2013
Volume 13, Number 2, pp. 69–72
On the proportion of ortho isomers in the tricresyl phosphates contained in jet oil
Jeremy J. Ramsden
The University of Buckingham, MK18 1EG, UK
The proportion of ortho tricresyl phosphate isomers is supposed to be a key determinant of the toxicity of jet oils. The precursor materials currently used in oil formulation are, therefore, chosen to have very low ortho contents. Nevertheless, recent measurements of tricresyl phosphates in cabin air during flight indicate a significant presence of ortho isomers. This suggests that isomerization to increase the ortho content is occurring during jet engine operation.