ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the chemistry and manufacture of neutral esters of phosphoric acid, outlining the physical and chemical properties that make them practical and useful industrial chemicals. Trialkyl phosphates can be prepared using reactions similar to those used for triaryl compounds. The information presented below attempts to give a concise and accurate summary of the properties and usefulness of commercial phosphate esters. The oxidative stability of phosphate esters has proven to be quite high and has therefore encouraged their commercial use. Fire-resistance and lubrication characteristics are the most important performance parameters associated with phosphate esters and are responsible for their wide use in industrial applications. Phosphate esters are sold commercially by chemical manufacturers and fluid suppliers/distributors under a variety of trade names into both the fluid/lubricant and lubricant additive markets. Phosphate esters provide the highest level of fire-resistance and safety when all the moderately priced non-aqueous fluids are considered.
