Top 5 High-Performance Phosphate Esters for Industrial Use

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In modern industrial chemistry, phosphate esters are more than just additives — they’re multifunctional solutions driving performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

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The top five high-performance phosphate esters for industrial use are Tributyl Phosphate (TBP), Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP), Triethyl Phosphate (TEP), 2-Ethylhexyl Phosphate (P204), and Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (3) Phosphate (AEO-3) — each engineered for specific roles in coatings, textiles, lubricants, and metal processing.

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From wetting and dispersion to corrosion inhibition and extraction, these five phosphate esters represent the backbone of advanced industrial formulations. Let’s explore their chemistry, applications, and why they’re essential for high-performance operations.

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1. Tributyl Phosphate (TBP)

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For decades, Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) has been a cornerstone in solvent extraction, coatings, and lubrication chemistry.

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TBP is a neutral triester of phosphoric acid that functions as an extractant, plasticizer, and anti-foaming solvent across industries.

Key Specifications:

• Molecular formula: C₁₂H₂₇O₄P
• Purity: ≥99%
• Boiling Point: 289°C
• Acid Value: ≤0.1 mgKOH/g

Applications:

• Metal Extraction: Recovers uranium, thorium, and rare earths.
• Coatings & Inks: Acts as a solvent and flow enhancer.
• Lubricants: Improves film strength and oxidation resistance.
• Plastics: Serves as a non-volatile plasticizer.

Performance Advantage:
TBP is chemically stable and thermally resistant, ensuring long-term reliability even under harsh operating conditions.
Donghong Chemical’s TBP is known for ultra-low water content (≤0.1%) and high transparency — making it suitable for high-precision applications.

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2. Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP)

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When high-temperature durability and flame resistance are critical, Trioctyl Phosphate (TOP) delivers unmatched stability.

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TOP is a hydrophobic, high-boiling phosphate ester used in plasticizers, lubricants, and flame retardants.

Chemical Traits:

• Molecular formula: C₂₄H₅₁O₄P
• Flash Point: ≥190°C
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Purity: ≥99%

Applications:

• Resins and Coatings: Enhances flexibility and solvent resistance.
• Lubricants: Functions as an anti-wear and corrosion inhibitor additive.
• Plastics: Provides non-halogenated flame retardancy.
• Textile Treatments: Acts as a thermal stabilizer for coatings and finishes.

Performance Advantage:
TOP’s long octyl chains provide superior thermal and oxidative resistance, making it ideal for continuous-use, high-temperature systems.

Donghong Chemical’s TOP is produced under closed-loop solvent recovery, guaranteeing low VOCs and high environmental compliance.

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3. Triethyl Phosphate (TEP)

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For lightweight, eco-friendly formulations, Triethyl Phosphate (TEP) stands out as the most versatile phosphate ester on the market.

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TEP is a low-viscosity, non-halogenated phosphate ester used for flame retardancy, catalysis, and plasticization.

Specifications:

• Molecular formula: C₆H₁₅O₄P
• Boiling Point: 215–220°C
• Purity: ≥99%
• Odor: Mild and neutral

Applications:

• Flame Retardant: Used in PU foams, coatings, and resins.
• Catalyst: Acts as an intermediate in organic synthesis.
• Plasticizer: Enhances flexibility in polymers without toxicity.
• Coatings: Improves adhesion and film uniformity.

Performance Advantage:
TEP is biodegradable, low-toxicity, and fully halogen-free, aligning with global environmental standards like REACH and RoHS.
It’s widely used in industries seeking green alternatives to traditional plasticizers.

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4. 2-Ethylhexyl Phosphate (P204)

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When precision metal extraction and anti-corrosion performance are required, P204 is the industry’s go-to acidic phosphate ester.

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2-Ethylhexyl Phosphate (P204) is an acidic monoester offering strong coordination ability with metal ions, making it ideal for hydrometallurgy and surface treatment.

Technical Details:

• Acid Value: 140–150 mgKOH/g
• pH (5% solution): 1–3
• Appearance: Pale yellow liquid
• Purity: ≥98%

Applications:

• Metal Extraction: Separates Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe³⁺, and rare earth metals.
• Coatings: Enhances adhesion on metallic surfaces via phosphate bonding.
• Corrosion Inhibition: Forms protective films on steel and aluminum.
• Textiles: Used as a wetting and emulsifying agent.

Performance Advantage:
P204 combines high acidity and selectivity, providing both chemical reactivity and film-forming ability.
Donghong Chemical’s P204 features controlled viscosity and fast phase separation — ideal for continuous extraction systems.

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5. Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (3) Phosphate (AEO-3)

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For applications where surfactant power meets environmental responsibility, AEO-3 Phosphate defines the next generation of industrial chemistry.

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AEO-3 Phosphate is an anionic surfactant-type phosphate ester used in textiles, coatings, cleaning, and personal care formulations.

Technical Profile:

• Acid Value: 80–120 mgKOH/g
• pH (5% solution): 1–2
• Solubility: Fully water-soluble
• Biodegradability: ≥90%

Applications:

• Textiles: Acts as a penetrant, scouring agent, and leveling aid.
• Coatings: Improves pigment dispersion and reduces foaming.
• Industrial Cleaning: Enhances wetting and emulsification.
• Lubricants: Provides boundary film lubrication and corrosion resistance.

Performance Advantage:
AEO-3 is low-foam, acid- and alkali-resistant, and eco-friendly, making it suitable for waterborne coatings and green textile systems.
Donghong Chemical’s AEO-3 phosphate ester is highly regarded for its consistency, clarity, and low residual acidity.

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Dive Deeper: Comparative Performance Chart

Product	Type	pH (5% Sol.)	Purity (%)	Key Function	Major Applications
TBP	Neutral Triester	Neutral	≥99	Solvent, Extractant	Metal Extraction, Coatings, Lubricants
TOP	Neutral Triester	Neutral	≥99	Plasticizer, Flame Retardant	Resins, PVC, Lubricants
TEP	Neutral Triester	Neutral	≥99	Flame Retardant, Catalyst	PU Foams, Coatings, Adhesives
P204	Acidic Monoester	1–3	≥98	Metal Extractant, Adhesion Promoter	Hydrometallurgy, Primers
AEO-3	Anionic Surfactant	1–2	≥99	Wetting, Emulsifying	Textiles, Coatings, Cleaners

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Why Choose Donghong Chemical for High-Performance Phosphate Esters

Donghong Chemical, based in Guangdong, China, has become a trusted supplier of industrial-grade phosphate esters for over a decade.
With 20,000 tons annual output, automated esterification lines, and international QC standards, the company supports diverse industries — from coatings and textiles to metallurgy and lubricants.

What Sets Donghong Apart:

• High purity (≥99%) and low acid values;
• Environmentally friendly production with solvent recovery >95%;
• Full COA, MSDS, and REACH-compliant documentation;
• Technical customization and sample support for OEM clients.

Export Markets:
Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

📧 Email: dohollchemical@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 139 0301 4781

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Conclusion: The Chemistry of Industrial Performance

Phosphate esters are the lifeblood of industrial formulation — enhancing strength, flexibility, stability, and environmental safety.
The top five high-performance grades — TBP, TOP, TEP, P204, and AEO-3 — cover nearly every industrial need, from metal extraction and coatings to textile auxiliaries and flame retardancy.

With its focus on purity, sustainability, and precision manufacturing, Donghong Chemical provides the phosphate ester solutions that global industries rely on — engineered for performance, designed for progress.

For technical data sheets or bulk purchase inquiries:

📧 Email: dohollchemical@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 139 0301 4781

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Donghong Chemical — Leading supplier of high-performance phosphate esters and surfactants for coatings, textiles, lubricants, and industrial formulations worldwide.