The compound has not been isolated in pure form but appears to be a colorless liquid at room temperature.

[4] Mixtures containing hexaethyl tetraphosphate are produced by heating diethyl ether and phosphorus pentoxide.

[6] Mites, aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, and some types of caterpillars are highly susceptible to being poisoned by hexaethyl tetraphosphate.

In one experiment, 100% of melon aphids were killed after exposure to an aqueous solution containing 0.025% hexaethyl tetraphosphate and 0.025% sodium lauryl sulfate.

96% of apple aphids can be killed be exposure to an aqueous solution of 0.1% hexaethyl tetraphosphate and 0.05% sodium lauryl sulfate.

Dust containing 3% hexaethyl tetraphosphate at a concentration of 40 pounds per acre can kill some bean aphids.

Cabbage aphids can be quickly killed by a spray containing one pint of the chemical per 100 gallons of water.

[9] 100% of chrysanthemum aphids can be killed by an aqueous solution of 0.1% hexaethyl tetraphosphate and 0.05% sodium lauryl sulfate.

100% of helianthus aphids can be killed by an aqueous solution containing 0.05% each of hexaethyl tetraphosphate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

90% of potato aphids can be killed by exposure for 42 hours to a one pint of a 50% solution of the chemical in 100 gallons of water.

[10] It is considered less toxic than its analog TEPP: Hexaethyl tetraphosphate was first synthesised by the German chemist Gerhard Schrader, who reacted phosphorus oxychloride and triethyl orthophosphate at approximately 150 °C.