
Diethyl phosphate – general description and application
General description of Diethyl phosphate:
DEP can be prepared from diethyl chlorophosphate using benzaldoxime via diethyl benzaldimino phosphate intermediate which in turn decomposes to diethyl phosphate and benzonitrile. Tert-butanol can be also used instead of benzaldoxime providing product however in a lower yield.[2] Another preparation method starts with the phosphorous trichloride using the ethanol followed by a treatment with pyridine and CCl4. Formed trichloroethyl ester is then converted to mixed anhydride with acetic acid and Et3N followed by acid hydrolysis.1
Application of Diethyl phosphate:
DEP is a product of metabolism and environmental degradation of a commonly used insecticide Chlorpyrifos and it is routinely measured in urine as biomarker of exposure.[3] Chronic exposure to DEP can cause thyroid-related hormone disorders.[4]
Product categorization (Chemical groups):
Main category:
Regulatory Information:
- Transport Information: CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, ORGANIC, N.O.S. UN3265 8/ PG III
- Signal Word: Danger
- Hazard Statements:
- H302: Harmful if swallowed
- H312: Harmful in contact with skin
- H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H318: Causes serious eye damage
- Precautionary Statements:
- P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray:
- P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection:
- P301+330+331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting
- P302+352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with soap and water
- P305+351+338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing
- P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician:
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[2]T. Mukaiyama, T. Fujisawa Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 1961, 34, 812.
[3]Ch. Timchalk, A. Busby, J. A. Campbell, L. L. Deedham, D. B. Barr Toxicology 2007, 237, 145.
[4]F. W. Yang, G. P. Zhao, F. Z. Ren, G. F. Pang, Y. X. Li Environ. Int. 2020, 135, 105383.