Acetates & Esters, High-Purity Solvents

Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)

Dicyclohexyl phthalate, commonly abbreviated as DCHP, is a white, crystalline solid ester of phthalic acid and cyclohexanol, characterized by its distinctive chemical formula C20H26O4 and a molecular weight of 330.42 g/mol. Unlike many common liquid phthalates, DCHP exists as a solid at room temperature, offering unique handling advantages in various industrial formulations. It exhibits excellent stability against heat and ultraviolet light, making it a preferred plasticizer for specialized resin systems. DCHP is primarily utilized to impart flexibility and durability to polymers while maintaining low volatility and high resistance to water extraction. Its crystalline nature allows it to act as a processing aid, facilitating the fusion of resins during thermal treatment. As a member of the ortho-phthalate family, its chemical structure consists of two cyclohexyl rings attached to a central phthalate moiety. DCHP is relatively insoluble in water but shows good solubility in most organic solvents, including alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High thermal stability ensures that the compound remains effective under elevated temperatures without decomposing or losing its plasticizing efficiency.
Excellent moisture resistance prevents leaching and degradation when the final polymer product is exposed to humid or aqueous environments.
Superior UV light resistance protects materials from discoloration and brittleness, extending the lifespan of plastics used in outdoor applications.
Low volatility characteristics minimize loss of plasticizer through evaporation during high-temperature processing steps, ensuring consistent material properties and safety.
Good compatibility with cellulose nitrate and various vinyl resins allows for uniform blending and improved physical characteristics in diverse formulations.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

CAS Number 84-61-7; Molecular Formula C20H26O4; Molecular Weight approximately 330.42 g/mol; Appearance is a white, crystalline powder or flakes.
Melting Point ranges from 63 to 66 degrees Celsius, allowing for easy incorporation into molten resin systems during industrial manufacturing.
Boiling Point is approximately 235 degrees Celsius at 4 mmHg, indicating high stability and resistance to premature volatilization.
Specific Gravity is 1.148 at 20 degrees Celsius, and the refractive index typically measures 1.515, ensuring consistent optical property integration.
Solubility Profile: Insoluble in water (<0.01 g/100 mL), yet highly soluble in organic solvents like acetone, benzene, and ethanol.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Primarily serves as a plasticizer for nitrocellulose lacquers, providing improved film toughness and adhesion for high-quality industrial coatings and finishes.
Extensively used in heat-sealable coatings for aluminum foil and paper packaging, ensuring strong, reliable bonds in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Acts as a critical processing aid in the manufacture of vinyl flooring and synthetic leathers, enhancing flexibility and surface texture.
Utilized in the formulation of specialty adhesives and sealants where low migration and high environmental resistance are mandatory performance requirements.
Employed as an organic peroxide carrier and phlegmatizer, stabilizing reactive compounds during storage and transportation for chemical synthesis processes.