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Annex II Entry 1166 CMR15/10/2010

Tributyl phosphate

Tributyl phosphate is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1166
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 126-73-8
CAS 126-73-8PubChem CID 31357

Tributyl Phosphate

Tributyl phosphate is a trialkyl phosphate that is the tributyl ester of phosphoric acid. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
tributyl phosphate
Molecular formula
C12H27O4P
Molecular weight
266.31 g/mol
Exact mass
266.16469634 Da
XLogP3
2.9
Topological polar surface area
44.8 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Tri-n-butyl phosphateTributylphosphatePhosphoric acid tributyl esterTributylphosphatCelluphos 4tbpaDisflamoll TBTributilfosfato
16 more reported names
TributylfosfaatTributoxyphosphine oxidePhosphoric acid, tributyl esterTributyle (phosphate de)Butyl phosphate, tri-TributylfosfatTri-N-butylphosphateButyl phosphate, ((BuO)3PO)MCS 249595UAS8YAF5Tributyl ester of phosphoric acidNSC-8484CHEBI:35019NSC8484tri-(n-butyl)-phosphateRefChem:190910
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match31357

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P264, P270, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P318, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H351 (> 99.9%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H412 (19.6%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P318, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1091 reports by companies from 13 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Tributyl phosphate is a colorless to pale-yellow odorless liquid. It is used as a plasticizer for cellulose esters, lacquers, plastics, and vinyl resins. Used in fire-resistant aircraft hydraulic fluids. Other uses include heat-exchange medium, solvent extraction of metal ions from solution of reactor products, solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, pigment grinding assistant, antifoaming agent, dielectric. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Breathing vapors of tributyl phosphate causes irritation of mucous membranes and if inhalation is prolonged there can be general poisoning with paralysis. In contact with skin tributyl phosphate can cause irritation. Tributyl phosphate may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It may also cause nausea and headache. In a series of 42 patients with furniture related dermatitis, a positive patch test reaction was seen in 1 patient. In vitro it acts as androgen receptor, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. ANIMAL STUDIES: Tributyl phosphate was not acutely toxic by dermal exposure in the rabbit and in the guinea pig. Application to either intact or abraded skin of rabbits and guinea pigs produced irritation w Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: BCFs of 7.1-20 and 5.5-10 were reported in carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to tributyl phosphate at 6 and 60 ppb, respectively, over a 6-week period(1). The BCF of tributyl phosphate (exposure concentration of 3-4 ug/L) in killifish (Oryzias latipes) was found to be 30-35 and in goldfish (Carassius auratus) was found to be 6-11(2). According to a classification scheme(3), these BCFs suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to moderate(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2400(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tributyl phosphate is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tributyl phosphate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 1.13X10-3 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 280 mg/L(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Tributyl phosphate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Biodegradation of 56-96% in activated sludge inoculum(4) and a 3% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(5) suggest that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2400(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tributyl phosphate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.13X10-3 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 280 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 40 and 300 days, respectively(SRC). Tributyl phosphate is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment(SRC) due to estimated hydrolysis half-lives of 9.9 to 11.5 years at pH 9 to 5(2). According to a classification scheme(6), BCFs of 5.5-20 in carp(7), 30-35 in killifish and 6-11 in goldfish(8), suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to moderate(SRC). Aqueous biodegradation test results for tributyl phosphate varied from negligible biodegradation(9-11) to 30-100% biodegradation(5,11). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tributyl phosphate, which has a vapor pressure of 1.13X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tributyl phosphate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4.4 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.9X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Tributyl phosphate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Lubricating agent; Hydraulic fluids; Plasticizer; Flame retardant; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Defoamer Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Mainly used as a flame retardant in aircraft hydraulic fluid, which can contain 25 to 75% TBP; Also used as a solvent (rare earth extraction and nuclear fuel cycle), plasticizer, carrier for fluorescent dyes, and antifoam agent (cement casings for oil wells); [ACGIH] Used as an antifoaming agent (concrete, textile, and paper industries); [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]; Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Plasticizer for cellulose esters, lacquers, plastics, and vinyl resins. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: ... Used in fire-resistant aircraft hydraulic fluids. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Heat-exchange medium, solvent extraction of metal ions from solution of reactor products, solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, plasticizer, pigment grinding assistant, antifoam agent, dielectric. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Extraction chromatography, in which the organic extractant is adsorbed on the surfaces of a fine, porous powder placed in a column, offers another excellent method for separating the actinide elements from each other. Useful cation extracting agents include ... n-tributyl phosphate. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for TRIBUTYL PHOSPHATE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Tributyl phosphate

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2✓——

Key data

CAS
126-73-8
EC
204-800-2
Annex
II
Entry number
1166

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 1165
Nearby record in the same annex

2-Nitrotoluene

CAS: 88-72-2
EC: 201-853-3
Annex II 1167
Nearby record in the same annex

Naphthalene

CAS: 91-20-3
EC: 202-049-5

What Annex II means for Tributyl phosphate

Tributyl phosphate is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Tributyl phosphate is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 126-73-8 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Tributyl phosphate by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Tributyl phosphate has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record Tributyl phosphate

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Tributyl phosphate from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Tributyl phosphate, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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