CAS 84-74-2 · Phthalate Ester Plasticizer
Dibutyl Phthalate
DBP · C₁₆H₂₂O₄ · MW 278.34 g/mol
A high-boiling phthalate ester plasticizer and solvent widely used in cellulose polymer systems, adhesives, coatings, and printing inks. DBP's combination of low volatility, excellent solvating power, and compatibility with a broad range of polymers makes it a versatile processing aid across industrial manufacturing. CFPT supplies DBP in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₁₆H₂₂O₄
Boiling Point
340 °C
Flash Point
171 °C
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Ortho-phthalate diester — two n-butyl ester groups on benzene ring
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 5 mg/m³
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 5 mg/m³
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated
- UN Number
- Not assigned
- Packing Group
- N/A
- REACH / SVHC
- Listed as SVHC (reproductive toxicant) — verify end-use compliance
SDS available upon request. Verify REACH/SVHC compliance for your application and jurisdiction.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₂₂O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 278.34 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 84-74-2 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid |
| Boiling Point | 340 °C (644 °F) at 760 mmHg |
| Melting Point | −35 °C (−31 °F) |
| Flash Point | 171 °C (340 °F) — Combustible liquid |
| Density | 1.043–1.048 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.01 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | ~11 mg/L at 25 °C (practically insoluble) |
| Viscosity | ~20 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.491–1.493 at 20 °C |
Industrial Applications
Plasticizers for Polymers
Primary plasticizer for cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, polyvinyl acetate, and specialty elastomers. DBP imparts flexibility, workability, and low-temperature performance to films, coatings, and molded parts without significant volatility loss during processing.
Adhesives & Sealants
Plasticizing component in solvent-based adhesives, contact cements, and sealant formulations. DBP improves tack, flexibility, and peel strength in pressure-sensitive and structural adhesive systems.
Coatings & Lacquers
High-boiling plasticizer and coalescing agent in nitrocellulose lacquers, alkyd coatings, and specialty varnishes. Reduces brittleness, improves film formation, and enhances adhesion to metal and wood substrates.
Printing Inks
Plasticizer and viscosity modifier in gravure, flexographic, and screen printing inks. DBP improves ink flow, adhesion to substrates, and flexibility of dried ink films on flexible packaging and labels.
Textile & Leather Finishing
Softening and finishing agent for synthetic and natural fibers. Applied in textile back-coatings, leather finishes, and fabric treatments to impart suppleness, drape, and resistance to cracking.
Insecticide & Repellent Carrier
Solvent and carrier for insect repellent formulations, particularly DEET-based products. DBP's low volatility and good skin compatibility make it suitable as a fixative and carrier in topical repellent applications.
Why Source DBP from CFPT?
- 35+ years supplying plasticizers and specialty solvents to Texas industry
- Industrial and Technical grades stocked for immediate delivery
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support, SDS documentation, and REACH compliance guidance
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities