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Herbicides

Tribufos

Also known as Butifos, DEF defoliant, Butiphos

CAS 78-48-8Formula C12H27OPS3Molar mass 314.52 g/molEC 201-120-8
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant, Hazardous to the environment 5 suppliers listed
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Tribufos chemical structure, C12H27OPS3, CAS 78-48-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Melting point
<-25
Boiling point
210 °C
Density
1.057 at 20 °C
Solubility
In water, 2.3 mg/L at 20 °C
HS code
293090
Category
Herbicides
UN number
UN 2811
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Tribufos?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Tribufos is an organic thiophosphate. It has a role as a defoliant.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1-bis(butylsulfanyl)phosphorylsulfanylbutane
CAS number
78-48-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
201-120-8
Molecular formula
C12H27OPS3
UNII
53075G8GRF
InChIKey
ZOKXUAHZSKEQSS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C12H27OPS3/c1-4-7-10-15-14(13,16-11-8-5-2)17-12-9-6-3/h4-12H2,1-3H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCSP(=O)(SCCCC)SCCCC

Synonyms

  • Butifos
  • DEF defoliant
  • Butiphos
  • S,S,S-Tributyl phosphorotrithioate
  • Merphos oxide
  • Butyl phosphorotrithioate
  • TBTP
  • De-Green
  • Tribuphos
  • S,S,S-Tributyl trithiophosphate
  • Phosphorotrithioic acid, S,S,S-tributyl ester
  • Fossfall
  • Ortho phosphate defoliant
  • Fosfall
  • Butyl phosphorotrithioate ((BuS)3PO)
  • Tributylphosphorotrithioate
  • tributyl S,S,S-phosphorotrithioate
  • 1-((bis(butylsulfanyl)phosphoryl)sulfanyl)butane
  • Fos-Fall A
  • E-Z-Off D
  • 1,2,4-Tributylphosphorotrithioate
  • S,S,S-Tributyltrithiofosfat
  • DEF
  • s,s,s,-tributylphosphorotrithioate
  • 1,2,4-Tributyl phosphorotrithioate
Show all 34 synonyms
  • Tribufos (DEF)
  • S,S,S-Tributylphosphorotrithioate
  • 1-bis(butylsulfanyl)phosphorylsulfanylbutane
  • S,S,S-Tributyltrithiophosphate
  • TBPT
  • degreen
  • Merphos-oxone
  • Merphos-oxon
  • Chemagro 1,776

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow liquidexp.
Odour
Mercaptan-like odorexp.
Melting point
<-25exp.
Boiling point
210 °Cexp.
Density
1.057 at 20 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 2.3 mg/L at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
5.3 × 10⁻⁶ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
314.52 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
314.0962 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
6.69calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
12calc.
Heavy atoms
17calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (1 violation)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (15)
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2811

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Tribufos suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 5 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

5 suppliers in 2 countries

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Tribufos price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Cotton defoliant.

Defoliant (from Table).

Insecticide, herbicide, growth regulator.

Use classes: Defoliants.

Pharmacological actions

  • Defoliants, Chemical
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Pesticide Synergists

Roles

  • defoliant
  • herbicide
  • pesticide

Functional uses

  • Biocide

How it is made

It is made from butanethiol and phosphorus oxychloride in the presence of a base.

Reaction of butyl mercaptan with phosphorus oxychloride in the presence of a base

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Tribufos is traded under.

HS 2930.90Indicative HS code

Organo-sulphur compounds, other

World exports in 2024
$5.83B
+0.1% vs 2023, imports $5.93B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China40.7%
  2. United States10.9%
  3. Japan9.3%
Top importers
  1. United States13.3%
  2. Brazil12.6%
  3. China6.6%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Tribufos is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Tribufos, based on the data on this page

What is Tribufos?

Tribufos is an organic thiophosphate. It has a role as a defoliant.

What is the CAS number of Tribufos?

The CAS registry number of Tribufos is 78-48-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Tribufos?

The molecular formula of Tribufos is C12H27OPS3 and its molar mass is 314.52 g/mol.

What is Tribufos used for?

Cotton defoliant. Defoliant (from Table). Insecticide, herbicide, growth regulator. Use classes: Defoliants.

Is Tribufos hazardous?

Tribufos carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed, harmful if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Tribufos?

Tribufos is usually classified under HS code 293090 (Organo-sulphur compounds, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Tribufos?

CompoundList lists 5 suppliers of Tribufos in United States and Vietnam. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Tribufos?

Suppliers quote Tribufos on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Tribufos

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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