Trimethyl phosphite
Agent Name
Trimethyl phosphite
CAS Number
121-45-9
Formula
C3-H9-O3-P
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Fosforyn trojmetylowy [Czech]; Trimethoxyfosfin [Czech]; Trimethoxyphosphine; Trimethyl phosphite; Trimethylfosfit [Czech]; [ChemIDplus] UN2329
Category
Phosphite Compounds
Description
Colorless liquid with a distinctive, pungent odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in the manufacture of pesticides, flame-retardant textiles, and polyurethane foams; also used as a catalyst; [ACGIH]
Comments
Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Liquid causes second or third degree burns after short contact. [CHRIS] Dose dependent cataract formation occurs in rats exposed to concentrations above 100 ppm. Lung inflammation occurs in animals exposed at 600 ppm. Human subjects complain of objectionable odor above 20 ppm. No adverse health effects were found in 179 employees exposed regularly to 0.3 to 8 ppm. [ACGIH] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
2 ppm
Vapor Pressure
24 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.001 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 32,700 mg/m3/6h
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash pint = 54 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: