, battery research |
