PHTHALATES

Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemical compounds primarily used as plasticizers—substances added to plastics to increase flexibility, durability, and workability.
These compounds are most commonly associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are widely used in industrial, consumer, and personal care applications.
Phthalates are valued for their role in enhancing product performance but have also become a topic of regulatory concern due to their potential health and environmental impacts.

CAS Number: Varies by specific phthalate (e.g., DEHP: 117-81-7, DBP: 84-74-2, DINP: 28553-12-0)
EC Number: Varies accordingly (e.g., DEHP: 204-211-0, DBP: 201-557-4, DINP: 249-079-5)
Molecular Formula: General structure: C₆H₄(COOR)₂
Molecular Weight: Varies (e.g., DEHP: 390.56 g/mol)

Synonyms: Phthalates, Phthalate Esters, Dialkyl Phthalates, Diesters of Phthalic Acid, PVC Plasticizers, DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), BBP (Butyl benzyl phthalate), DINP (Diisononyl phthalate), DIDP (Diisodecyl phthalate), DPHP (Dipropylheptyl phthalate), DMP (Dimethyl phthalate), DEP (Diethyl phthalate), Phthalate Compounds, Orthophthalates, Aromatic Diesters, Diester Plasticizers, Low Volatility Plasticizers, General Purpose Plasticizers, Flexible PVC Plasticizers, Phthalic Acid Diesters, Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs), Phthalate Additives, Plasticizing Esters, Cosmetic Plasticizers, Synthetic Plasticizer Group, High-Molecular Weight Phthalates, Low-Molecular Weight Phthalates, Common Phthalates, Polymeric Plasticizers, Solvent Esters, Vinyl Additive Plasticizers, Industrial Phthalate Derivatives, Phthalate Ingredient Class

APPLICATIONS

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in PVC-based materials such as flooring, cables, tubing, and synthetic leather.
Phthalates are included in adhesives, sealants, and paints to improve flexibility and application performance.
Phthalates are used in automotive interiors and coatings to enhance softness and weather resistance.

Phthalates are applied in personal care products like perfumes, hair sprays, and nail polishes to help dissolve and stabilize fragrance and film-forming agents.
Phthalates are found in medical devices, including IV bags, tubing, and catheters due to their flexibility and clarity.
Phthalates are employed in textiles, coatings, and rubber formulations for durability and surface finish.

Phthalates are used in printing inks and packaging materials for flexibility and stability.
Phthalates are incorporated in wire and cable insulation to prevent cracking and brittleness.
Phthalates are utilized in toys and consumer goods as softening agents, though increasingly replaced in compliant markets.

Phthalates are used in industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and solvents for their chemical and thermal stability.
Phthalates are applied in agrochemical formulations and controlled-release fertilizers.
Phthalates are present in building materials like wall coverings and ceiling panels.

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in the production of flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products, such as flooring, wall coverings, and synthetic leather, where they improve the material's flexibility, durability, and workability.
Phthalates are employed in the formulation of adhesives, where they help improve the adhesive's flexibility, performance, and durability by preventing the adhesive from becoming brittle.
Phthalates are used in personal care products, such as perfumes, lotions, and deodorants, where they act as solvents, helping to stabilize and improve the scent longevity of fragrances.

Phthalates are used in the production of medical devices and products, such as tubing and blood bags, where they help provide flexibility, strength, and durability while ensuring ease of use in medical procedures.
Phthalates are employed in the manufacture of toys and children's products, where they help enhance the softness and flexibility of plastic materials to ensure safety and comfort.

Phthalates are used in the automotive industry to improve the flexibility of plastic components, such as dashboards, seat covers, and trim, ensuring that the materials maintain their integrity under various conditions.
Phthalates are used in industrial coatings, where they help improve the texture and flexibility of paints and coatings, enhancing their adhesion, durability, and wear resistance.

Phthalates are employed in the production of electrical cables and wires, where they act as a plasticizer to improve flexibility and prevent cracking, ensuring that the cables can withstand environmental stress.
Phthalates are used in the manufacture of flooring materials, particularly vinyl flooring, where they help enhance the material's flexibility, texture, and ease of installation.
Phthalates are used in the production of solvent-based adhesives and sealants, where they improve the workability and performance of the final product.

Phthalates are employed in the production of coatings for metals and other materials, improving their corrosion resistance and providing a smooth, flexible finish.
Phthalates are used in the production of hydraulic fluids and lubricants, where they help improve the fluid's viscosity, stability, and overall performance under high-pressure conditions.
Phthalates are used in agriculture to improve the performance of certain pesticides and herbicides, where they help increase the stability and effectiveness of the active ingredients.

Phthalates are used in the production of printing inks, where they help improve the flow and spreadability of the ink, ensuring even application on various surfaces.
Phthalates are used in the manufacturing of vinyl medical tubing, where they help enhance the material's flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation.

Phthalates are used in the production of cosmetics, particularly in nail polishes, where they help improve the texture, flexibility, and long-lasting performance of the polish.
Phthalates are employed in the production of synthetic rubbers, where they help improve the material’s flexibility, elasticity, and durability, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Phthalates are used in the production of plasticized adhesives for use in construction and industrial applications, where they provide superior flexibility and bond strength.
Phthalates are used in the formulation of fungicides, where they help improve the dispersibility of the active ingredients and enhance the effectiveness of the product.
Phthalates are used in the production of fluidized bed coatings, where they help improve the texture, flow, and uniformity of the coating, ensuring consistent quality in the final product.

Phthalates are employed in the production of fireworks and explosives, where they help to stabilize the composition and improve the overall performance of the materials.
Phthalates are used in the preparation of textile finishes, where they improve the flexibility and texture of fabrics, ensuring enhanced comfort and performance.
Phthalates are used in the formulation of anti-static products, where they help reduce static cling on clothing and other textiles, providing a smoother and more comfortable feel.

Phthalates are employed in the production of synthetic foams, where they help improve the flexibility and compressibility of the foam, making it suitable for use in cushioning and insulation applications.
Phthalates are used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, where they improve the material's flexibility, clarity, and resistance to cracking or breaking.

DESCRIPTION

Phthalates are colorless, odorless, oily liquids or low-melting solids depending on their molecular weight.
They are esters of phthalic acid and various alcohols, categorized as low-molecular-weight or high-molecular-weight phthalates based on chain length.
Phthalates function by embedding themselves between polymer chains, reducing rigidity and improving processability.

Phthalates are non-volatile, thermally stable, and miscible with a wide range of plastic materials.
They offer excellent flexibility, durability, and resistance to impact and abrasion in end-use applications.
Phthalates can leach out under certain conditions, leading to increasing regulation and development of safer alternatives.

Phthalates are under regulatory review globally due to their potential as endocrine disruptors and suspected reproductive toxicants.
They are subject to use restrictions in cosmetics, children’s toys, and medical devices in several jurisdictions.
Newer non-phthalate plasticizers are emerging in response to demand for low-toxicity, bio-based alternatives.

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds primarily used as plasticizers, which are substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, durability, and workability.
Phthalates are commonly used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, where they help enhance the flexibility and softness of the material, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Phthalates are typically colorless, odorless, and oily liquids that are soluble in oils, fats, and some organic solvents, which makes them ideal for use in flexible plastic products and formulations.
Phthalates are used in a variety of industrial applications, from medical devices and flooring materials to adhesives and coatings, where they improve the performance, texture, and flexibility of the materials.

Phthalates, particularly those like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are among the most commonly used plasticizers in the production of flexible plastics, and they are essential to many consumer products.
Phthalates are often added to fragrances and cosmetics to improve scent longevity and to enhance the texture of the product, making them an important ingredient in personal care formulations.

Phthalates are considered to be controversial due to concerns about their potential health effects, particularly regarding their endocrine-disrupting properties, and are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny in many countries.
Phthalates are often used in manufacturing processes that require flexibility in materials, including in the automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries.

Phthalates can be classified into different groups based on their chemical structure and molecular weight, with some varieties being more commonly used in flexible plastics, while others serve different industrial functions.
Despite their widespread use, the health and environmental concerns associated with phthalates have led to increased research into alternatives, with some manufacturers transitioning to phthalate-free formulations for safer, more eco-friendly products.

PROPERTIES

General Chemical Nature: Diesters of phthalic acid
Physical State: Liquid (low volatility) or semi-solid (for some variants)
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Odorless or faint ester-like
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents and resins
Boiling Point: >300°C (varies by type)
Density: Approx. 0.98–1.05 g/cm³
Plasticizing Efficiency: High
Reactivity: Stable under standard conditions; hydrolyzable in acidic/basic environments
Thermal Stability: Excellent
Storage Temperature: Store at 15–30°C in sealed containers
Shelf Life: 2–3 years under proper storage

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapor is inhaled in high concentrations.
Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Skin Contact:
Wash skin with soap and water.
Seek medical attention for prolonged exposure or irritation.

Eye Contact:
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
Seek immediate medical attention for large exposures.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Monitor for long-term toxicity in chronic exposure cases.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use protective gloves, goggles, and clothing when handling in bulk.
Avoid inhalation of vapors and repeated skin contact.
Ensure proper ventilation in processing areas.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Absorb spilled material with inert media (e.g., sand, vermiculite).
Avoid release into drains or waterways.
Dispose of as per local hazardous waste regulations.

Storage:
Store phthalates in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from extreme temperatures and oxidizing agents.
Follow local and international labeling and storage guidelines.

Handling Cautions:
Prevent environmental contamination.
Follow safety data sheet (SDS) and regulatory guidance for restricted phthalate types.