Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)

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Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)

Dioctyl phthalate = DOP = n-Octyl phthalate = DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE = Phthalic acid, dioctyl ester = diethylhexyl phthalate = DEHP = Octyl phthalate = Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)

CAS Number: 117-81-7

EC Number: 204-211-0

Synonyms:Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DOP, Phthalic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl ester), DEHP

IUPAC Name: dioctyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate = Bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Di-sec octyl phthalate

DEHP

Octyl phthalate

Dioctyl phthalate is one of the most important plasticizer, mainly used in the processing of PVC resin and high polymers such as chemical resin, acetic acid resin, ABS resin, rubber and in the production of lacquer, dyestuff and dispersant. It is also used as a hydraulic and dielectric fluid in capacitors and as a solvent in lightsticks.

DOP is still widely used as a plasticizer in selected applications where volatiles are less of an issue. 

Dioctyl phthalate is also used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid in capacitors. 

DOP was the most widely used material as a plasticizer in manufacturing of articles made of PVC. 

Due to toxicity reasons, its usage has dropped and has been replaced by lower volatile phthalate and phthalate free products in some PVC and other applications

Dioctyl Phthalate is mostly used as a plasticizer.

Applications: Flexible PVC, screen printing inks, paints, coatings, lacquers, adhesives and sealants

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP, DEHP), is clear, colourless, viscous liquid with a slight, characteristic odor. Soluble in ethanol, ether, mineral oil and the majority of organic solvents. Immiscible with water, resistant to hydrolysis and air oxygen activity.

Its high plasticizing efficiency, fusion rate, visosity, low volatility, UV-resisting property, water-extracting proof, cold-resisting property, and also good softness and electric property found a lot of applications in many offshoots of the industry.

 

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP, DEHP) is a diester of phthalic acid. Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is a low cost, general use plasticizer, which can be useful in hydraulic fluid applications and as a dielectric fluid in capacitors.

Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is the most common of the class of plasticizers. It is the diester of phthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. It’s a colorless, viscous liquid is soluble in oil, but not in water.

DOP has common applications in plastics, such as medical supplies, PVA and rubber manufacturing, wood coatings, and is sometimes used as a waxing agent.

Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is manufactured using phthalic anhydride and 2-ethyl hexanol. DOP is generally used as a plasticizer and serves many end user applications such as Wires & Cables, Flooring & Wall Covering, Films & Sheet, Consumer Goods, Medical and Others.

APPLICATIONS

Plasticizers for

• Cables and wires.

• Building and construction for cladding and roof membranes.

• PVC pipes and flooring.

• Others such as hoses, shoe soles sealings industrial doors, swimming pool covers , shower curtains, roofing materials, water beds, furniture and disposable gloves.

Linear Formula: C6H4-1,2-[CO2CH2CH(C2H5)(CH2)3CH3]2

Molecular Weight: 390.56

Beilstein: 1890696

MDL number: MFCD00009493

PubChem Substance ID: 24893594

Dioctyl phthalate is a non-volatile solvent mainly used as a plasticizer for polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyisoprene (PI).

Dioctyl phthalate is a colorless, odorless, oily liquid that doesn’t evaporate easily. 

Dioctyl phthalate is a man-made substance used to keep plastics soft or more flexible. 

This type of plastic can be used for medical tubing and blood storage bags, wire and cables, carpetback coating, floor tile, and adhesives. 

Dioctyl phthalate is also used in cosmetics and pesticides.

Dioctyl phthalate is a phthalate ester and a diester.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP; dioctyl phthalate, DOP) is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2C8H17)2. 

DEHP is the most common member of the class of phthalates, which are used as plasticizers. 

DOP is the diester of phthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. 

This colorless viscous liquid is soluble in oil, but not in water.

Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is a plasticizer used in the production of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. 

Dioctyl Phthalate is one of the most widely used plasticizers in PVC due to its low cost. 

DOP is a general-purpose plasticizer and long-time industry standard known for its good stability to heat and ultraviolet light, and broad range of compatibility for use with PVC resins. 

Dioctyl Phthalate can also be used as dielectric and hydraulic fluids. 

DOP is also a solvent for many chemicals, such as in glowsticks.

DOP (Dioctyl Phthalate) is a combustible non-toxic colorless oily liquid with slight odor.

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is a clear, colourless liquid which is slightly more dense than water with a slight but characteristic odour. Dioctyl phthalate is miscible with most organic solvents but not soluble in water.

It has several advantages over some other plasticizers in that it is more economical; it provides the desired changes to physical and mechanical properties without causing changes to the chemical structure of the polymer; it jellifies quickly; in lacquer applications it serves to eliminate cracks, increase resistance and provide a smooth surface.

Synonyms: 1,2-Benzenedicarbonic acid, dioctyl ester; 1,2-Benzenedicarbonicacid,dioctylester; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylicacid,dioctylester; ai3-15071(usda); benzenedicarboxylicaciddi-n-octylester, di-sec-octyl phthalate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, phthalic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl ester)

Applications of Dioctyl Phthalate

Dioctyl phthalate is a phthalate ester which is used in the manufacture of a wide range of plastics and coating products. 

Dioctyl phthalate is used as a plasticizer in PVC paste and pulp mixtures and as an additive in many other processes.

Dioctyl phthalate can be found in many end products including PVC soles for shoes and slippers, synthetic leather, waterproof membranes, paints, varnishes, floor coverings, door mats and hoses.

Dioctyl phthalate is also used in the calendaring process of paper finishing, to produce PVC granules, as a hydraulic or dielectric fluid in capacitors, in toxicology studies and in risk assessment studies on food contamination which occurs via migration of phthalates into foodstuffs from food-contact materials (FCM).

PLASTIC INDUSTRY

PLASTICIZERS

Dioctyl phthalate can be used as a softening agent , such as to make the product easier to rebound and harder to undergo form change under pressure, without affecting of the plastics. DOP possesses its good plasticizing properties thanks to the ability to make the long polimers molecules to slide against one another.

It is extensively used in processing polyvinyl choride and ethylcellulose resins to produce plastic film, imitation leather, electric wire, cable wearer, sheet, planet, mould plastic products and used in nitrocellulose paints. It has the applications in the industry of automotive, building and construction material, flooring, medical device.

WOOD COATING

It is used in the industrial wood coating to enhance the performance properties of the wood coatings formulations.

MEDICAL DEVICES

Dioctyl phthalate is used a plasticiser in the manufacture of medical and sanitary products, such as blood bags and dialysis equipment. It has a further and unique role in blood bags because it actually helps to prolong the life of the blood itself. DEHP also stabilises the membranes of red blood cells enabling blood product storage in PVC blood bags for several weeks.

 

Plastics may contain from 1% to 40% of DOP.

Other uses:

It is also used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid in capacitors.

DOP also finds the application as a solvent in lightsticks.

DEHP is the most common of the class of phthalates which are used as plasticizers. Due to its suitable properties and the low cost, DEHP is widely used as a plasticizer in manufacturing of articles made of PVC. DEHP also finds use as a solvent in glowsticks.

PROPERTIES

Characteristics

1. High plasticizing efficiency and fusion rate

2. Good low volatility, UV-resisting, cold -resisting property

3. Excellent softness.

vapor density >16 (vs air)

vapor pressure: 1.2 mmHg ( 93 °C)

assay: 99%

autoignition temp.: 734 °F

refractive index: n20/D 1.486 

bp: 384 °C 

mp: −50 °C 

density: 0.985 g/mL at 25 °C 

Dioctyl phthalate

DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE

117-84-0

dioctyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

Dinopol NOP

n-Octyl phthalate

Vinicizer 85

DNOP

Phthalic acid, dioctyl ester

Polycizer 162

Phthalic acid di-n-octyl ester

Dioctyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate

Dioctyl o-benzenedicarboxylate

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-dioctyl ester

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester

Bis(n-octyl) phthalate

Dioktylester kyseliny ftalove

NSC 15318

UNII-8X3RJ0527W

1,2-Benzenedicarbonic acid, dioctyl ester

CHEBI:34679

8X3RJ0527W

MFCD00015292

68515-43-5

NCGC00090781-02

DSSTox_CID_1956

DSSTox_RID_76425

DSSTox_GSID_21956

8031-29-6

octyl 2-(octyloxycarbonyl)benzoate

di-octyl phthalate

CAS-117-84-0

Di-n-octyl phthalate, analytical standard

CCRIS 6196

HSDB 1345

AI3-15071 (USDA)

EINECS 204-214-7

Dioktylester kyseliny ftalove [Czech]

RCRA waste no. U107

BRN 1915994

Benzenedicarboxylic acid di-n-octyl ester

1, dioctyl ester

Vinycizer 85

di-n-octylphthalate

Dioctyl o-phthalate

Phthalic acid dioctyl

Phthalic acid, bis-n-octyl ester

0014AD

ANW-17052

Di-n-octyl phthalate, p.a., 99%

NSC-15318

SBB008723

STL280370

AKOS015889916

MCULE-5138747558

1,2-dioctyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

Di-n-octyl phthalate, >=98.0% (GC)

LS-15074

FT-0655747

FT-0667608

P0304

ST50826905

C14227

1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID DIOCTYL ESTER

Di-n-octyl phthalate, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)

Other names: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester; Phthalic acid, dioctyl ester; n-Octyl phthalate; Dinopol NOP; Dioctyl o-benzenedicarboxylate; Dioctyl phthalate; Octyl phthalate; Polycizer 162; 1,2-Benzenedicarbonic acid, dioctyl ester; Dicapryl phthalate; Dioctyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; Vinicizer 85; o-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester; Celluflex dop; Dioktylester kyseliny ftalove; DNOP; PX-138; Rcra waste number U107; Dioctyl o-phthalate; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-dioctyl ester; NSC 15318; Vinycizer 85

Dioctyl Phthalate Market: Key Segments

Based on end-user, the dioctyl phthalate market can be divided into electrical & electronic, building & construction, medical, and others, which includes household, solvent in erasable inks, acaricide in orchards, pesticides, and packaging. Dioctyl phthalate is extensively employed in electrical & electronic due to its properties such as softening, stability against heat & ultraviolet light, as a polymeric coating on cables and wires to increase the elasticity of the product. 

Dioctyl phthalate is used in applications such as paints, lacquers, inks, adhesives, and sealants due to its heat resistance properties. 

In household products, dioctyl phthalate finds application in fabricating vinyl products such as vinyl upholstery, tablecloth, shower, curtain, raincoat, shoes, garden hoses, and swimming pools liners. In building & construction, dioctyl phthalate is used for flooring, wall covering, roofing, and others.

Di-n-octyl phthalate appears as a clear liquid with a mild odor. Slightly less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Flash point 430°F. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. As a liquid, can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams. Eye contact may produce severe irritation and direct skin contact may produce mild irritation. Used in the manufacture of a variety of plastics and coating products.

Due to its suitable properties and the low cost, DEHP is widely used as a plasticizer in manufacturing of articles made of PVC.

Plastics may contain 1% to 40% of DEHP. It is also used as a hydraulic fluid and as a dielectric fluid in capacitors. 

DEHP also finds use as a solvent in glowsticks.

Approximately three billion kilograms are produced and used annually worldwide.

Manufacturers of flexible PVC articles can choose among several alternative plasticizers offering similar technical properties as DEHP. 

These alternatives include other phthalates such as diisononyl phthalate (DINP), di-2-propyl heptyl phthalate (DPHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and non-phthalates such as 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), and citrate esters.[citation needed]

Environmental exposure

DEHP is a component of many household items, including tablecloths, floor tiles, shower curtains, garden hoses, rainwear, dolls, toys, shoes, medical tubing, furniture upholstery, and swimming pool liners.[5] DEHP is an indoor air pollutant in homes and schools. Common exposures come from the use of DEHP as a fragrance carrier in cosmetics, personal care products, laundry detergents, colognes, scented candles, and air fresheners.[6] The most common exposure to DEHP comes through food with an average consumption of 0.25 milligrams per day.[7] It can also leach into a liquid that comes in contact with the plastic; it extracts faster into nonpolar solvents (e.g. oils and fats in foods packed in PVC). Fatty foods that are packaged in plastics that contain DEHP are more likely to have higher concentrations such as milk products, fish or seafood, and oils.[5] Food and Drug Administration (FDA) therefore permits use of DEHP-containing packaging only for foods that primarily contain water.

DEHP can leach into drinking water from discharges from rubber and chemical factories; The US EPA limits for DEHP in drinking water is 6 ppb.

It is also commonly found in bottled water, but unlike tap water, the EPA does not regulate levels in bottled water.

DEHP levels in some European samples of milk, were found at 2000 times higher than the EPA Safe Drinking Water limits (12,000 ppb). 

Levels of DEHP in some European cheeses and creams were even higher, up to 200,000 ppb, in 1994.

Additionally, workers in factories that utilize DEHP in production experience greater exposure.

The U.S. agency OSHA’s limit for occupational exposure is 5 mg/m3 of air.

Use in medical devices

DEHP is the most common phthalate plasticizer in medical devices such as intravenous tubing and bags, IV catheters, nasogastric tubes, dialysis bags and tubing, blood bags and transfusion tubing, and air tubes. 

DEHP makes these plastics softer and more flexible and was first introduced in the 1940s in blood bags. 

For this reason, concern has been expressed about leachates of DEHP transported into the patient, especially for those requiring extensive infusions or those who are at the highest risk of developmental abnormalities, e.g. newborns in intensive care nursery settings, hemophiliacs, kidney dialysis patients, neonates, premature babies, lactating, and pregnant women. According to the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), exposure to DEHP may exceed the tolerable daily intake in some specific population groups, namely people exposed through medical procedures such as kidney dialysis.[10] The American Academy of Pediatrics has advocated not to use medical devices that can leach DEHP into patients and, instead, to resort to DEHP-free alternatives.

Metabolism

DEHP hydrolyzes to mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and subsequently to phthalate salts. 

The released alcohol is susceptible to oxidation to the aldehyde and carboxylic acid.

Effects on living organisms

Toxicity

The acute toxicity of DEHP is low in animal models: 30 g/kg in rats (oral) and 24 g/kg in rabbits (dermal).

Concerns instead focus on its potential as an endocrine disruptor.

Endocrine disruption

DEHP, along with other phthalates, is believed to cause endocrine disruption in males, through its action as an androgen antagonist,Band may have lasting effects on reproductive function, for both childhood and adult exposures. Prenatal phthalate exposure has been shown to be associated with lower levels of reproductive function in adolescent males.[17] In another study, airborne concentrations of DEHP at a PVC pellet plant were significantly associated with a reduction in sperm motility and chromatin DNA integrity.[18] Additionally, the authors noted the daily intake estimates for DEHP were comparable to the general population, indicating a “high percentage of men are exposed to levels of DEHP that may affect sperm motility and chromatin DNA integrity”. The claims have received support by a study [19] using dogs as a “sentinel species to approximate human exposure to a selection of chemical mixtures present in the environment”. The authors analyzed the concentration of DEHP and other common chemicals such as PCBs in testes from dogs from five different world regions. 

The results showed that regional differences in concentration of the chemicals are reflected in dog testes and that pathologies such as tubule atrophy and germ cells were more prevalent in testes of dogs proveining from regions with higher concentrations.

Development

Numerous studies of DEHP have shown changes in sexual function and development in mice and rats. 

DEHP exposure during pregnancy has been shown to disrupt placental growth and development in mice, resulting in higher rates of low birthweight, premature birth, and fetal loss.

In a separate study, exposure of neonatal mice to DEHP through lactation caused hypertrophy of the adrenal glands and higher levels of anxiety during puberty.

In another study, pubertal administration of higher-dose DEHP delayed puberty in rats, reduced testosterone production, and inhibited androgen-dependent development; low doses showed no effect.[22]

Obesity

When DEHP is ingested intestinal lipases convert it to MEHP, which then is absorbed. 

MEHP is suspected to have an obesogenic effect. Rodent studies and human studies have shown DEHP to be a possible disruptor of thyroid function, which plays a key role in energy balance and metabolism. Exposure to DEHP has been associated with lower plasma thyroxine levels and decreased uptake of iodine in thyroid follicular cells. Previous studies have shown that slight changes in thyroxine levels can have dramatic effects on resting energy expenditure, similar to that of patients with hypothyroidism, which has been shown to cause increased weight gain in those study populations.[23]

Cardiotoxicity

Even at relatively low doses of DEHP, cardiovascular reactivity was significantly affected in mice.[24] 

A clinically relevant dose and duration of exposure to DEHP has been shown to have a significant impact on the behavior of cardiac cells in culture. 

This includes an uncoupling effect that leads to irregular rhythms in vitro. Untreated cells had fast conduction velocity, along with homogenous activation wave fronts and synchronized beating. Cells treated with DEHP exhibited fractured wave fronts with slow propagation speeds. This is observed in conjunction with a significant decrease in the amount of expression and instability of gap junctional connexin proteins, specifically connexin-43, in cardiomyocytes treated with DEHP.[25]

The decrease in expression and instability of connexin-43 may be due to the down regulation of tubulin and kinesin genes, and the alteration of microtubule structure, caused by DEHP; all of which are responsible for the transport of protein products. Also, DEHP caused down regulation of several growth factors, such as angiotensinogen, transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor C and A, and endothelial-1. The DEHP-induced down regulation of these growth factors may also contribute to the reduced expression and instability of connexin-43.[26]

DEHP has also been shown, in vitro using cardiac muscle cells, to cause activation of PPAR-alpha gene, which is a key regulator in lipid metabolism and peroxisome proliferation; both of which can be involved in atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, which are precursors of cardio vascular disease.[27]

Other health effects

Studies in mice have shown other adverse health effects due to DEHP exposure. Ingestion of 0.01% DEHP caused damage to the blood-testis barrier as well as induction of experimental autoimmune orchitis.[28] There is also a correlation between DEHP plasma levels in women and endometriosis.[29]

DEHP is also a possible cancer causing agent in humans, although human studies remain inconclusive, due to the exposure of multiple elements and limited research. In vitro and rodent studies indicate that DEHP is involved in many molecular events, including increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, oxidative damage, and selective clonal expansion of the initiated cells; all of which take place in multiple sites of the human body.[30]

Government and industry response

Taiwan

In October 2009, Consumers’ Foundation, Taiwan (CFCT) published test results[31] that found 5 out of the sampled 12 shoes contained over 0.1% of phthalate plasticizer content, including DEHP, which exceeds the government’s Toy Safety Standard (CNS 4797). CFCT recommend that users should first wear socks to avoid direct skin contact.

In May 2011, the illegal use of the plasticizer DEHP in clouding agents for use in food and beverages has been reported in Taiwan.[32] 

An inspection of products initially discovered the presence of plasticizers. As more products were tested, inspectors found more manufacturers using DEHP and DINP.[33] 

The Department of Health confirmed that contaminated food and beverages had been exported to other countries and regions, which reveals the widespread prevalence of toxic plasticizers.

Further information: 2011 Taiwan food scandal

European Union

Concerns about chemicals ingested by children when chewing plastic toys prompted the European Commission to order a temporary ban on phthalates in 1999, the decision of which is based on an opinion by the Commission’s Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE). A proposal to make the ban permanent was tabled. Until 2004, EU banned the use of DEHP along with several other phthalates (DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP) in toys for young children.[34] In 2005, the Council and the Parliament compromised to propose a ban on three types of phthalates (DINP, DIDP, and DNOP) “in toys and childcare articles which can be placed in the mouth by children”. Therefore, more products than initially planned will thus be affected by the directive.[35] In 2008, six substances were considered to be of very high concern (SVHCs) and added to the Candidate List including musk xylene, MDA, HBCDD, DEHP, BBP, and DBP. In 2011, those six substances have been listed for Authorization in Annex XIV of REACH by Regulation (EU) No 143/2011.[36] According to the regulation, phthalates including DEHP, BBP and DBP will be banned from February 2015.[37]

In 2012, Danish Environment Minister Ida Auken announced the ban of DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP, pushing Denmark ahead of the European Union which has already started a process of phasing out phthalates.[38] However, it was postponed by two years and would take effect in 2015 and not in December 2013, which was the initial plan. The reason is that the four phthalates are far more common than expected and that producers cannot phase out phthalates as fast as the Ministry of Environment requested.[39]

In 2012, France became the first country in the EU to ban the use of DEHP in pediatrics, neonatal, and maternity wards in hospitals.[40]

DEHP has now been classified as a Category 1B reprotoxin,[41] and is now on the Annex XIV of the European Union’s REACH legislation. DEHP has been phased out in Europe under REACH and can only be used in specific cases if an authorization has been granted. Authorizations are granted by the European Commission, after obtaining the opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The latest regulatory update and timeline review as at August 2020.[42]

California

DEHP is classified as a “chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm” (in this case, both) under the terms of Proposition 65.[

Storage and Handling

Dioctyl phthalate should be stored in tightly-closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

This material should be handled in accordance with good industry safety and hygiene practices. Relevant engineering controls should be implemented. The product may cause skin irritation if contact is repeated or prolonged, as well as severe eye irritation. Risks from inhalation of vapour are minimal at room temperature but may cause irritation at higher temperatures. Personal protective equipment including approved safety glasses, impervious clothing and gloves must be worn, and respirators should be worn where deemed necessary by risk assessments for the task being carried out.

Di octyl phthalate (DOP) is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(C8H17COO)2. DOP is the most common of the class of phthalates which are used as plasticizers, accounting for an almost 54% market share in 2010. It is the diester of phthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. This colorless viscous liquid is soluble in oil, but not in water. DOP is a High Production Volume Chemical.

Substance name:di-2-ethylhexylphthalate

Trade name:Dioctylphthalate

EC no:204-211-0

CAS no:117-81-7

HS code:29173200

KH product code:100027

Formula:C24H38O4

Synonyms:1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester / 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(ethylhexyl)ester / 2-ethylhexyl phthalate / AI3-04273 / BEHP / bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate / bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1,2-benzenedicarboxylate / bis(2-ethylhexyl)ester phthalic acid / bis(ethylhexyl)phthalate / bisoflex 81 / bisoflex DOP / compound 889 / DAF 68 / DEHP / di(2-ethylhexyl)orthophthalate / di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate / di(ethylhexyl)phthalate / diethylhexyl phthalate / dioctyl phthalate / dioctylphthalate(=bis(2-ethylhexyl)1,2-benzenedicarboxylate) / disec-octyl phthalate / di-secondary-octylphthalate / DOF (russian plasticizer) / DOP / ergoplast FDO / ergoplast FDO-S / ethylhexyl phthalate / eviplast 80 / eviplast 81 / fleximel / flexol / flexol DOP / flexol plasticizer DOP / good-rite GP / good-rite GP264 / hatcol DOP / hercoflex 20 / hercoflex 260 / jayflex di-2-ethylhexylphthalate / jayflex DOP / jayflex DOP(f) / K-5550 plastisol reducer / kodaflex DOP / mollan O / nuoplaz DOP / nuoplaz DOP plasticiser / octoil / octyl phthalate(=diisooctylphthalate) / palatinol AH / palatinol DOP / phthalic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl)ester / phthalic acid di(2-ethylhexyl)ester / phthalic acid dioctyl ester (=diisooctylphthalate) / phthalic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester / pittsburgh PX-138 / platinol AH / platinol DOP / PX138 (=diisooctylphthalate) / RC plasticizer DOP / reomol D 79P / reomol D79P / reomol DOP / sicol 150 / staflex / staflex DOP / synolate MHX / truflex DOP / vestinol AH / vinicizer 80 / witcizer 312)

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is a colorless viscous liquid, which is non-soluble in water; however, it is soluble in oil. Its chemical names include phthalic acid, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester, and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). These are manufactured by the reaction of 2-ethylhexonal with phthalic anhydride in the presence of catalyst sulfuric acid. Dioctyl phthalate is commonly used as a plasticizer and softening agent. It is also used as a solvent for manufacturing glow sticks.

Dioctyl Phthalate Market: Drivers & Restraints

There’s increase in usage of dioctyl phthalate in the plastic industry as a plasticizer is driving the global market. Dioctyl phthalate acts as a softening agent by increasing the flexibility of plastic. Majority of electronic gadgets, laptops, wires, and cables are made from plastic. This, in turn, is anticipated to drive the dioctyl phthalate market. Dioctyl phthalate and its derivatives can cause endocrine problems in males and can damage their fertility; therefore, France has banned its usage in pediatric and maternity wards in hospitals. Health problems caused due to dioctyl phthalate is likely to restrain the global dioctyl phthalate market. Dioctyl terephthalate, as a phthalate-free plasticizer, is projected to substitute for dioctyl phthalate.

dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is still one of the most used plastisizers worldwide, it is mainly applied in PVC industry

unlike in Asian countries, DOP has been banned in many applications in USA and Europe, but is still widely used in medicine

Asia Pacific countries produce more than 80% of world total and the region is the largest consumer (77% of global consumption)

active replacement of DOP in developed countries provides good opportunity for manufacturers of phthalate replacements

overall global DOP market decline is foreseen – EU and North America demand will particularly be decreasing, production will go down

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