DIETHYL PHTHALATE

Diethyl phthalate (DEP), with the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 84-66-2, is a colorless, oily liquid primarily utilized as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. 
Beyond its role in plastics, DEP serves as a solvent and fixative in perfumes and cosmetics. 
Its widespread use has raised concerns regarding environmental and human health impacts, prompting extensive research into its properties, applications, and potential risks.
CAS Number: 84-66-2
Synonyms: Ethyl phthalate, Diethyl ester of phthalic acid, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester, Phthalic acid diethyl ester
Molar Mass: 222.24 g/mol
Structural Formula: C₆H₄(COOC₂H₅)₂

Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Odorless
Density: 1.12 g/cm³ at 20°C
Melting Point: −4°C
Boiling Point: 295°C
Solubility in Water: Approximately 1080 mg/L at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: 0.002 mmHg at 25°C
Flash Point: 161.1°C
Log P (Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient): 2.42

Synthesis and Industrial Applications
DEP is synthesized through the esterification of phthalic anhydride with ethanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst. 
This reaction yields diethyl phthalate as the primary product.

Primary Applications:
Plasticizer in PVC: Enhances the flexibility and durability of PVC products.
Solvent in Cosmetics: Used as a solvent and fixative in perfumes and cosmetics.
Additive in Insecticides: Incorporated into insecticides to improve performance.
Component in Medical Devices: Employed in the production of medical devices and tubing.

Environmental Fate and Biodegradation
DEP exhibits low volatility and is moderately soluble in water, influencing its environmental behavior. In aquatic environments, DEP can undergo hydrolysis to form monoethyl phthalate (MEP), which may further degrade to phthalic acid. 
Microbial degradation pathways have been identified, involving enzymes such as phthalate dioxygenase, leading to the breakdown of DEP into simpler compounds. 
However, the rate of biodegradation is influenced by environmental conditions and the presence of other substances.

Human Exposure and Toxicity
Routes of Exposure:
Dermal Contact: Common through the use of cosmetics and personal care products containing DEP.
Inhalation: Possible through aerosolized products.
Ingestion: Rare, but potential exposure through contaminated food or beverages.

Regulatory Status and Safety Guidelines
Various health and safety organizations have established guidelines for DEP exposure:
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health): Recommended exposure limit (REL) of 5 mg/m³ over an 8-hour workday. 
ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 5 mg/m³.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Classifies DEP as a priority pollutant, monitoring its levels in environmental samples.

Analytical Methods
Quantification of DEP in various matrices is achieved through analytical techniques such as:
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Provides high sensitivity and specificity for DEP detection.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Used for analyzing DEP in complex mixtures.
Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME): A sampling technique coupled with GC-MS for environmental monitoring.
Conclusion
Diethyl phthalate is a widely used chemical with significant industrial and commercial applications. While it offers benefits in product performance, concerns regarding its potential health and environmental impacts necessitate ongoing research and regulatory oversight. 
Understanding the properties, uses, and risks associated with DEP is crucial for informed decision-making and public health protection.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT DIETHYL PHTHALATE

First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product