Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)

About This Product

DOP is the trade name for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DEHP (CAS 117-81-7), a clear, oily ester with a high boiling point and low volatility. Through most of the twentieth century it was the general-purpose plasticiser by which every alternative was judged.

It earned that position on performance. A plasticiser works by sitting between PVC chains and shielding the attractive forces that hold them together, so the chains can slide past one another and a rigid resin becomes flexible. DOP does this efficiently and cheaply, works over a broad range of loadings and gives adequate permanence. Toxicology, not performance, ended its general use. The EU classifies DEHP as toxic for reproduction, category 1B, and as an endocrine disruptor. It is listed in Annex XIV of REACH, so its use needs authorisation, and it is restricted in toys, childcare articles, food-contact materials and medical devices. Any supply therefore depends on the end use being permitted in the market of destination. DOTP and DINP are the usual substitutes.

Where the end use is allowed, DOP goes into industrial PVC compounds, cables, flooring and coated fabrics, and it serves as a reference plasticiser in testing.

BG Petro Chemicals supplies DOP to specification on assay, acidity, water, colour, volatiles and specific gravity, subject to authorisation and verification of the end use, with grade and packaging confirmed at quotation. Specifications, safety data and any available batch documentation are available on request.