Tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate - 3319-31-1

Key Functions: Plasticizers & Polymer, Tech, Energy & Fuel

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TEHTM) is a plasticizer used for high temperature applications, or when low volatility and high viscosity are important. TEHTM is a U.S. EPA High Production Volume chemical with an estimated global production of 40,000-100,000 tons/year (CPSC 2009). When trimellitate esters, such as TEHTM, are processed with PVC, their principle feature is low volatility, even under high temperatures. Consequently, TEHTM’s primary use is in electrical cable insulation and sheathing. In addition, as a branched molecule, TEHTM is more viscous than other available plasticizers, such as linear adipates and phthalates, and thus can be used where high viscosity is required. The extraction and migration resistance of trimellitates are also significantly improved relative to phthalate plasticizers, leading to TEHTM’s recent use in dishwasher gaskets, medical tubing and photograph storage (CPSC 2009)

Chemical Synonyms 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, tris(2-ethylhexyl) ester; Tris(2-ethylhexyl)benzene-1,2,4- tricarboxylate; TOTM

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