Miscellaneous Applications of Phosphate Esters

Some commercial products such as butyl and 2-ethylhexyl phosphates are marketed and applied as slightly water-soluble mixtures of mono- and diesters, that is, (R0)2P(0)0H and (R0)P(0) (0H)2, where R is typically Bu, Am, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl and so on. Mixtures of this kind have numerous uses as 

Curing agents in lacquers and varnishes based on urea formaldehyde resins 

Anti-rust agents in metal treatment compositions 

Anti-wear and corrosion inhibition additives for lubricants 

Long-chain diesters of the type CH3(CH2) 0)2P(0)0H with n = 14-22 are soft to the skin and can be used as coatings on cosmetic powders to improve water repellancy. Such esters are less irritating to skin and eyes than the corresponding sulphates or sulphonates [39]. 

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