tributyl phosphate

noun

tri·​butyl phosphate
(ˈ)trī+-
: a liquid inorganic ester (C4H9)3PO4 made from normal butyl alcohol and phosphorus oxychloride and used chiefly as a solvent and plasticizer (as for nitrocellulose lacquers and cellulose plastics)

Word History

Etymology

tributyl from tri- + butyl

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Cite this Entry

“Tributyl phosphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tributyl%20phosphate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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