DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Dibutyl adipate, also known as DBA, di-n-butyl adipate and dibutyl hexanedioate, is the diester of adipic acid and n-butanol, identified by CAS 105-99-7 and formula C14H26O4, and used as a cosmetic emollient, solvent and polymer plasticizer. Its relatively low viscosity and spreading properties make the adipate ester useful where a mobile oil phase or a plasticizing contribution is required. In cosmetics DBA distributes through the oil phase and helps dissolve compatible ingredients, while in polymers its physical incorporation can increase chain mobility and flexibility.

CAS No: 105-99-7
EC No: 203-350-4
Molecular formula: C14H26O4
Molecular weight: approx. 258.36 g/mol

WHAT IS DIBUTYL ADIPATE?

Dibutyl adipate (DBA, CAS 105-99-7) is a low-viscosity aliphatic diester used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations and as a plasticizer in compatible polymer systems. The chemical name dibutyl hexanedioate describes the same substance, formed from adipic acid and two n-butyl groups.

For personal care, the ester contributes spreading and a smooth application feel. Its capacity to dissolve certain crystalline UV filters makes DBA relevant to sunscreen oil phases, but it does not itself provide an established SPF or replace an authorized UV filter.

In industrial formulations, di-n-butyl adipate can be considered for cellulose esters, nitrocellulose and selected PVC systems. Low viscosity and cold flexibility can be useful, although migration and retention must be assessed rather than assuming long-term permanence.

Production generally involves esterification of adipic acid with n-butanol, removal of reaction water and purification of the ester. Control of residual alcohol, acidity and water helps distinguish commercial DBA grades.

Cosmetic, technical and laboratory grades may share a CAS number while differing in impurity limits, odor, traceability and intended use. A laboratory assay alone does not establish suitability for skin-contact products or a particular industrial standard.

COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE:

Dibutyl adipate
DBA
Di-n-butyl adipate
Adipic acid dibutyl ester
Adipic acid di-n-butyl ester
Dibutyl hexanedioate
Hexanedioic acid, dibutyl ester
Cetiol B
Adimoll DB

DBA is the common abbreviation, while the adipate and hexanedioate names identify the same straight-chain butyl diester. The last two entries are commercial grade names and should not be treated as universal specifications for all dibutyl adipate.

Diisobutyl adipate, CAS 141-04-8, is a branched-butyl isomer and is not the same substance. Dibutyl phthalate, CAS 84-74-2, has an aromatic phthalate core and must not be confused with the aliphatic adipate ester.

CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Product name: Dibutyl adipate
Common abbreviation: DBA
Chemical name: Hexanedioic acid, dibutyl ester
INCI name: Dibutyl Adipate
CAS No: 105-99-7
EC / EINECS No: 203-350-4
Molecular formula: C14H26O4
Molecular weight: approx. 258.36 g/mol
Chemical class: Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid diester
Main functions: Emollient, solvent and plasticizer

The correct EC number for DBA is 203-350-4. Chemical identity does not specify impurity limits, cosmetic suitability or final product performance. REACH registration information exists for the substance, but the actual supplier's coverage and intended use must be confirmed separately.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR PROPERTIES OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

The DBA molecule contains an adipate backbone with four methylene groups between two ester carbonyls and a straight-chain n-butyl group at each end. A condensed structure is C4H9-O-C(=O)-(CH2)4-C(=O)-O-C4H9.

Its ester groups provide polar interaction sites, while the alkyl segments contribute affinity for compatible organic phases. Di-n-butyl adipate has no free hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups in its ideal ester structure. The molecule is distinct from an adipate polyester and is not itself a polymer.

HOW DOES DIBUTYL ADIPATE WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?

In a cosmetic oil phase, DBA acts through physical spreading and solvent interactions rather than a biological treatment mechanism. Its ability to dissolve a given ingredient depends on the whole solvent blend, temperature and concentration.

Within a compatible polymer, the adipic acid dibutyl ester occupies space between chains and changes their interactions, which can reduce stiffness and modify the glass transition behavior. As an external plasticizer, DBA is not covalently attached to the polymer and may migrate or be extracted.

Main functions:

Improving oil-phase spreading
Providing an emollient contribution
Dissolving compatible organic ingredients
Adjusting polymer flexibility and processing behavior

Water, pH, temperature and contact conditions affect ester stability and formulation performance. Strongly acidic or alkaline conditions can promote ester hydrolysis, but hydrolysis is not the mechanism responsible for the normal emollient or plasticizing action of dibutyl adipate.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

General technical characteristics:

Physical appearance: Clear, colorless to nearly colorless liquid
Chemical character: Aliphatic adipate diester
Molecular formula: C14H26O4
Molecular weight: approx. 258.36 g/mol
Density: approx. 0.96 g/mL near room temperature
Refractive index: approx. 1.43-1.44, with temperature and method specified when purchasing
Water solubility: Very low, not freely water-soluble
Solubility in organic media: Soluble in ethanol and ether in published supplier data
Melting point: approx. -32 °C in published supplier data
Boiling point: approx. 305 °C in published supplier data
Flash point: Reported values differ, including approx. 113 °C closed cup and approx. 166 °C in another supplier document
Purity: Grade-specific, a published laboratory specification uses a minimum of 99.0% by GC

For DBA, boiling and flash-point data must be assessed with the method, pressure and source. Different published values should not be blended into one guaranteed constant. The actual delivered grade's safety document controls handling decisions.

GC assay measures the principal ester content but does not replace residual-solvent, water, acidity or odor controls. Cosmetic-grade dibutyl adipate requires suitable impurity documentation, while technical users may prioritize compatibility and aging behavior.

A pH value is not assigned to neat DBA as if it were an aqueous solution. Likewise, a numerical viscosity should be quoted only with the grade, temperature and method. For the offered material's current viscosity, water limit, acid value and impurity specification, please contact Ataman Kimya.

These indicative properties and identified grade limits are not a binding specification for every commercial dibutyl adipate product.

USE OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN SUNCARE OIL PHASES

As a solvent for compatible crystalline UV filters, di-n-butyl adipate can help formulate an oil phase that remains homogeneous. Solubility measured during heating does not establish that the filters will remain dissolved after cooling and storage.

Evaluate DBA-containing systems for crystallization, temperature cycling and packaging interaction. The concentration and authorization of each UV filter, together with SPF, UVA protection and any water-resistance claim, must be established for the final sunscreen. The adipate ester should not be marketed as a UV absorber in its own right.

SECTORS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

The combination of solvent behavior and plasticizing properties gives DBA roles in both cosmetic and industrial formulation.

Main areas of use:

Skincare emulsions and oil blends
Sunscreen oil phases
Selected nail and color-cosmetic systems
Cellulose ester and nitrocellulose formulations
Selected PVC and plastisol formulations
Compatible coatings and specialty polymer systems

DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN COSMETIC EMULSIONS

Purpose: Adjust spreading and application feel.
Function: Contribute a mobile emollient ester to the oil phase.
Performance effect: Modify skin feel and assist dissolution of compatible ingredients.
Limitations: DBA is not an emulsifier or preservative and does not establish a non-comedogenic claim for the finished product.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN CELLULOSE-BASED SYSTEMS

Purpose: Adjust flexibility and processing of suitable cellulose derivatives.
Function: Act as a compatible plasticizing ester.
Performance effect: Support softness and low-temperature flexibility.
Limitations: Compatibility, migration and coating properties depend on the resin and complete formulation.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN PVC AND PLASTISOLS

Purpose: Modify handling or flexibility in selected systems.
Function: Provide a low-viscosity plasticizing contribution.
Performance effect: Influence flow, gelation and cold flexibility.
Limitations: DBA should not automatically be treated as a universal primary plasticizer. Migration and retained properties require testing.

IS DIBUTYL ADIPATE USED IN COSMETIC, FOOD, AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS?

Cosmetic use is established under the INCI name Dibutyl Adipate. Historical cosmetic assessments report use at 5% in nail products and up to 8% in certain suncare products. These reported concentrations are not a universal legal limit or approval for every present-day application.

For cosmetic DBA, the finished product needs a safety assessment, appropriate purity and compliance with the destination market. Historical favorable assessments must not be used to dismiss newer supplier hazard information.

Food-contact authorization and pharmaceutical suitability are separate questions from cosmetic use. An INCI name does not authorize dibutyl adipate as a direct food additive or pharmaceutical excipient. For a proposed food-contact or medical use, please contact Ataman Kimya for application-specific documentation.

WHICH PROBLEMS CAN DIBUTYL ADIPATE HELP SOLVE?

Heavy or poorly spreading oil phases
DBA can help adjust spreading within an emollient blend, although the whole formula determines the sensory result.

Crystallization of compatible dissolved ingredients
The adipate ester can contribute solvent capacity, but cooling and storage trials are needed to confirm continued dissolution.

Excessive rigidity in compatible polymers
Di-n-butyl adipate can provide plasticization, while the appropriate level depends on the resin and service conditions.

High viscosity in selected processing blends
Low-viscosity DBA can be useful, but a reduction in viscosity must be weighed against migration and final-film requirements.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING DIBUTYL ADIPATE

A frequent mistake is confusing dibutyl adipate with dibutyl phthalate or diisobutyl adipate. Confirm CAS 105-99-7 before transferring specifications or regulatory statements.

Choose cosmetic or technical grade for the actual use.
Assess the oil-phase compatibility and final emulsion stability.
Check recrystallization after cooling, not only initial dissolution.
Measure migration and extraction for polymer applications.
Treat DBA as an oil-phase ester rather than a water-soluble ingredient.
Verify finished-product claims instead of inferring them from ingredient descriptions.

When handling dibutyl adipate, minimize mist, avoid uncontrolled heating and use appropriate eye and skin protection. A high reported flash point does not remove combustible-liquid or environmental precautions.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR DIBUTYL ADIPATE

These illustrative starting compositions are not validated commercial products or authorization to place a cosmetic on the market. All percentages are by weight. Use a suitably documented cosmetic grade of DBA and confirm the current ingredient safety assessment, preservation and packaging compatibility before further development.

EXAMPLE 1: DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN AN OIL-IN-WATER CREAM

Components:

Purified water: 74.80%
Glycerin: 4.00%
Dibutyl adipate: 5.00%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride: 6.00%
Squalane: 4.00%
Glyceryl stearate citrate: 3.00%
Cetearyl alcohol: 2.00%
Xanthan gum: 0.20%
Phenoxyethanol/ethylhexylglycerin preservative blend: 0.80%
Tocopherol: 0.20%
Total: 100.00%

Evaluation criteria:

Emulsion stability and droplet distribution
Viscosity and measured pH
Spreading and afterfeel
Temperature cycling and packaging compatibility
Microbiological quality and preservative challenge testing

Safety note: Preservative composition and suitability must be confirmed for the actual formula. Any pH adjustment requires a corresponding water-balance correction to retain 100% total.

EXAMPLE 2: DIBUTYL ADIPATE IN AN ANHYDROUS EMOLLIENT BLEND

Components:

Caprylic/capric triglyceride: 50.00%
Squalane: 30.00%
Coco-caprylate/caprate: 16.80%
Dibutyl adipate: 3.00%
Tocopherol: 0.20%
Total: 100.00%

Evaluation criteria:

Clarity and phase compatibility
Spreading and skin feel
Odor and oxidative stability
Packaging interaction
Microbiological risk under foreseeable use

Safety note: Tocopherol is an antioxidant, not an antimicrobial preservative. An anhydrous description alone does not establish microbiological safety. This blend contains no UV filter and supports no SPF claim.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES

Select an alternative by comparing application, ester structure, viscosity, solvent capacity, migration, purity and regulatory requirements.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE AND DIISOBUTYL ADIPATE

The branched isomer has the same molecular formula but a different structure and CAS number. It is not interchangeable with DBA solely because the names are similar.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE AND DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE

Changing the alcohol groups changes molecular size and formulation behavior. Compare spreading and solvent performance in the actual cosmetic or technical system.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE AND BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) ADIPATE

The longer-chain adipate is a different plasticizer. Polymer selection should consider low-temperature performance, migration and volatility rather than replacing DBA by equal weight without testing.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE AND OTHER COSMETIC EMOLLIENTS

Squalane, triglycerides and other cosmetic esters offer different sensory and solvent profiles. A similar skin feel does not prove equal solubility for crystalline ingredients.

Confirm every DBA replacement through laboratory and application testing.

QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Define the intended use before comparing DBA prices and purity claims.

Information to clarify and review before purchasing:

CAS 105-99-7 and EC 203-350-4
Cosmetic, technical or laboratory grade
GC assay and impurity profile
Acid value, water and residual butanol
Color, odor and density
Current local safety classification and transport information
Batch COA, TDS and SDS
Cosmetic or application-specific declarations where required
Packaging, traceability, quantity and delivery terms

A COA reports batch results or conformity, a TDS describes technical characteristics, and an SDS covers hazards and handling. None alone validates a finished cream, sunscreen or polymer article containing dibutyl adipate.

Price comparisons should account for the grade, impurity requirements, packaging and supply conditions. For a current quotation and availability of DBA, please contact Ataman Kimya.

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Keep DBA in tightly closed, clean containers in a cool, dry storage area protected from heat and ignition sources. Segregate the adipate ester from strong oxidizing agents and strong acids. Confirm the offered grade's temperature range and shelf life with Ataman Kimya.

Prevent water contamination and use clean transfer equipment. Long-stored dibutyl adipate should be reassessed for appearance, odor, water, acidity and conformity before use.

Transport classifications differ between published supplier documents. A reviewed European laboratory-grade SDS assigns UN 3082, environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s., class 9, packing group III. Some cosmetic-grade documents report no dangerous-goods classification. The actual consignment must follow the current delivered grade's SDS and applicable transport rules.

Contain spills with suitable absorbent material, prevent drainage to waterways and arrange authorized disposal of DBA residues and contaminated packaging.

SAFETY INFORMATION OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE

Published supplier classifications for DBA are not uniform. A reviewed European laboratory-grade SDS lists Reproductive Toxicity Category 2, H361, and Aquatic Chronic Category 2, H411, with the signal word Warning. H361 concerns suspected damage to fertility or the unborn child, and H411 concerns long-lasting aquatic toxicity. Other supplier documents differ, so these findings must not be represented as a universal harmonized classification for every grade.

Confirm the current local classification of the offered dibutyl adipate and incorporate it into workplace and finished-product assessments. Cosmetic ingredient use and historical safety conclusions do not override current hazard documentation.

Use suitable gloves, eye protection and ventilation, especially when mist could form. Following eye exposure, rinse promptly with water and obtain medical advice. Wash contaminated skin, remove affected clothing and seek medical attention after significant exposure or persistent symptoms.

Dibutyl adipate is combustible and can generate irritating or harmful combustion products. Prevent environmental release and manage waste through an authorized route. For grade-specific labeling and REACH documentation, please contact Ataman Kimya.

SUPPLY OF DIBUTYL ADIPATE FROM ATAMAN KIMYA

For dibutyl adipate inquiries, contact Ataman Kimya with the intended application and required quality. Confirm the offered grade, safety documentation, packaging and delivery conditions at quotation stage.

Sharing the following information in a quotation request helps evaluate the correct DBA product:

Cosmetic or industrial application
Required assay and impurity limits
Destination market and documentation needs
Requested quantity and packaging
Delivery destination and schedule

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIBUTYL ADIPATE

What is dibutyl adipate?
DBA is an aliphatic adipate diester used as an emollient, solvent and plasticizer.

What is the CAS number of dibutyl adipate?
The CAS number is 105-99-7.

What is the EC number of dibutyl adipate?
The correct EC number is 203-350-4.

What is the molecular formula of dibutyl adipate?
Its formula is C14H26O4 and its molecular weight is approximately 258.36 g/mol.

What is the INCI name of dibutyl adipate?
The INCI name is Dibutyl Adipate.

Is dibutyl adipate the same as dibutyl phthalate?
No. DBA is an aliphatic adipate, while dibutyl phthalate is an aromatic phthalate.

Is dibutyl adipate the same as diisobutyl adipate?
No. The alcohol groups differ in branching and the substances have different CAS numbers.

Is dibutyl adipate freely soluble in water?
No. DBA has very low water solubility and normally belongs in a compatible organic or oil phase.

Why is dibutyl adipate used in sunscreens?
The ester can help dissolve certain crystalline UV filters and adjust spreading.

Does dibutyl adipate provide sun protection by itself?
It is not an established UV filter and does not independently establish an SPF claim.

Is 8% a universal legal maximum for dibutyl adipate?
No. That figure appears in historical use reporting for certain cosmetic products, not as a universal legal limit.

Does dibutyl adipate guarantee a non-comedogenic product?
No. Finished-product claims require suitable evidence for the complete formulation.

Can dibutyl adipate migrate from a polymer?
Yes. DBA is an external plasticizer, and migration or extraction must be assessed.

Is dibutyl adipate always classified as non-hazardous?
No. Published classifications differ and some include reproductive and aquatic hazards.

What is the UN number of dibutyl adipate?
A reviewed SDS lists UN 3082, while other grade documents differ. Confirm the actual supplied material's transport status.

Which documents should be requested for dibutyl adipate?
Obtain the TDS, current local SDS, batch COA and any application-specific quality declarations.

DIBUTYL ADIPATE - TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Dibutyl adipate, abbreviated DBA, is the di-n-butyl ester of adipic acid. It has CAS 105-99-7, EC 203-350-4 and molecular formula C14H26O4.

The ester is used in cosmetics for emolliency, spreading and solvent capacity. In suncare formulations, DBA can support dissolution of compatible filters but is not itself an established UV absorber.

Industrial applications include suitable cellulose derivatives and selected PVC systems. Low viscosity and plasticizing action must be balanced against migration and retained properties.

Grade quality depends on assay, acidity, water, residual alcohol, odor and intended use. Cosmetic and laboratory products with the same CAS number do not automatically carry the same suitability documentation.

Review current safety and transport information, control mist and environmental releases, and assess the finished product. Ataman Kimya can clarify the offered dibutyl adipate grade and supply conditions.

Dibutyl adipate can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about dibutyl adipate, please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.