CompoundList
Trimethyl phosphite chemical structure, C3H9O3P, CAS 121-45-9
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-78 °C
Boiling point
110 °C
Density
1.0518 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
28 °C
HS code
292023
Category
Insecticides and acaricides
UN number
UN 2329

What is Trimethyl phosphite?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Trimethyl phosphite is an organophosphorus compound that is phosphane in which the three hydrogens are replaced by methoxy groups. It is an alkylating agent used primarily in the synthesis of organophosphate compounds. It has a role as an alkylating agent.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
trimethyl phosphite
CAS number
121-45-9 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
204-471-5
Molecular formula
C3H9O3P
UNII
26Q0321ZDG
MDL number
MFCD00008350
InChIKey
CYTQBVOFDCPGCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H9O3P/c1-4-7(5-2)6-3/h1-3H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COP(OC)OC

Synonyms

  • Trimethylphosphite
  • Trimethoxyphosphine
  • Methyl phosphite
  • Phosphorous acid, trimethyl ester
  • Trimethylfosfit
  • Trimethoxyfosfin
  • Fosforyn trojmetylowy
  • Trimethyl ester of phosphorous acid
  • Phosphorous acid trimethyl ester
  • P(OMe)3
  • Methyl phosphite ((MeO)3P)
  • P(OCH3)3
  • Trimethyl Ester Phosphorous Acid, NSC 6513, Trimethoxyphosphine,
  • Trimethylphosphit
  • TMPhite
  • trimethoxyphosphane
  • trimethyl-phosphite
  • Phosphorous acid,trimethyl ester
  • Trimethoxyphosphine-d9
  • Methanol Phosphite-d9
  • Trimethyl phosphite, 97%
  • Trimethyl phosphite, >=97%
  • Trimethyl phosphite, >=99%
  • UN 2329
  • Trimethyl phosphite [UN2329] [Flammable liquid]
Show all 27 synonyms
  • Trimethyl phosphite Solution in Methanol, 100ug/mL
  • Trimethyl phosphite, >=99.999% trace metals basis

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 liquidexp.
Odour
Irritating, pungent, oily, pyridine-like odorexp.
Melting point
-78 °Cexp.
Boiling point
110 °Cexp.
Density
1.0518 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
28 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
250 °Cexp.
Solubility
Reacts (hydrolyzes) with waterexp.
Vapour pressure
24 torr at 25 °C (saturates in air at 32,000 ppm)exp.

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
124.08 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
124.0289 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.15calc.
Topological polar surface area
27.69 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)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
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
311NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
Precautionary statements (32)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2329
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
III

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

Trimethyl phosphite suppliers

Controlled substance, listings of documented suppliers only, in the documented ranking

Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3

Trimethyl phosphite is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: OPCW Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3, HS 2022 subheading 2920.23 (trimethyl phosphite)

Our policy on controlled substances
No documented supplier lists it yet

Licensed buyers can post a request for Trimethyl phosphite with their licence. Our compliance team reviews it before suppliers see it.

Trimethyl phosphite 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

Precursor to DMMP (Dimethylmethyl phosphonate).

Trimethyl phosphite has been used primarily as an intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides. It is also used as a fireproofing agent in the production of textiles, as an intermediate in the production of flame-retardant polymers for polyurethane foams, and as a catalyst.

Liquid phosphorus source used in the deposition of phosphosilicate glass (PSG).

Chemical intermediate, especially for insecticides.

Industrial uses: Lubricating agent, UV stabilizer, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Lubricating agent.

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • alkylating agent
  • genotoxin
  • mutagen

How it is made

Reaction of phosphorus trichloride and methyl alcohol in presence of a tertiary amine

Methanol + phosphorus trichloride (dehydrochlorination)

Synthesis: Phosphorus trichloride and methanol. Catalyst: Diethylaniline, petroleum ether.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3

Trimethyl phosphite is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: OPCW Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3, HS 2022 subheading 2920.23 (trimethyl phosphite)

Our policy on controlled substances

Controls

  • Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3

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 Trimethyl phosphite is traded under.

HS 2920.23Exact HS code

Esters: phosphite esters and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives…

World exports in 2024
$8.95M
−3.9% vs 2023, imports $8.75M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. India * partner reported78.0%
  2. China8.8%
  3. United States7.8%
Top importers
  1. United States67.4%
  2. United Kingdom14.7%
  3. South Korea4.1%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Trimethyl phosphite is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Trimethyl phosphite, based on the data on this page

What is Trimethyl phosphite?

Trimethyl phosphite is an organophosphorus compound that is phosphane in which the three hydrogens are replaced by methoxy groups. It is an alkylating agent used primarily in the synthesis of organophosphate compounds. It has a role as an alkylating agent.

What is the CAS number of Trimethyl phosphite?

The CAS registry number of Trimethyl phosphite is 121-45-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Trimethyl phosphite?

The molecular formula of Trimethyl phosphite is C3H9O3P and its molar mass is 124.08 g/mol.

What is Trimethyl phosphite used for?

Precursor to DMMP (Dimethylmethyl phosphonate). Trimethyl phosphite has been used primarily as an intermediate in the manufacture of pesticides.

Is Trimethyl phosphite hazardous?

Trimethyl phosphite carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Trimethyl phosphite?

Trimethyl phosphite is usually classified under HS code 292023 (Trimethyl phosphite). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Trimethyl phosphite on CompoundList?

Trimethyl phosphite is a controlled substance. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed by our compliance team before suppliers see it.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Trimethyl phosphite

Request as a licensed buyer

Upload your licence with the request. Our compliance team reviews it before the documented suppliers see it.
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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