Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate

Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, commonly known as TBEP or by the trade name KP 140, is an organophosphate ester with CAS number 78-51-3 and EC number 201-122-9. It carries no assigned E-code. The compound is also referenced as 2-butoxyethanol phosphate or tris(butoxyethyl) phosphate across technical literature and supplier documentation.

In flexible PVC and polyurethane formulations, TBEP functions as a plasticizer that simultaneously imparts flame retardancy by releasing phosphoric acid upon combustion, which promotes char formation and interrupts the combustion cycle. In water-based coatings and floor polishes, it acts as a coalescent and film-forming aid, improving surface levelling. It is also used in hydraulic fluids and textile processing as a flame-retardant additive.

TBEP is supplied as a technical-grade liquid and falls under REACH regulation, requiring standard SDS documentation for EU trade. The HS code for customs classification is 2919 90 00. Packaging is typically available in drums and IBC containers.