3035. Dibutyl Phthalate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 84-74-2
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester; n-butyl phthalate; phthalic acid dibutyl ester; DBP.
C16H22O4; mol wt 278.34.
C 69.04%, H 7.97%, O 22.99%.

Description and references

Prepn: Farrar, Wienkauff, Chem. Ind. (London) 1962, 2144. Manuf: Bruno, US 2628249 (1953 to Pittsburgh Coke & Chemical). Toxicity study: C. C. Smith, Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 7, 310 (1953). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Di-n-butyl phthalate (PB2001-109104, 2001) 225 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Oily liquid. bp 340°. d20 1.0459 and 1.0465, Kemppinen, Gokeen, J. Phys. Chem. 60, 126 (1956). nD20 1.4900. Flash pt, open cup: 340°F (171°C). Sol in about 2500 parts water; very sol in alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, upper respiratory system and stomach. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 94.

Use

Plasticizer; solvent for oil-soluble dyes, insecticides and other organics; antifoam agent; textile fiber lubricant; fragrance fixative; insect repellent.