Trimethyl phosphate

[1] Trimethyl phosphate is prepared by treating phosphorus oxychloride with methanol in the presence of an amine base: It is a tetrahedral molecule that is a weakly polar solvent.

Trimethyl phosphate is a mild methylating agent, useful for dimethylation of anilines and related heterocyclic compounds.

Trimethyl phosphate is used as a solvent for aromatic halogenations and nitrations as required for the preparation of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

Trimethyl phosphate is used as a simulant for chemical weapon nerve agents.

[citation needed] With an LD50 of 2g/kg for rats, trimethylphosphate is expected to have low acute toxicity.

Ball-and-stick model of trimethyl phosphate
Ball-and-stick model of trimethyl phosphate
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code