Quick Search
Dioctyl adipate is a high-boiling aliphatic ester primarily employed as a specialty plasticizer in flexible polymers, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and related industrial formulations.
Dioctyl adipate provides excellent low-temperature flexibility while contributing to softness, efficient processing, weather resistance, and stable electrical performance.
Dioctyl adipate is the common commercial name for bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and should not be confused with the linear di-n-octyl adipate isomer.
CAS Number: 103-23-1
EC Number: 203-090-1
Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 370.57 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Dioctyl Adipate, DOA, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Adipate, Diethylhexyl Adipate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Hexanedioate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Hexanedioate, Hexanedioic Acid Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Ester, Hexanedioic Acid Di(2-ethylhexyl) Ester, Hexanedioic Acid 1,6-Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Ester, Adipic Acid Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Ester, Adipic Acid Di(2-ethylhexyl) Ester, Adipic Acid Dioctyl Ester, Adipic Acid Diethylhexyl Ester, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Ester of Adipic Acid, Di-2-ethylhexyl Adipate, Di-2-ethylhexyl Hexanedioate, DEHA, BEHA, 2-Ethylhexyl Adipate, Dioctyl Hexanedioate, 1,6-Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Hexanedioate, Adipol 2EH, Adimoll DO, Arlamol DOA, Bisoflex DOA, Crodamol DOA, Diacizer DOA, Eastman DOA Plasticizer, Effomoll DOA, Ergoplast AdDO, Flexol A-26, Flexol Plasticizer 10-A, Good-rite GP-223, Hatcol 2908, Jayflex DOA, Kodaflex DOA, Lankroflex DOA, Monoplex DOA, Monsanto DOA, Palatinol DOA, Plasthall DOA, Plastomoll DOA, Polycizer DOA, PX-238, Reomol DOA, Rucoflex DOA, Sansocizer DOA, Sicol 250, Staflex DOA, Truflex DOA, Uniflex DOA, Vestinol OA, Wickenol 158, Witamol 320, ADO, Adipate DOA, Diisooctyl Adipate, Adipic Acid Bis(2-ethylhexylester), NCI-C54386, UNII-E8Z5B2A4JX, EINECS 203-090-1, EC 203-090-1, CAS 103-23-1
APPLICATIONS
Dioctyl adipate serves as a low-temperature plasticizer in flexible polyvinyl chloride compounds requiring softness and elasticity under cold operating conditions.
Dioctyl adipate enhances the flexibility of PVC films by reducing their tendency to stiffen, crack, or become brittle at reduced temperatures.
Dioctyl adipate supports the production of flexible PVC sheets intended for refrigerated, outdoor, and temperature-sensitive environments.
Dioctyl adipate provides efficient plasticization in vinyl formulations where a combination of softness, clarity, and cold resistance is required.
Dioctyl adipate functions as a specialty plasticizer in wire and cable insulation compounds exposed to low ambient temperatures.
Dioctyl adipate contributes to flexible cable jackets by helping the polymer tolerate bending, coiling, vibration, and repeated mechanical movement.
Dioctyl adipate facilitates the manufacture of electrical coverings that must preserve flexibility during installation and prolonged service.
Dioctyl adipate enables compatible cable formulations to combine low-temperature performance with useful electrical and weathering properties.
Dioctyl adipate finds application in transparent PVC films intended for packaging, wrapping, and protective covering applications.
Dioctyl adipate promotes flexibility in clear films while supporting smooth processing and an attractive finished appearance.
Dioctyl adipate offers valuable cold resistance in packaging materials intended for refrigerated or frozen products.
Dioctyl adipate helps flexible film structures withstand folding, handling, and deformation without premature brittle failure.
Dioctyl adipate is incorporated into selected food-packaging films where the finished formulation complies with all applicable food-contact requirements.
Dioctyl adipate supports the manufacture of flexible caps, closures, liners, and sealing components designed for approved contact applications.
Dioctyl adipate provides low-temperature pliability in compatible packaging compounds without relying entirely on general-purpose plasticizers.
Dioctyl adipate allows formulators to adjust flexibility, transparency, processing behavior, and mechanical performance in specialized packaging systems.
Dioctyl adipate acts as a high-efficiency plasticizer in PVC plastisols requiring low initial viscosity and stable flow characteristics.
Dioctyl adipate improves plastisol processability by supporting pumping, mixing, spreading, dipping, and coating operations.
Dioctyl adipate contributes to viscosity stability during the storage and application of properly formulated plastisol systems.
Dioctyl adipate enables manufacturers to modify gelation behavior, coating uniformity, film softness, and low-temperature flexibility.
Dioctyl adipate functions as a co-plasticizer in formulations containing DOP, DOTP, DINP, polymeric plasticizers, or other compatible esters.
Dioctyl adipate complements higher-permanence plasticizers by supplying additional softness and improved cold-temperature performance.
Dioctyl adipate facilitates the development of balanced plasticizer blends designed to control flexibility, volatility, migration, and processing characteristics.
Dioctyl adipate offers formulators a practical method for extending the low-temperature service range of conventional flexible polymer compounds.
Dioctyl adipate serves as a plasticizing component in flexible PVC hoses used for air transfer, light-duty fluid handling, and general industrial service.
Dioctyl adipate enhances the pliability of tubing that may be bent, rolled, compressed, or stored under subambient conditions.
Dioctyl adipate supports the production of flexible conduits and protective sleeves requiring resistance to cold cracking.
Dioctyl adipate provides useful softness in hose formulations while helping the finished product maintain manageable handling characteristics.
Dioctyl adipate finds application in coated fabrics used for flexible covers, protective textiles, tarpaulins, and industrial fabric structures.
Dioctyl adipate promotes the drape and bendability of polymer-coated materials that undergo folding or repeated movement.
Dioctyl adipate contributes to smoother coating and calendering operations by modifying the flow behavior of compatible resin systems.
Dioctyl adipate enables coated fabrics to preserve flexibility across a wider range of service temperatures.
Dioctyl adipate functions as a specialty plasticizer in artificial leather formulations requiring softness, drape, and a pleasant surface feel.
Dioctyl adipate improves the flexibility of vinyl layers used in upholstery, footwear, garments, bags, and consumer accessories.
Dioctyl adipate supports repeated folding and bending without causing the finished synthetic leather to become excessively rigid.
Dioctyl adipate offers cold-resistant performance in flexible surface coverings intended for transportation, furniture, and recreational applications.
Dioctyl adipate serves as a plasticizer in selected synthetic rubber and technical elastomer formulations requiring improved low-temperature elasticity.
Dioctyl adipate enhances the cold flexibility of compatible nitrile rubber compounds used in seals, gaskets, sleeves, and molded components.
Dioctyl adipate supports chlorinated rubber and chloroprene formulations where efficient plasticization and reduced brittleness are important.
Dioctyl adipate contributes to polyurethane and specialty elastomer systems after compatibility, extraction resistance, and service conditions have been evaluated.
Dioctyl adipate provides flexibility in rubber boots, bellows, diaphragms, vibration isolators, and other components exposed to repeated deformation.
Dioctyl adipate enables elastomeric seals and gaskets to preserve useful elasticity in cool operating environments.
Dioctyl adipate helps reduce compound stiffness while promoting more uniform distribution of fillers and formulation additives.
Dioctyl adipate offers processing advantages in compatible rubber compounds by lowering viscosity and facilitating mixing, extrusion, or molding.
Dioctyl adipate functions as a plasticizer for nitrocellulose formulations used in flexible coatings, lacquers, inks, and related surface systems.
Dioctyl adipate contributes to ethyl cellulose compositions by improving film softness and reducing the tendency toward brittle cracking.
Dioctyl adipate facilitates the processing of compatible high-butyryl cellulose acetate butyrate formulations requiring flexibility and clarity.
Dioctyl adipate supports cellulose-based coatings and polymer films where low viscosity and efficient plasticization are technically beneficial.
Dioctyl adipate finds application in adhesives and sealants requiring improved spreadability, flexibility, and resistance to brittle failure.
Dioctyl adipate promotes movement accommodation in compatible caulks, mastics, joint compounds, and flexible sealing formulations.
Dioctyl adipate provides a means of adjusting hardness, elongation, application viscosity, and film-forming behavior in specialized coatings.
Dioctyl adipate enables manufacturers to formulate flexible polymer products for flooring, wall coverings, coated articles, molded goods, and other demanding industrial applications.
DESCRIPTION
Dioctyl adipate is generally supplied as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid with a mild characteristic odor.
Chemically, Dioctyl adipate is a diester formed through the esterification of adipic acid with two molecules of 2-ethylhexan-1-ol.
Structurally, Dioctyl adipate contains a central adipate group connected to two branched 2-ethylhexyl chains.
The branched aliphatic structure gives Dioctyl adipate a flexible molecular character and a very low freezing point.
Dioctyl adipate is commonly identified as bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, DEHA, or DOA.
Commercial usage of the name Dioctyl adipate may occasionally create confusion with linear di-n-octyl adipate.
For this reason, CAS Number 103-23-1 should be used to confirm the identity of the branched 2-ethylhexyl ester.
Di-n-octyl adipate with CAS Number 123-79-5 is a separate structural isomer and should not be treated as an identical substance.
Dioctyl adipate is generally produced by reacting adipic acid with excess 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of an esterification catalyst.
During manufacturing, the water formed by the esterification reaction is continuously removed to promote a high conversion rate.
The resulting crude ester may undergo neutralization, washing, vacuum stripping, filtration, and final purification.
Controlled processing produces commercial grades with low acidity, low moisture, light color, and high ester purity.
As a plasticizer, Dioctyl adipate enters compatible polymer matrices and increases the mobility of adjacent polymer chains.
This molecular action lowers stiffness and allows the polymer to deform more readily without cracking.
Its principal technical advantage is the ability to preserve flexibility at temperatures where many general-purpose plasticized compounds become rigid.
Dioctyl adipate also provides good plasticizing efficiency, useful electrical properties, weather resistance, and heat stability in compatible PVC systems.
Dioctyl adipate can be employed as the primary plasticizer in selected formulations or blended with other plasticizers to obtain a balanced performance profile.
When combined with general-purpose or polymeric plasticizers, Dioctyl adipate frequently improves low-temperature flexibility and processing behavior.
Its relatively low viscosity supports convenient pumping, metering, mixing, coating, and dispersion during industrial production.
The liquid nature of Dioctyl adipate also enables rapid incorporation into plastisols, rubber compounds, coating systems, and adhesive formulations.
Dioctyl adipate is practically insoluble in water because of its long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains.
In contrast, Dioctyl adipate is compatible with or soluble in many organic liquids, plasticizers, oils, and suitable polymer systems.
Compatibility has been established with PVC, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, many synthetic rubbers, polyurethane systems, and high-butyryl cellulose acetate butyrates.
Actual performance nevertheless depends on resin composition, plasticizer concentration, processing conditions, fillers, stabilizers, and other additives.
Under normal recommended storage conditions, Dioctyl adipate remains stable and does not undergo hazardous polymerization.
Its high boiling point, very low vapor pressure, and low volatility reduce rapid evaporative losses at ordinary temperatures.
Dioctyl adipate may gradually hydrolyze under severe acidic or alkaline conditions, particularly when heat and moisture are present.
Strong oxidizing agents, excessive temperatures, open flames, and uncontrolled thermal exposure should therefore be avoided.
Dioctyl adipate has a very low freezing point and remains fluid at temperatures considerably below normal ambient conditions.
This characteristic facilitates winter handling and supports its use in polymer products intended for cold climates.
Its performance can be influenced by migration, extraction, volatility, polymer polarity, and the composition of the finished article.
Formulation trials should consequently be completed before Dioctyl adipate is introduced into a new industrial application.
Commercial quality is commonly evaluated through ester content, acidity, moisture, color, density, refractive index, viscosity, and flash point.
Typical specifications may vary according to manufacturer, production grade, purification method, and intended application.
Regulatory suitability for food contact, medical, consumer, or sensitive applications must be confirmed for the specific commercial grade and finished formulation.
The current supplier specification and Safety Data Sheet should always be consulted before purchasing, processing, storage, or disposal.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Name: Dioctyl adipate
Chemical Class: Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid ester
CAS Number: 103-23-1
EC Number: 203-090-1
Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₄₂O₄
Molecular Weight: 370.57 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate
Common Abbreviation: DOA
Alternative Abbreviation: DEHA
Appearance: Clear, colorless to light-yellow oily liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Physical State: Liquid
Typical Purity: Approximately 99.0% or higher, depending on commercial grade
Typical Acidity: 0.01 wt% maximum
Typical Color: 15 Pt-Co maximum
Specific Gravity at 20°C: Approximately 0.927
Density at 20°C: Approximately 0.924–0.927 g/cm³
Refractive Index at 25°C: Approximately 1.445
Viscosity at 25°C: Approximately 13 mPa·s
Boiling Point: Approximately 417°C
Freezing Point: Below −70°C
Flash Point: Approximately 196°C, closed-cup method
Vapor Pressure at 20°C: Below 0.01 Pa
Water Solubility: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Organic Media: Soluble in many common organic solvents, oils, and compatible plasticizers
Volatility: Low under normal handling and processing conditions
pH: Not applicable to the anhydrous ester
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong alkalis
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected to occur
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes may form during combustion or severe thermal decomposition
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air.
Keep the person at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Obtain medical attention if coughing, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or other symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and footwear.
Wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Obtain medical advice if irritation, redness, or discomfort develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse the eyes cautiously with clean water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses when present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Obtain medical attention if pain, redness, blurred vision, or irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by qualified medical personnel.
Contact a physician or poison information center if a significant quantity has been swallowed or symptoms develop.
Note to Physicians:
No specific antidote is generally identified.
Provide supportive care and treat according to the patient’s symptoms and clinical condition.
Consider the possibility of aspiration if vomiting occurs after substantial ingestion.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Handle Dioctyl adipate in accordance with good industrial hygiene and chemical safety practices.
Avoid unnecessary contact with the skin, eyes, and clothing.
Prevent the formation and inhalation of heated vapors, aerosols, or mists.
Wash the hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Keep containers closed when the product is not being transferred or processed.
Ventilation:
Provide adequate general ventilation in storage and processing areas.
Use local exhaust ventilation where heating, spraying, mist formation, or enclosed processing may increase airborne exposure.
Maintain airborne concentrations as low as reasonably achievable.
Select respiratory protection according to the workplace exposure assessment and applicable regulations.
Storage:
Store Dioctyl adipate in tightly closed and correctly labeled containers.
Keep the product in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location.
Protect containers from excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and physical damage.
Keep Dioctyl adipate away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong alkalis, and incompatible materials.
Maintain suitable storage temperatures to preserve product quality and pumpability.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Stop the source of the leak when this can be done safely.
Prevent the spilled material from entering drains, soil, groundwater, or surface water.
Contain the liquid with sand, earth, vermiculite, or another suitable inert absorbent.
Collect the absorbed material in labeled containers for recovery or disposal.
Clean the affected surface thoroughly because residual Dioctyl adipate may create a slipping hazard.
Handling Precautions:
Wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or chemical goggles, and appropriate protective clothing.
Use additional face protection where splashing is reasonably foreseeable.
Keep ignition sources away from heated product, generated mist, and contaminated absorbent materials.
Use compatible pumps, hoses, seals, and storage equipment during transfer operations.
Review the current supplier Safety Data Sheet before large-scale handling, processing, transportation, storage, or disposal.
