Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Chemical properties

clear colorless to light yellow liquid

The Uses of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Extraction of metals.Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate is used as a lubricant additive, corrosion inhibitor and a metal extractant. It is involved in the solvent extraction of uranium salts and rare earth metals. Iron(II) ions are extracted after reduction of Iron(III) ions. Further, it is used as a plasticizer and as a solvent in the synthesis of plastic.

The Uses of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Additive to lubrication oils, corrosion inhibitor, and antioxidant. Used as extractant in the hydrometallurgical separation of cobalt and nickel. Metal extraction and separation, intermediate for wetting agents and detergents . Feedstock for chemical synthesis; extraction fluid for metal salts; cation extracting agent.

Production Methods

Produced by chlorinating bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphonate to give the phosphate diester chloride, followed by hydrolysis, or by saponification of tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate .

Synthesis

2-ethylhexan-1-ol could be used as a starting material to synthesize Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate.

General Description

Odorless light yellow liquid. Floats on water.

Reactivity Profile

Organophosphates, such as Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, are susceptible to formation of highly toxic and flammable phosphine gas in the presence of strong reducing agents such as hydrides. Partial oxidation by oxidizing agents may result in the release of toxic phosphorus oxides. Mildly corrosive to most metals; may form flammable hydrogen gas [USCG, 1999].

Health Hazard

Contact with liquid irritates eyes and may cause serious injury; consult an eye specialist. Also causes skin irritation on contact. Ingestion produces irritation similar to that caused by strong vinegar.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating phosphorus oxides may be released.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Purification Methods

Contaminants of commercial samples include the monoester, polyphosphates, pyrophosphate, 2-ethylhexanol and metal impurities. Dissolve the acid in n-hexane to give an 0.8M solution. Wash this with an equal volume of M HNO3, then with saturated (NH4)2CO3 solution, with 3M HNO3, and twice with water [Petrow & Allen Anal Chem 33 1303 1961]. Similarly, the impure sodium salt, after scrubbing with pet ether, is acidified with HCl and the free organic acid is extracted into pet ether and purified as above [Peppard et al. J Inorg Nucl Chem 7 231 1958], or as described by Stewart & Crandall [J Am Chem Soc 73 1377 1951]. It can be purified via its copper salt [McDowell et al. J Inorg Nucl Chem 38 2127 1976]. [Beilstein 1 IV 1796.]