Composition and water solubility determination of a commercial tricresylphosphate

Abstract A commercial tricresylphosphate has been used as a model compound for adaptation of the OECD Chemicals Testing Programme. In the initial part of the testing programme the composition and water solubility have been determined. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses of the tricresylphosphate showed a complex mixture of more than 21 arylphosphate compounds. The results indicate that the concept of chemical testing, in this case, has to be modified to cover testing of a chemical mixture. The water solubility of the compounds are at the ppm level. The solubility values represent mixtures of isomers and thus are not true water solubilities. They are, however, considered to be relevant values for use in the recommended tests for assessment of possible environmental impacts according to the OECD Chemicals Testing Programme.