Applications
Tri-n-butyl phosphate is used as a solvent for rare earth metals exaction and purification, and as a flame retardant component of aircraft hydraulic fluid. It is involved in the formation of stable hydrophobic complexes with some metals. It is also employed as a defoamer additive in cement casings for oil wells, as an anti-air entrainment additive for coatings and floor finishes and as a solvent in nuclear fuel processing. Further, it is used as a solvent in inks, synthetic resins, gums and adhesives. In addition, it is used as a plasticizer for cellulose esters like nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate.

Solubility
Miscible with diethyl ether, benzene, carbon disulfide and ethanol. Slightly miscible with water.

Notes
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases and alkali.