National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Dibutyl phthalate: Overview

Description

Dibutyl phthalate is a man-made chemical that is added to plastics and other chemicals. In plastics it helps keep them soft (a plasticizer). It is also used in elastomers, lacquers, explosives, printing inks, resin solvents, perfume oil solvents, paper coatings, adhesives, and nail polish. It is used as a solid rocket propellant.

Substance details

Substance name: Dibutyl phthalate

CASR number: 84-74-2

Molecular formula: C16H22O4

Synonyms: DBP; Di-n-Butyl Phthalate; n-Butyl phthalate; 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester; Phthalic acid dibutyl ester; o-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester; benzene-o-dicarboxylic acid di-n-butyl ester; dibutyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutylester; Dibutyl o-Phthalate 

Physical properties

Dibutyl phthalate is a colourless, oily liquid with a weak odour.

Melting Point: -35°C

Boiling Point: 340°C

Specific Gravity: 1.043

Vapour Density: 9.6

Flashpoint: 171°C

Chemical properties

Dibutyl phthalate is soluble in most organic solvents, but only slightly soluble in water.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of dibutyl phthalate emissions in Australia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist