Tributylphosphate
Tributylphosphate (TBP) is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C4H9O)3PO. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is widely used as an extractant in the nuclear industry for the separation of actinides from lanthanides. TBP is also employed in various industrial applications, including as a plasticizer, a solvent, and a flame retardant. Its chemical structure consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to three butyl groups and one oxygen atom.
The extraction mechanism of TBP involves the formation of complexes with metal ions, which are then dissolved
TBP is also used in the production of certain types of flame retardants, particularly in the manufacturing
Despite its widespread use, TBP has been classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) by the United