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CarCareTruth

Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate

  • Bases
  • CAS 10101-89-0
  • IUPAC: phosphoric acid, trisodium salt, dodecahydrate

Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate (CAS 10101-89-0) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Ingredient-level classification carries H315 (skin irritation Cat 2) and H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) per GB CLP data. Contributes to the mixture's overall alkalinity (pH-driven corrosivity) alongside sodium hydroxide, rather than carrying an independent Cat-1 hazard of its own.

Trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate (TSP) is a classic alkaline degreasing builder, long used in heavy-duty cleaners for its ability to cut grease and boost surfactant performance in hard water. In tire and wheel cleaner concentrates, it works alongside sodium hydroxide to raise pH and lift baked-on brake dust, road film, and browning.

Regulatory status

  • Not Prop 65 listed
  • Some US states and the EU restrict phosphate content in consumer laundry/dish detergents for eutrophication control; automotive/industrial cleaners are generally exempt from these caps
  • No PBT/vPvB classification

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Alkaline builder and degreasing booster in caustic tire and wheel cleaners

Common questions about Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate

What is Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate used for in car care?
Alkaline builder and degreasing booster in caustic tire and wheel cleaners
Is Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate a VOC?
No. Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate biodegradable?
Yes. Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

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.