Acetates & Esters, High-Purity Solvents

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP – Also Known DOP)

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly abbreviated as DEHP or DOP, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C24H38O4. It belongs to the class of phthalate esters and serves primarily as a high-performance plasticizer. At room temperature, this viscous, colorless, and odorless liquid exhibits excellent stability and low volatility, making it an ideal additive for enhancing the flexibility and durability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. DEHP functions by embedding itself between polymer chains, increasing free volume and reducing the glass transition temperature of the material. This transformation converts rigid PVC into a soft, pliable, and resilient substance suitable for diverse industrial applications. Despite its widespread utility, DEHP is subject to significant regulatory scrutiny due to concerns regarding its potential reproductive toxicity and environmental persistence. It is insoluble in water but highly soluble in most organic solvents, reflecting its lipophilic nature. Its synthesis involves the esterification of phthalic anhydride with the 2-ethylhexanol.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Superior plasticizing efficiency: DEHP provides exceptional softening capabilities for PVC resin, allowing for high load-bearing capacity and flexibility.
Low Volatility: Its high boiling point ensures minimal evaporation during high-temperature processing and long-term product usage in various environments.
Heat Stability: Exhibits excellent thermal resistance, maintaining chemical integrity and preventing yellowing or degradation during extrusion and molding processes.
Excellent Weatherability: Offers resistance to environmental stressors, including moisture and UV exposure, preserving the physical properties of outdoor plastic products.
Universal Compatibility: Miscible with a wide range of polymers and organic solvents, facilitating easy integration into complex chemical formulations.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula and Weight: C24H38O4 with a molecular weight of 390.56 g/mol, ensuring consistent performance in industrial chemical reactions.
Physical State: A colorless to slightly yellowish oily liquid with a typical density of 0.985 g/cm³ at 20 degrees Celsius.
Flash and Boiling Point: Features a high flash point of 215 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 385 degrees Celsius.
Viscosity Profile: Maintains a kinematic viscosity of approximately 77-82 mPa.s at 20 degrees Celsius, crucial for pumping and mixing applications.
Refractive Index: Possesses a refractive index between 1.485 and 1.489, providing clarity in transparent flexible PVC applications.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

PVC Flexible Products: Widely used in the manufacture of vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and garden hoses to enhance pliability and durability.
Medical Devices: Historically utilized in blood bags, dialysis tubing, and intravenous catheters due to its softness and sterilization resistance properties.
Construction Materials: Integral in producing cable insulation, roofing membranes, and waterproof coatings where long-term flexible structural integrity is required.
Consumer Goods: Applied in the production of footwear, synthetic leather, and sports equipment to improve tactile feel and impact resistance.
Industrial Sealants: Used as a component in gaskets, adhesives, and sealants to provide necessary elasticity and bond strength.