Dibutyl Phthalate

　　Molecular formula: C16H22O4

　　Properties: a colorless, transparent oily liquid with an aromatic odor; combustible. Insoluble in water and soluble in common organic solvents and hydrocarbons.

　　Uses: primarily a plasticizer for PVC, polyvinyl acetate, alkyd resins, ethyl cellulose, natural and synthetic rubber, and acrylic glass. Also used as a solvent and fixative for fragrances and as a pest repellent.

　　Packaging: tank trucks and galvanized iron drums.

　　Storage and transport: keep in a cool, dry, ventilated location, protected from rain, sunlight and fire. Store and transport in accordance with general dangerous-goods requirements.

Dibutyl phthalate is used as a general chemical-analysis reagent, gas-chromatography stationary phase, solvent, pesticide and plasticizer. As a plasticizer, it gives products good flexibility, but its relatively high volatility and water extractability result in poor durability.

Environmental Effects

　　Health Hazards

　　Effects on humans: the odor threshold for the most sensitive people is 0.00026 mg/L. The threshold for effects on the ocular light reflex is 0.00016 mg/L, and that for effects on brain bioelectrical activity is 0.00011–0.00012 mg/L. Workers producing plasticizers may develop polyneuritis, spinal neuritis and cerebral polyneuritis.

　　Skin and eye effects: small amounts can be absorbed through intact skin. A single exposure of the skin or eye mucosa does not cause irritation, but repeated exposure may produce severe irritation. Some experimental data indicate mild sensitizing effects.

　　Effects on animals: the reported LD50 for a two-hour aerosol inhalation exposure in mice is 25 mg/L. Poisoning can cause strong irritation of the eye and upper-respiratory mucosa, breathing difficulty, ataxia and hind-limb paralysis; some animals exhibit shallow anesthesia and clonic convulsions.