Thermal oxidative degradation studies of phosphate esters.
Five phosphate esters - tri-p-tolyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate, and  tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate- were subjected to thermal oxidative degradation in air at 370 degrees C. Degradation mechanisms were postulated and the toxic hazards assessed based on the volatiles produced. Tri-p-tolyl phosphate was found to undergo only minimal degradation; the other compounds were decomposed extensively. Butene was the main product formed on tributyl phosphate decomposition; hydrogen halides and halogenated C2- and C3- species were the main products formed by the halogenated phosphate ester. In the case of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate acrolein, not hydrogen chloride, presented the major toxic hazard.
D000171:Acrolein / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000633:toxicity; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000633:toxicity; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000633:toxicity; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000633:toxicity; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000633:toxicity; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000633:toxicity; D014317:Tritolyl Phosphates / Q000633:toxicity
D005411:Flame Retardants; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010755:Organophosphates; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010968:Plasticizers; D014317:Tritolyl Phosphates; C012085:tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate; D000171:Acrolein; C016805:tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate