BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) ADIPATE (DEHA)

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid widely used as a cold-resistant plasticizer for flexible PVC, vinyl polymers, synthetic rubber, and other resins.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is the diester of adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, combining excellent low-temperature flexibility, high plasticizing efficiency, and compatibility with nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, and a broad range of polymer systems.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is also used as a hydraulic fluid component, aircraft lubricant solvent, cosmetic emollient and skin-conditioning agent, and industrial chemical intermediate.

CAS Number: 103-23-1
EC Number: 203-090-1
Molecular Formula: C22H42O4
Molecular Weight: 370.57 g/mol

Synonyms: DEHA, DOA, BEHA, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Diethylhexyl adipate, Dioctyl adipate (archaic), Adipic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, Hexanedioic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, 1,6-Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate, Adipol 2EH, Bisoflex DOA, Plastomoll DOA, Vestinol OA, Kodaflex DOA, Monoplex DOA, Truflex DOA, Wickenol 158, Crodamol DOA, Arlamol DOA, Staflex DOA, Uniflex DOA, Plasthall DOA, Sansocizer DOA, Flexol A 26, Reomol DOA, Effomoll DOA, Adimoll DO, Mollan S, PX-238, Sicol 250, Hatcol 2908, Witamol 320, Jayflex DOA 2, Kemester 5652, Lankroflex DOA, Ergoplast ADDO, NCI-C54386, K 3220, Palatinol DOA, Good-rite GP-223, NSC 56775, MDL MFCD00009496, UN 3082

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is an organic compound with the linear formula (CH2CH2CO2C8H17)2, produced by the esterification of adipic acid with 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or para-toluenesulfonic acid, followed by purification by distillation.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is commonly blended with general-purpose plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and di(isooctyl) phthalate in PVC and other polymer systems to optimize the balance of low-temperature flexibility, durability, and cost.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is present on the positive list of EU Regulation 10/2011 for plastics intended to come into contact with food, and has been permitted in France and Italy as a constituent of food-contact plastics; it was previously listed on the US EPA Toxics Release Inventory but was delisted in 1996 based on low toxicity.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is not classified as hazardous under the majority of GHS/CLP assessments by registered companies; the predominant GHS classification is Not Classified, with NFPA 704 rating 0-1-0.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has been reported as a natural product in Streptomyces and Panax ginseng, and is diethylhexyl adipate as listed in the cosmetic ingredients database with functions of skin conditioning emollient, plasticizer, film former, and solvent.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has annual US production in the range of 25 to 55 million pounds and global production of approximately 10,000 to 50,000 tonnes per year, making it a high production volume chemical on OECD lists.

Uses of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used as a cold-resistant primary or secondary plasticizer in flexible PVC films for agricultural applications, frozen food packaging films, wire and cable coatings, artificial leather, sheet materials, outdoor water pipes, and food-contact wrapping films where legally permitted.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, polystyrene, and dammar wax to impart low-temperature softness, light resistance, and good handling feel.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used as a solvent and component in aircraft lubricants and hydraulic functional fluids, where its low vapor pressure, thermal stability, and compatibility with polymers are advantageous.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used in cosmetics including bath oils, eye shadow, cologne, foundations, rouge, blushers, nail polish remover, moisturizers, and indoor tanning preparations as a plasticizer, solvent, emollient, skin conditioner, and film former.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used in printing inks, lacquers, varnishes, coatings, and adhesives as a plasticizer and coalescing agent improving film flexibility and adhesion.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used as a dispersing agent, binder, lubricating agent, emulsifier, diluent, and fixative in a wide range of industrial and consumer product formulations.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used as a fragrance ingredient in personal care, cleaning, and consumer products, being listed on the IFRA Transparency List.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used as an extractable and leachable reference standard in analytical chemistry, and as a laboratory reagent for HPLC and GC analysis, environmental monitoring, and food-contact migration testing.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is used in the production of flexible PVC food films for wrapping meat, cheese, baked goods, sandwiches, and fruit, and migrates into fatty foods at levels that have been studied extensively by food safety authorities including WHO, EFSA, and national agencies.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is also studied as a poly(lactic acid) fiber plasticizer and processing aid, and as a cold-resistant additive in automotive interior materials, sealants, and specialty coatings.

Benefits or Advantages of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) provides excellent low-temperature flexibility and cold resistance, maintaining good mechanical properties and flexibility in plastic products at temperatures as low as -70°C.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has high plasticizing efficiency with high efficiency under heat and low heat discoloration, making it suitable for demanding polymer processing applications.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has very low acute toxicity with oral LD50 greater than 5,000 mg/kg in rats and dermal LD50 of 8,410 mg/kg in rabbits, supporting its use in consumer-facing and food-contact applications subject to regulatory compliance.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is readily biodegradable, with aerobic biodegradation exceeding 83–93% in 28–35 days under OECD 301 test methods, and has low bioaccumulation potential with a measured BCF of 27 in bluegill sunfish.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is compatible with a broad range of polymer systems and can be used alone or blended with other plasticizers to optimize cost and performance balance.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is not classified as dangerous goods for transport under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA/ICAO regulations, simplifying logistics in commercial supply chains.

Features of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a clear, colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid at ambient temperature with a mild to faint characteristic odor, a density of approximately 0.922 to 0.925 g/cm3, and a refractive index of approximately 1.447.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) remains liquid over an exceptionally wide temperature range, from a melting point of approximately -67.8°C to a boiling point of 417°C, making it useful across extreme temperature conditions.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has very low water solubility of approximately 0.0032 mg/L using slow-stir methods, negligible vapor pressure of approximately 8.5 × 10-7 mm Hg at 20°C, and high log Kow of approximately 6.8 to 8.39, reflecting its strongly hydrophobic character.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is soluble in alcohols, acetone, diethyl ether, chloroform, hexane, and other organic solvents, and floats on water due to its density below 1.0 g/cm3.

Chemical Properties of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a dicarboxylic acid ester formed from the formal condensation of the two carboxyl groups of adipic acid (hexanedioic acid) with two molecules of 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, yielding a symmetric adipate diester with two chiral centers (undefined stereocenters).
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) has the molecular formula C22H42O4, molecular weight 370.57 g/mol, exact mass 370.30830982 Da, XLogP3 6.8, topological polar surface area 52.6 Ų, hydrogen bond acceptors 4, hydrogen bond donors 0, and rotatable bonds 19.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is chemically stable under normal ambient conditions and does not react dangerously under recommended storage conditions; as an ester it may undergo slow hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong alkalis, nitrates, peroxides, and reactive halogenating agents; thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, ketones, and irritating organic fumes.

Production of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is produced industrially by the esterification of adipic acid with a twofold molar excess of 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or para-toluenesulfonic acid, followed by neutralization, washing, and fractional distillation to obtain the finished product.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is manufactured as greater than 99% pure liquid with typical impurities of 0.01 to 0.02% adipic acid and up to 0.05 to 0.10% moisture, and is available in analytical standard, fragrance grade, food contact, and industrial synthesis grades with assay of ≥97.0% to ≥99%.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) quality control verifies appearance, assay (GC), density, refractive index, acidity, moisture content, and identity (IR), with storage stability confirmed by inspection for color change, haze, or viscosity change.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is packaged in 200 kg drums, IBC containers, and bulk tankers, and should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas below 30°C in original sealed containers.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Handling of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) handling requires avoiding prolonged skin contact, eye contact, and generation of mist or aerosol during spraying, heating, or pumping operations.

SDS of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Stability and Reactivity of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Chemical stability:
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is stable under normal ambient temperature and recommended storage conditions.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal recommended handling and storage conditions.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) may undergo slow hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions, and may react with strong oxidizing agents.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Open flames and hot surfaces.
Sparks and static discharge.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Contact with strong acids and strong alkalis.
Contact with nitrates and peroxides.
Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids.
Strong alkalis.
Nitrates.
Peroxides.
Reactive halogenating agents.
Materials incompatible with organic esters.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Aldehydes.
Ketones.
Organic acids.
Irritating smoke and organic fumes.

Handling and Storage of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact; avoid direct eye contact.
Avoid breathing vapors, aerosols, or mist during spraying, mixing, or heating operations.
Keep containers closed when not in use; use compatible transfer equipment.
Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, and ignition sources.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas.
Wash hands before breaks and after handling.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and strong oxidizing agents.
Keep containers upright and securely sealed.
Store away from food, drink, animal feed, and incompatible chemicals.
Recommended storage temperature: below 30°C.
Packaging: 200 kg drums, IBC containers, bulk tankers.

First Aid Measures of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
If mist or heated vapor causes respiratory irritation, coughing, headache, or dizziness, seek medical advice.
Under normal room-temperature handling, inhalation exposure is expected to be minimal due to the low vapor pressure of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA).

Skin contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and footwear.
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical advice if redness, dryness, pain, or persistent irritation develops.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Eye contact:
Immediately rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 to 20 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing and seek medical attention if redness, pain, or blurred vision persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
Give a small amount of water to drink if the person is conscious.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
If spontaneous vomiting occurs, keep head below hip level to reduce aspiration risk.
Seek medical advice if nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort occurs.

Firefighting Measures of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Suitable extinguishing media:
Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray and water fog.

Unsuitable extinguishing media:
Do not use a direct high-pressure water jet as it may spread burning liquid.

Specific hazards:
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a combustible liquid with a flash point of approximately 196°C and an auto-ignition temperature of approximately 350°C.
Thermal decomposition or combustion of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, ketones, acrid smoke, and irritating organic fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in positive-pressure mode and complete fire-resistant protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Approach fire from upwind; cool exposed containers with water spray.
Remove containers from fire area if safe to do so.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains, soil, or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Personal precautions:
Restrict access to the contaminated area and eliminate ignition sources.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin; be aware that spilled Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) creates a severe slipping hazard.
Wear suitable gloves, eye protection, and if mist is generated, appropriate respiratory protection.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) from entering drains, sewers, soil, groundwater, and surface water.
Notify relevant authorities if a major spill enters the environment.

Methods for cleaning up:
Stop the leak if safe to do so; contain spill with sand, earth, vermiculite, or other inert non-combustible absorbent.
Collect absorbed material using non-sparking tools into properly labeled waste containers.
Wash contaminated surfaces with detergent and water after the bulk material has been removed.
Dispose of waste in accordance with Section 13 and applicable local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation, particularly where mist, aerosol, or heated vapor may be generated.
Use closed transfer systems for bulk handling; provide emergency eyewash stations and safety showers.
Worker Chronic Systemic Inhalation DNEL: 17.8 mg/m³; Worker Chronic Systemic Dermal DNEL: 25.5 mg/kg body weight/day (supplier data).

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles; add a face shield for bulk transfer or spill response.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant protective gloves such as nitrile rubber, neoprene, butyl rubber, or fluorinated rubber; select according to breakthrough time and exposure duration.

Skin and body protection:
Wear suitable work clothing and chemical-resistant apron or coveralls where splashing is possible; use closed, slip-resistant footwear.

Respiratory protection:
Respiratory protection is normally not required at room-temperature handling conditions.
Use a suitable organic vapor and particulate respirator if mist or aerosol is generated, the product is heated, or ventilation is inadequate.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Do not touch the face with contaminated gloves; keep work clothing separate from personal clothing.

Identifiers of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
CAS No.: 103-23-1
EC No.: 203-090-1
INCI Name: Diethylhexyl Adipate
REACH Registration: 01-2119439699-19 (where applicable)
PubChem CID: 7641
ChemSpider: 7358
ChEBI: CHEBI:34675
ChEMBL: ChEMBL1414950
KEGG: C14240
HMDB ID: HMDB0040270
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 1803774
MDL Number: MFCD00009496
NSC Number: NSC 56775
RTECS: AU9700000
UN Number: Not regulated (transport)
HS Code: 2917.12.90
UNSPSC Code: 26111700
UNII: MBY1SL921L
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID0020606
Nikkaji Number: J3.602A
Wikidata: Q412835
InChI: InChI=1S/C22H42O4/c1-5-9-13-19(7-3)17-25-21(23)15-11-12-16-22(24)26-18-20(8-4)14-10-6-2/h19-20H,5-18H2,1-4H3
InChIKey: SAOKZLXYCUGLFA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CCCCC(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous (majority of supplier reports)
NFPA 704: 0-1-0
IARC: Group 3 — Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans
FDA 21 CFR: 175.105; 177.1200; 177.1210; 177.1400; 178.3740
EU Regulation 10/2011: Listed on positive list for food-contact plastics
Function: Plasticizer, solvent, lubricant component, emollient, skin conditioner, film former, dispersing agent, fragrance ingredient

Properties of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid
Odor: Mild to faint characteristic odor (slight aromatic smell)
Density: 0.922–0.925 g/cm3 (20°C)
Specific gravity: 0.927–0.93 (20/20°C)
Melting point: Approximately -67.8°C (-70°C range)
Boiling point: 417°C (760 mmHg); 175°C at 2 mmHg; 214°C at 5 mmHg
Flash point: 196°C (closed cup)
Auto-ignition temperature: Approximately 350–377°C
Lower explosive limit: 0.24–0.38% (v/v) at elevated temperatures
Vapor pressure: <0.001 hPa at 20°C (approximately 8.5 × 10-7 mm Hg at 20°C)
Vapor density (air=1): Approximately 12.8
Viscosity: Approximately 8.2 cSt at 37.8°C; 13.7 mPa·s at 20°C
Refractive index: n20/D 1.447 (1.444–1.450 range)
Solubility in water: Negligible; approximately 0.0032 mg/L (slow-stir); 0.78 mg/L (vigorous shake, creates emulsions)
Solubility in organic solvents: Soluble in ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, chloroform, hexane, methanol
Henry's Law Constant: Approximately 1.3 × 10-4 atm·m3/mol (calculated)
Log Kow: 6.8 to 8.39 (calculated from structure)
Log Koc: 770,000–794,000 L/kg (calculated)
BCF (bluegill sunfish, 28 days): 27 (measured)
Exact mass: 370.30830982 Da
XLogP3: 6.8
Topological polar surface area: 52.6 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors: 0
Hydrogen bond acceptors: 4
Rotatable bonds: 19
Undefined stereocenters: 2
Transport classification: Not regulated (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA)
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (83–93% ThOD/ThCO2 in 28–35 days, OECD 301)

Specifications of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Chemical name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate)
Molecular formula: C22H42O4
Molecular weight: 370.57 g/mol
CAS Number: 103-23-1
Assay (GC): ≥97.0–99.0% (technical); ≥99% (fragrance, analytical grades)
Acidity (as adipic acid): ≤0.25 meq/100 g; max 0.01–0.02% adipic acid
Moisture: ≤0.05–0.10%
Color: Colorless to almost colorless clear liquid
pH (H2O, 20°C): 7
Refractive index (20°C): 1.444–1.450
Density (20°C): 0.924–0.926 g/cm3
Storage temperature: Room temperature or below 30°C; recommended below 15°C for long-term storage
Packaging: 200 kg drums, IBC containers, bulk

Names of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA):
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Diethylhexyl adipate
Dioctyl adipate (archaic/commercial)
Adipic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester
Hexanedioic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate
DEHA
DOA
BEHA
Adipol 2EH
Bisoflex DOA
Plastomoll DOA
Vestinol OA
Kodaflex DOA
Monoplex DOA
Truflex DOA
Wickenol 158
Crodamol DOA
Arlamol DOA
Staflex DOA
Uniflex DOA
Plasthall DOA
Sansocizer DOA
Flexol A 26
Reomol DOA
Effomoll DOA
Adimoll DO
Mollan S
PX-238
Sicol 250
Hatcol 2908
Witamol 320
Jayflex DOA 2
Kemester 5652
Lankroflex DOA
Ergoplast ADDO
Palatinol DOA
Good-rite GP-223
CAS 103-23-1