Dioctyl Phthalate

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Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), also known as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is a widely used plasticizer primarily added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers to enhance flexibility, durability, and workability. It is a clear, colorless, oily liquid with a slight ester odor. Due to its excellent compatibility with many polymers and long-lasting plasticizing effects, DOP is one of the most common phthalate plasticizers used in industries such as construction, automotive, packaging, and medical devices. It also serves as a solvent and dispersant in various chemical processes.

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Category: Plasticizers Tags: Clear oily liquid, Construction materials, Dioctyl Phthalate, DOP, Industrial plasticizer, Plastics and polymers

Description

Table of Contents

Dioctyl Phthalate

Primary Uses

Plastics & Polymer Industry

Most commonly used as a plasticizer in PVC to improve flexibility, elasticity, and toughness.
Enhances the softness and durability of flexible vinyl products such as cables, flooring, wall coverings, and synthetic leather.
Used in the manufacture of flexible hoses, sheets, films, and molded products.
Provides long-term stability and resistance to aging and weathering in plastic products.Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants

Acts as a solvent and plasticizer in various coatings, inks, adhesives, and sealants to improve spreadability and film flexibility.
Enhances impact resistance and adhesion properties in formulated coatings.Automotive Industry

Used in automotive interior components such as dashboards, upholstery, and wiring insulation to provide softness and durability.
Improves vibration damping and resistance to temperature changes in automotive applications.Medical Devices

Historically used in medical-grade PVC products like tubing, blood bags, and catheters to provide flexibility and resilience (usage now restricted or replaced in many regions due to safety concerns).Electrical & Electronics

Used in insulating cables and wires to provide flexibility and protection against mechanical stress.
Serves as a dielectric fluid in some electrical components.

Secondary Uses

Printing Inks

Used as a solvent and plasticizer in printing inks to improve flow and gloss.Textile Processing

Applied as a softening agent in synthetic textile coatings and treatments.Rubber & Elastomers

Acts as a processing aid and softener in some rubber and elastomer formulations.Other Specialty Applications

Used as a carrier solvent for pesticides and other agrochemicals.
Functions as a dispersant in pigment and dye formulations.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
Common/Trade Name: Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP), DEHP
CAS Number: 117-81-7
HS Code: 2917.39.00
Molecular Formula: C24H38O4
Synonyms:
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
- DEHP
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
- Phthalic acid dioctyl ester

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Clear, oily, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic ester odor
Boiling Point: ~384°C
Melting Point: −50°C
Density: ~0.986 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons
Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions; sensitive to strong oxidizers

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Classified as a hazardous substance; possible reproductive toxicity concerns
Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; potential endocrine disruptor and reproductive hazard (subject to regulatory restrictions)
Exposure Limits: Varies by jurisdiction; OSHA PEL ~5 mg/m³ (particulates)
Flammability: Low flammability; combustible liquid

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources
Container Type: Steel drums or HDPE containers, tightly sealed
Shelf Life: 3–5 years if stored properly
Handling Precautions: Avoid skin contact and inhalation of vapors; use appropriate PPE

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Restricted or banned in some applications due to environmental and health concerns (e.g., in toys and childcare articles by EU REACH and US CPSC)
Listed on REACH and TSCA inventories
Complies with various industrial standards for plasticizers but subject to evolving regulatory scrutiny

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; persistence and bioaccumulation potential reported
Persistence: Moderately persistent in environment
Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; concerns primarily focus on reproductive toxicity

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Safety goggles or face shield
Protective clothing (lab coat, apron)
Use respiratory protection if ventilation is poor

Handling Guidelines:

Minimize skin contact and inhalation of vapors or mist
Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods
Avoid open flames and sources of ignition

Storage Measures:

Keep container tightly closed
Store away from heat, sparks, and oxidizing agents
Avoid contamination with water or incompatible materials

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Remove contaminated clothing promptly

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty develops
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; get medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; can burn with a smoky flame
Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂, or water spray
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and phthalate decomposition products