Chemical Name: Tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite Common Synonyms: Tris(Trimethylsilyl) Phosphite, TMSP CAS Number: 920-64-5 Molecular Formula: C9H27O3PSi3 Intended Use: This compound often finds its way into the synthesis of specialized phosphorus-containing organic molecules, ligand preparation, and organometallic chemistry research. In research laboratories, its reactivity and volatility offer both opportunity and risk, showing up as a key component for niche applications involving silylation processes or as a reducing agent.
GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Skin irritant (Category 2), Eye irritant (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure, Category 3—respiratory irritation) Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. Chemical exposure routes include inhalation, skin or eye contact, and accidental swallowing. Symptoms range from coughing, eye redness, and respiratory discomfort to dizziness or headache in cases of vapor inhalation and prolonged exposure. Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Ingredient: Tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite Concentration: Purity usually above 98%. No major impurities present that shift the hazard profile, but freshly distilled product generally comes with fewer contaminants, meaning less chance of by-product irritation or flammability variation. Molecular Structure: The core comprises a phosphorus atom bound to three trimethylsilyl groups, giving it a considerable silicon content and increased hydrophobicity, which changes its interaction profile with water and air.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Shortness of breath or coughing signals you should seek medical attention. Deep breaths and calm help minimize panic and further exposure. Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing quickly. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; do not scrub vigorously if irritation is present. Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with running water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids apart to ensure thorough flushing. If discomfort persists, make your way to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Ingestion: Rinse mouth and avoid inducing vomiting. Drink water only if fully conscious. Most laboratory personnel avoid eating or drinking anywhere near this substance, but accidents sometimes happen.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam. Water sprays can help cool containers, but direct streams may spread flammable liquid. Hazards from Combustion Products: On burning, may produce phosphorus oxides, silicon oxides, carbon oxides, and irritating vapors. Protective Equipment: Full firefighting gear and self-contained breathing apparatus needed for enclosed areas. Rapid evacuation and ventilation are smart moves—fumes produce eye-watering, lung-searing byproducts.
Personal Precautions: Don appropriate gloves, goggles, and lab coat. If vapor concentrations rise, respiratory protection becomes necessary. Environmental Precautions: Restrict from entering sewers, drains, or water systems. The hydrophobic nature and volatility of the compound make it especially persistent if not contained. Cleanup Methods: Dry sand or vermiculite absorb spills well. Collect absorbed material into sealed metal containers for proper disposal. Ventilate affected area thoroughly.
Handling: Always manipulate in a fume hood to avoid unwanted inhalation. Short term exposure can irritate the lungs and mucous membranes, so splash goggles and chemical-resistant gloves become regular attire. Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed, stored in a cool, well-ventilated place. Incompatible with acids, strong oxidizers, and moisture. Store away from sources of ignition and segregated from oxidizing agents—moist air and accidental water exposure can yield hazardous breakdown products and increased vapor pressure inside storage bottles.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or a chemical fume hood protect against airborne vapors. Closed containers with effective vapor seals minimize atmospheric release. Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, neoprene or nitrile gloves, flame-resistant lab coat. Respiratory protection considered if airborne vapor present.
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid Odor: Pungent, distinctively chemical, somewhat reminiscent of other organosilicon compounds Boiling Point: Approx. 185-190°C Flash Point: Around 45°C Solubility: Insoluble in water, good solubility in organic solvents like diethyl ether, hexane Vapor Pressure: Moderately high at room temperature, contributing to quick headspace vapor formation Density: About 0.89 g/mL
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, inert gas conditions at room temperature Reactive Hazards: Reacts with water and moisture, generating flammable gases and corrosive phosphites. Sensitive to acids and strong oxidizers, breaking down to toxic, corrosive, or flammable byproducts. Polymerization: Not a polymerization hazard under typical handling conditions, but decomposition risks increase if heated or exposed to incompatible substances.
Acute Health Effects: Inhalation leads to upper respiratory tract irritation, headache, and dizziness. Frequent contact with skin can cause redness, dryness, or irritation. Eye contact brings immediate pain and watering. Swallowing is rare but can burn mucous membranes and cause gastrointestinal distress. Chronic Effects: No substantial data on long-term exposure, but repeated vapor inhalation produces lung irritation in animal studies. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, repeated unauthorized handling ramps up sensitization, particularly to the respiratory tract. Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, and eye contact represent the most common entry points. Carcinogenicity: There’s no evidence suggesting this compound is carcinogenic, but prudent practices mean limiting exposure and using robust engineering controls.
Aquatic Toxicity: Data lacking, but similar organophosphorus compounds show persistence and toxicity to aquatic organisms. Once released, its hydrophobicity keeps it from dissolving easily, but the silane portion can concentrate in sediments. Persistence and Degradability: Persistence expected unless exposed to aggressive atmospheric moisture or sunlight, which eventually breaks the molecule down. Bioaccumulation Potential: No strong evidence for bioaccumulation, though silicon-containing fragments sometimes linger in soil and sediment. Mobility in Soil: Not easily water-soluble, so stays put unless carried by organic solvents or strong runoff streams.
Disposal Methods: Incineration under strictly controlled conditions, in an approved hazardous waste facility, avoids most of the downstream environmental issues. Never pour down the drain. Used containers should remain tightly sealed and go through solvent rinsing protocols before going anywhere near general waste streams. Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national regulatory guidelines—each can be stricter or less so, but official hazardous waste handling applies in most laboratory and manufacturing contexts.
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, N.O.S. (Tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite) Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquids) Packing Group: III Special Transport Precautions: Ship in approved chemical safety containers, segregate from oxidizers, and avoid ignition sources in transit. Any leaks or spills in shipping get handled under full containment and emergency procedures. Labeling follows United Nations recommendations for dangerous goods.
Label Requirements: Clear hazard communication under the GHS classification, including flame and exclamation mark symbols. Warning statements about flammability and corrosivity appear on every container. Regulatory Status: Subject to controls under the hazardous chemicals framework of most industrialized countries—local workplace safety authorities may require storage registration and strict recordkeeping depending on purchase volumes and intended use. Worker Protections: Mandated training, engineering controls, and personal protection protocols apply to anyone using or transporting this material in a professional setting. Routine workplace audits check for proper labeling, containment, and employee understanding of risks.