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.

Description

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.
PRODUCT KEY 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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, COâ‚‚, or water spray
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and phthalate decomposition products