Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate

Synonyms

Bis(tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium)sulfate (salt); Octakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate; Phosphonium, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt); Pyroset TKO; THPS; Retardol S; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Phosphorus Compounds

Description

Crystalline solid; [ACGIH] Available commercially as an aqueous solution; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make crease-resistant and flame-retardant finishes for textiles, e.g., children's sleepwear; [ACGIH] Also used as a biocide; [HSDB]

Comments

May cause sensitization by skin contact or inhalation; [CHEMINFO] Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) was a sensitizer in 14 of 20 guinea pigs; Fabric impregnated with THPC or THPS does not cause skin sensitization. THPS did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase in vitro; Rats and mice given repeated high oral doses have liver damage; Degrades rapidly in the environment in the presence of moisture and sunlight into trihydroxymethyl phosphine oxide and bis-hydroxymethyl phosphonic acid; [ACGIH] Harmful if swallowed; Corrosive; Causes burns; May cause skin sensitization; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride."

Biomedical References

No

2 mg/m3

LC50 (Rat) = 5.5 mg/l/4 hr

Explanatory Notes

VP = 32 mm Hg @ 124 deg F; [CAMEO] Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate and Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride are addressed by ACGIH in a single profile for Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts. See ACGIH Documentation of TLVs.

Yes

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Not classifiable

Not Classifiable

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides