Tricresyl Phosphate
- Esters
- CAS 1330-78-5
- IUPAC: Phosphoric acid, tris(methylphenyl) ester
CarCareTruth tracks Tricresyl Phosphate (CAS 1330-78-5) as a car-care ingredient.
Reproductive toxin Cat 2 (H361) from mixed-isomer tricresyl phosphate. The ortho-cresyl isomer (TOCP) is a known neurotoxin causing organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN); commercial TCP contains <1% ortho-isomer but the hazard classification still applies. Skin sensitizer Cat 1A (H317) possible at concentrate contact.
Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is an organophosphate ester used historically as an anti-wear additive in aviation turbine oils (Type II and Type IV), gear lubricants, and hydraulic fluids. It forms a protective phosphate-ester film on metal surfaces under high contact pressure (boundary lubrication conditions), reducing cam/lifter and gear wear. The commercial grade is a mixture of ortho, meta, and para isomers of cresyl phosphate; regulatory action has focused on minimizing the neurotoxic ortho-cresyl isomer, which causes organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) at high doses. Modern commercial TCP formulations typically contain <1% ortho-isomer. TCP is acutely aquatically toxic (H400/H410 at ingredient level) and bioaccumulative (Log Kow 5.93), making disposal via oil-change pathways an environmental concern.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- yes
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- yes
- Persistent
- yes
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 2/5
Common questions about Tricresyl Phosphate
- What is Tricresyl Phosphate used for in car care?
- Organophosphate anti-wear additive; used in aviation engine oils, gear oils, and oil additive concentrates
- Is Tricresyl Phosphate a VOC?
- No. Tricresyl Phosphate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Tricresyl Phosphate on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Tricresyl Phosphate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
No products on file contain this (yet)
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.