DIBUTYL SEBACATE

Dibutyl Sebacate is a versatile plasticizer widely used to improve flexibility and low-temperature performance in polymers, rubbers, and specialty formulations.
Dibutyl Sebacate provides good compatibility with PVC, cellulose esters, PVB, nitrile rubber, and various coating systems.
Dibutyl Sebacate is also used in pharmaceutical coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, inks, and food-contact materials

CAS Number: 109-43-3
EC Number: 203-672-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₄
Molecular Weight: 314.47 g/mol
MDL Number: MFCD00027218

Synonyms: DBS, Dibutyl decanedioate, Sebacic acid dibutyl ester, Decanedioic acid dibutyl ester, Di-n-butyl sebacate, Bis(n-butyl) sebacate, Di(n-butyl) sebacate, n-Butyl sebacate, Butyl sebacate, Dibutyl sebacinate, Dibutyl 1,8-octanedicarboxylate, Decanedioic acid 1,10-dibutyl ester, Dibutyl-1,10-decanedioate, 1,10-Dibutyl decanedioate, Kodaflex DBS, Morflex DBS, Staflex DBS, Monoplex DBS, Plasthall DBS, Reomol DBS, Uniflex DBS, Polycizer DBS, Proviplast 1944, PX 404, PX-404, NSC 3893, NSC-3893, FEMA 2373, MFCD00027218, ChEBI CHEBI:165632, CHEMBL2106225, DTXSID1041847, UNII 4W5IH7FLNY, RTECS VS1150000, BRN 1798308, HSDB 309, EINECS 203-672-5, CAS 109-43-3

A clear, colourless, oily liquid at room temperature with a slight characteristic odour, dibutyl sebacate belongs to the sebacate ester family — long-chain aliphatic C₁₀ diesters derived from castor oil — and shares with dimethyl sebacate and dioctyl sebacate (DOS) the fundamental structural characteristic of a linear 10-carbon sebacate backbone with two terminal ester groups, here occupied by n-butyl chains that position DBS between the short-chain (dimethyl) and long-chain (dioctyl) members of the series in terms of plasticising efficiency, volatility, and low-temperature flexibility.
The 10-carbon sebacate backbone provides the combination of superior low-temperature flexibility, good oil resistance, and broad polymer compatibility — across PVC, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl butyral, polystyrene, nitrile rubber (NBR), and neoprene — that underpins dibutyl sebacate's position as the preferred cold-temperature-resistant plasticiser in food-contact, pharmaceutical, medical-device, and specialty rubber applications where phthalate-free, low-toxicity, and bio-based origin are required.

Uses of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate is used as an internal plasticiser — primary or cold-resistant auxiliary — for a wide range of polymers and rubbers: PVC, polyvinyl butyral (PVB, especially in high-clarity PVB interlayers for safety glass), polystyrene, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and polylactic acid (PLA); DBS inserts between polymer chains, reducing intermolecular forces, decreasing the glass transition temperature, and increasing elongation at break, imparting excellent flexibility and ductility at sub-zero temperatures and superior oil resistance — properties valued in cold storage curtains, refrigerated food-contact films, cold-climate wire and cable insulation, and low-temperature hose and gasket applications.
Dibutyl sebacate is used as a primary or co-plasticiser for nitrile rubber (NBR) and chloroprene rubber (neoprene) in industrial seal, hose, gasket, and vibration-damping component manufacture, providing excellent low-temperature flexibility and good oil resistance critical for NBR-based oil seals; DBS is also used as a desensitiser in Otto fuel II (a torpedo monopropellant) and as a co-plasticiser with phthalate plasticisers in applications requiring improved low-temperature performance.
Dibutyl sebacate is used as a pharmaceutical excipient — a hydrophobic plasticiser for film coatings of tablets, beads, and granules — in aqueous and solvent-based coating systems based on ethyl cellulose (e.g., Surelease, Aquacoat ECD), cellulose acetate, and acrylic polymer dispersions (e.g., Eudragit); DBS improves coating flexibility, reduces film cracking during tablet compression and packaging, and modulates drug release rate in controlled-release oral dosage forms; available as Dibutyl Sebacate NF (United States National Formulary grade), Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard, and USP Reference Standard.
Dibutyl sebacate is used in food-contact and food industry applications: as a plasticiser for food-contact films, gaskets, seals, and bottle cap liners (approved for food-contact use in the USA and EU); as a flavouring additive (FEMA 2373, CoE approval) contributing a fruity, fatty note to non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, and baked goods; and as a fragrance ingredient (IFRA Transparency List) and cosmetic ingredient in nail polish (improving flexibility and chip resistance), hair sprays, hair gels, perfumes, and colognes as film former, plasticiser, solvent, and fragrance fixative.
Dibutyl sebacate is used in lubricant and specialty chemical applications: as a synthetic ester component and co-additive in high-performance greases, cutting fluids, and metalworking lubricants; as a lubricant in shaving lotions; as a leather processing aid; as a metal surface treatment product additive; as a textile processing auxiliary; as a water treatment chemical component; and as a gas chromatography stationary phase liquid for medium-volatility organic compounds.
Dibutyl sebacate is used in coatings and inks as a plasticiser and solvent to improve flexibility, adhesion, and flow of nitrocellulose, cellulose ester, vinyl, and acrylic coating systems; in automotive coatings and primers; in printing inks for flexible packaging; and as an intermediate and formulation additive in specialty chemical synthesis.

Benefits and Advantages of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate offers a unique combination of excellent low-temperature flexibility (effective down to −40°C and below in optimised rubber and PVC formulations), superior compatibility with a broad range of cellulose ester, vinyl, and synthetic rubber polymers, good oil resistance, and acceptable volatility for most indoor and semi-outdoor applications — a balance not achievable simultaneously with short-chain diester plasticisers (too volatile) or phthalate plasticisers (poorer low-temperature performance and regulatory restriction concerns).
Dibutyl sebacate is derived from castor oil — a renewable, non-food-competing bio-based feedstock — making it readily biodegradable (>84.6% in 28 days), GHS Not Classified, not listed as carcinogenic (IARC, NTP, US OSHA), not listed in California Proposition 65, and approved for food-contact and pharmaceutical (NF grade) applications; it is a phthalate-free plasticiser compatible with EU REACH and global chemical inventory requirements across all major markets.
The linear 10-carbon sebacate backbone of DBS provides higher thermal stability and lower volatility compared with shorter-chain phthalate or adipate plasticisers while retaining superior low-temperature flexibility; the combination of these properties with food-contact approval, NF pharmaceutical grade availability, and bio-based castor oil origin makes dibutyl sebacate uniquely suited to sensitive applications in food, pharmaceutical, medical device, and personal care markets where regulatory compliance is a primary requirement.

Features of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate is a clear, colourless to very light yellow, oily liquid with a slight characteristic odour; melting point −10°C; boiling point 344.5°C; flash point 178°C (open cup); density 0.9405 g/cm³ (15°C); refractive index 1.439–1.443 (20°C); viscosity 9 mPa·s (20°C) / 7.0–11.0 cSt (25°C); vapour pressure <0.001 Pa (25°C); LogP 6.3 (estimated); insoluble in water (0.04 g/L); soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, carbon tetrachloride; dipole moment 2.48 D; specific heat capacity 1.968 J·g⁻¹·K⁻¹; SMILES CCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCC; InChIKey PYGXAGIECVVIOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N.
Commercial specification: appearance — colourless or light yellow transparent liquid; ester content ≥99.0%; chroma (Pt-Co) ≤30; acidity ≤0.10 mgKOH/g; moisture ≤0.10%; density (20°C) 0.934–0.942 g/cm³; refractive index 1.439–1.443 (20°C); viscosity 7.0–11.0 cSt (25°C); readily biodegradable >84.6% (28 days).
Dibutyl sebacate is an external plasticiser — it physically intercalates between polymer chains without forming chemical bonds, reducing intermolecular forces and increasing chain mobility and conformational freedom; it is highly compatible with PVC, PVB, cellulose esters, polystyrene, nitrocellulose, NBR, and neoprene; its ester bonds are stable under neutral processing conditions but hydrolyse under strong acid or base at elevated temperature; incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidising agents.

Chemical Properties of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate has preferred IUPAC name dibutyl decanedioate, CAS 109-43-3, molecular formula C₁₈H₃₄O₄, molecular weight 314.47 g/mol, SMILES CCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCC, InChI=1S/C18H34O4/c1-3-5-15-21-17(19)13-11-9-7-8-10-12-14-18(20)22-16-6-4-2/h3-16H2,1-2H3, InChIKey PYGXAGIECVVIOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N; EC 203-672-5; MDL MFCD00027218; PubChem CID 7986; ChEBI CHEBI:165632; CHEMBL2106225; UNII 4W5IH7FLNY; DTXSID1041847; FEMA 2373; BRN 1798308.
Key chemical reactions: (1) production: sebacic acid + 2 n-butanol → DBS + 2 H₂O (acid-catalysed esterification, water removed by azeotropic distillation); (2) hydrolysis: DBS + 2 H₂O (strong acid/base, elevated temperature) → sebacic acid + 2 n-butanol; (3) transesterification: DBS + higher alcohols (acid/base catalyst) → higher dialkyl sebacates + n-butanol; (4) saponification: DBS + 2 NaOH → disodium sebacate + 2 n-butanol; (5) plasticisation mechanism: physical intercalation between polymer chains → reduced Tg, increased elongation at break, improved cold flexibility, high solvating power for PVC at elevated temperatures facilitating fast fusion during extrusion or calendaring.
Dibutyl sebacate is produced by controlled esterification of high-purity sebacic acid with n-butanol under acid catalysis, followed by neutralisation of excess acid with mild alkali, vacuum stripping of unreacted butanol, and vacuum distillation to ≥99.0% purity; sebacic acid feedstock is derived from castor oil (Indian castor seeds) via alkaline cleavage of ricinoleic acid; batch-to-batch consistency of raw material directly influences ester clarity, stability, and functional performance.

Dibutyl Sebacate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Handling of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate is GHS Not Classified and presents minimal hazard under normal conditions of use; standard chemical handling precautions apply: avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact (may cause slight temporary irritation); avoid contact with eyes (may cause slight irritation); use in well-ventilated areas; wear safety glasses or chemical goggles, suitable gloves, and protective clothing; do not breathe vapours, spray, or mist; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling; wash hands after handling; avoid walking on spilled product.
Flash point is 178°C — the material is not readily flammable under ambient conditions; vapour pressure is negligible (<0.001 Pa, 25°C); inhalation risk under normal conditions is minimal; standard industrial hygiene practices are sufficient for routine handling; environmental precaution: biodegradable, but avoid release to environment and do not dispose into sewers.

Dibutyl Sebacate SDS:

Stability and Reactivity of Dibutyl Sebacate:

Chemical stability:
Dibutyl sebacate is stable under normal handling and storage conditions.
Ester bonds can be hydrolysed by strong acids or bases at elevated temperature.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions.
Undergoes hydrolysis under acid or base catalysis at elevated temperature.

Conditions to avoid:
Overheating; open flames above flash point (178°C).
Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidising agents.

Incompatible materials:
Strong acids.
Strong bases.
Strong oxidising agents.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) upon combustion.

Handling and Storage of Dibutyl Sebacate:

Handling:
Ensure adequate ventilation; wear safety glasses, suitable gloves, and protective clothing.
Avoid direct contact with product; do not breathe vapours or mist.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke; wash hands and contaminated clothing after handling.

Storage:
Store in a dry, closed, well-ventilated place; room temperature (cool and dark, <15°C recommended for long-term storage).
Keep away from strong acids, bases, and oxidising agents.
Packaging: 182 kg steel drum; 900 kg IBC; flexitank (20 MT/20 FCL); HDPE drums; MS drums; bulk tanker.

First Aid Measures for Dibutyl Sebacate:

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; keep comfortable for breathing; call a physician if symptoms persist.
Skin contact: Rinse skin with water; if irritation occurs, get medical advice.
Eye contact: Immediately rinse with water for a prolonged period with eyelids held open; if irritation persists, get medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; call a physician if unwell.

Firefighting Measures for Dibutyl Sebacate:

Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical (do not use water jet — may spread fire).
Specific hazards: Could burn but does not ignite readily (flash point 178°C, Class IIIB combustible liquid); not explosive; combustion produces CO₂ and CO.
Protective equipment for firefighters: SCBA and full protective clothing; fight fire from reasonable distance.

Accidental Release Measures for Dibutyl Sebacate:

Personal precautions: Ventilate spillage area; mark out contaminated area; avoid breathing vapours or mist; do not touch or walk on spilled product; wear appropriate PPE.
Environmental precautions: Avoid release to environment; contain spill with dikes or absorbents to prevent entry into sewers or streams.
Clean-up: Ventilate spillage area; shovel or collect into suitable closed containers; dispose per applicable regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment for Dibutyl Sebacate:

Engineering controls: Local exhaust or general room ventilation; adequate ventilation at all times.
Eye protection: Chemical goggles or safety glasses.
Hand protection: Suitable chemical-resistant gloves.
Skin and body protection: Suitable protective clothing; chemical-resistant safety shoes.
Respiratory protection: Not required under normal ambient conditions; respiratory protection with appropriate cartridge if vapour concentrations are elevated.

Dibutyl Sebacate Identifiers:
CAS Number: 109-43-3
EC Number: 203-672-5
EINECS: 203-672-5
MDL Number: MFCD00027218
PubChem CID: 7986
ChemSpider: 7697
ChEMBL: CHEMBL2106225
ChEBI: CHEBI:165632
UNII: 4W5IH7FLNY
DTXSID: DTXSID1041847
RTECS: VS1150000
BRN (Beilstein/Reaxys): 1798308
ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.339
FEMA: 2373
HSDB: 309
IUPAC Name: Dibutyl decanedioate
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₄
Molecular Weight: 314.47 g/mol
SMILES: CCCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCC
InChI: InChI=1S/C18H34O4/c1-3-5-15-21-17(19)13-11-9-7-8-10-12-14-18(20)22-16-6-4-2/h3-16H2,1-2H3
InChIKey: PYGXAGIECVVIOZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 6.3 (estimated)
Dipole moment: 2.48 D
Flash point: 178°C (open cup)
Melting point: −10°C
Boiling point: 344.5°C (atmospheric)
GHS: Not Classified
California Prop 65: Not listed
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (>84.6% in 28 days)
Origin: Bio-based (castor oil derived)

Properties of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Physical state: Liquid
Appearance: Clear, colourless to light yellow, oily liquid; slight characteristic odour
Molecular formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₄
Molecular weight: 314.47 g/mol
Melting point: −10°C
Boiling point: 344.5°C (atmospheric)
Flash point: 178°C (open cup)
Auto-ignition temperature: 365°C
Density: 0.9405 g/cm³ (15°C); 0.934–0.942 g/cm³ (20°C, spec.)
Refractive index: 1.439–1.443 (20°C)
Viscosity: 9 mPa·s (20°C); 7.0–11.0 cSt (25°C)
Vapour pressure: <0.001 Pa (25°C)
Relative vapour density: 10.8
Water solubility: 0.04 g/L (insoluble)
LogP: 6.3 (estimated)
Dipole moment: 2.48 D
Specific heat capacity: 1.968 J·g⁻¹·K⁻¹
GHS: Not Classified
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (>84.6%, 28 days)
Storage: Room temperature; cool and dark (<15°C recommended)

Dibutyl Sebacate — Specifications:
Product name: Dibutyl Sebacate (DBS)
CAS Number: 109-43-3
EC Number: 203-672-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₄
Molecular Weight: 314.47 g/mol
Appearance: Colourless or light yellow transparent liquid
Ester content: ≥99.0%
Chroma (Pt-Co): ≤30
Acidity: ≤0.10 mgKOH/g
Moisture: ≤0.10%
Density (20°C): 0.934–0.942 g/cm³
Refractive index (20°C): 1.439–1.443
Viscosity (25°C): 7.0–11.0 cSt
GHS: Not Classified
California Prop 65: Not listed
Origin: Bio-based (castor oil)
Packaging: 182 kg drum; 900 kg IBC; flexitank; HDPE drums; bulk tanker
Storage: Dry, closed, ventilated; room temperature (<15°C recommended)
Documents: CoA, SDS, NF grade certification available

Names of Dibutyl Sebacate:
Dibutyl sebacate
DBS
Dibutyl decanedioate
Sebacic acid dibutyl ester
Decanedioic acid dibutyl ester
Di-n-butyl sebacate
Bis(n-butyl) sebacate
Di(n-butyl) sebacate
n-Butyl sebacate
Butyl sebacate
Dibutyl sebacinate
Dibutyl 1,8-octanedicarboxylate
Decanedioic acid 1,10-dibutyl ester
Dibutyl-1,10-decanedioate
Kodaflex DBS
Morflex DBS
Staflex DBS
Monoplex DBS
Plasthall DBS
Reomol DBS
Uniflex DBS
Polycizer DBS
Proviplast 1944
PX 404
PX-404
NSC 3893
NSC-3893
FEMA 2373
MFCD00027218
ChEBI CHEBI:165632
CHEMBL2106225
DTXSID1041847
UNII 4W5IH7FLNY
RTECS VS1150000
BRN 1798308
HSDB 309
EINECS 203-672-5
CAS 109-43-3