Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, a clear, viscous liquid, is used as a component of vinyl stabilizers, grease additives, and flame-proofing compositions; however, it is used primarily as a plasticizer for vinyl plastic and synthetic rubber compounds.

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate has been employed as a specialty flameretardant plasticizer for vinyl compositions where low temperature flexibility is critical, eg, in military tarpaulins. It can be included in blends with general purpose plasticizers such as phthalate esters to improve low temperature flexibility.