Trimethyl phosphate (TMP), also known as tris(methylphenyl) phosphate and tricresol phosphate, is an organic phosphate with a chemical formula of C21H21O4P. Tritolyl phosphate has a wide range of effects, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Flame retardant and plasticizer: Tritolyl phosphate is an important plasticizer and flame retardant additive for the production of vinyl resin, nitrocellulose, polyvinyl chloride, cable rubber products, and soft polyurethane foam plastics. It can be combined with polymers to provide good wear resistance, weather resistance, mildew resistance, radiation resistance, and electrical properties. At the same time, it is also used as a plasticizer for epoxy resin adhesives to give the material flame-retardant properties.
Solvent and dye intermediate: Tritolyl phosphate has a high solubility and can dissolve many organic substances and dyes. Therefore, it is widely used in the manufacture of dyes, coatings, inks, and detergents. In addition, it is also used as an analytical reagent and a solvent for nitrocellulose.
Pharmaceutical preparations: In the pharmaceutical field, tricresyl phosphate can be used as an effective solubilizer and promoter to improve the stability and bioavailability of drugs. It is also used as a dispersant and emulsifier in some colloid and emulsion preparations to stabilize the drug dispersion system and improve the absorption efficiency of drugs.
Metal cleaning agent: Tricresyl phosphate has high surface activity and solubility, making it an effective metal cleaning agent, especially suitable for the cleaning and processing of aluminum alloys. It can effectively remove the oxide film and oil stains on the surface of aluminum alloys, keeping the metal surface clean and bright.
However, tricresyl phosphate also has certain toxicity and poses a potential threat to the environment and human health. It can invade the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and percutaneous absorption, causing health problems such as toxic neuropathy. Therefore, when using tricresyl phosphate, it is necessary to strictly abide by the safety operating procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Tricresyl phosphate plays an important role in many fields, but its use must also be strictly controlled within a safe range. For more information about tricresyl phosphate, it is recommended to consult relevant chemical manuals or consult professional chemists.