Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP): Uses, Usage, SDS/MSDS, CAS No., HS Code, MW, Tests, Price

Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP):

• What is Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)?
• Uses
• Usage
• SDS / MSDS
• CAS No.
• HS Code
• MW (Molecular Weight)
• Tests
• Price

What is Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)?

Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is a commonly used plasticizer belonging to the phthalate family. Its primary role is to increase the flexibility, workability, and durability of plastics, especially PVC (polyvinyl chloride). DOP is a clear, colorless, oily liquid that blends easily with resins, making it one of the most widely used plasticizers in industrial manufacturing for decades. It enhances softness and elasticity in plastic products, helping them bend without breaking.

DOP is valued for its stability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with a wide range of polymer systems. While some industries have shifted to alternative plasticizers due to environmental and health concerns, DOP remains widely used in applications where performance, affordability, and efficiency are required. Its importance continues in many sectors such as automotive, construction, flooring, wire coatings, and industrial manufacturing.

Uses

The primary use of Dioctyl Phthalate is as a plasticizer that provides flexibility to plastic materials. PVC is the most common polymer that is plasticized using DOP. Industries rely on DOP in the production of hoses, synthetic leather, cables, flooring, medical tubing, and various molded products. Its performance in improving softness and resistance to cracking makes it ideal for products requiring repeated bending.

Beyond plastic manufacturing, DOP is also used in adhesives, inks, coatings, and sometimes as a lubricant or dielectric fluid. Due to its stability, it is preferred in electrical insulation applications where temperature and mechanical stability are crucial. Testing laboratories also use DOP as a calibration aerosol in HEPA filter and air purifier performance assessments.

Usage

DOP is typically added in controlled proportions to PVC resin during processing. The amount used depends on the desired softness and flexibility. Higher concentrations improve pliability, making the material suitable for more demanding applications like medical tubing or inflatable products. Its excellent miscibility ensures even distribution throughout the resin.

In laboratory settings, DOP is used to generate standard aerosols for equipment testing. This controlled usage helps verify whether filtration systems meet safety standards. Industrial usage requires adherence to safety guidelines due to environmental and occupational exposure considerations.

SDS / MSDS

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Dioctyl Phthalate provides essential information regarding safe handling, storage, disposal, and exposure precautions. It identifies potential health effects, which may include irritation with prolonged exposure or risks associated with inhalation of vapors. The SDS includes recommended personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation.

MSDS sections also cover environmental impact, accidental spill procedures, and first-aid measures. Since phthalates may have regulatory restrictions in certain regions, the SDS serves as a crucial document for manufacturers and laboratories to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.

CAS No.

The CAS Number for Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP) is 117-84-0. This identifier is used worldwide to label and classify the chemical. It ensures consistency across research, industry, and regulatory databases.

Having the CAS number helps distributors, manufacturers, and laboratories access the correct material specifications and ensures accurate documentation in chemical inventories and safety records.

HS Code

Dioctyl Phthalate is typically classified under the HS Code 29173200 for trade purposes. This code applies to esters of phthalic acid, including common commercial plasticizers.

Using the correct HS code is important for customs clearance, import/export documentation, and taxation calculations. Because some countries regulate phthalates due to environmental concerns, accurate classification ensures compliance with international trade standards.

MW (Molecular Weight)

The molecular weight of Dioctyl Phthalate is approximately 390.56 g/mol. This molecular weight influences its physical behavior, such as viscosity, vapor pressure, and solubility.

A stable molecular weight allows DOP to maintain consistent performance as a plasticizer. It contributes to DOP’s ability to withstand heat and mechanical stress, making it suitable for high-quality industrial and electrical applications.

Tests

Testing of DOP involves analyzing purity, viscosity, acidity, ester content, color, and moisture levels. Industries rely on standardized tests—such as GC-MS, HPLC, or infrared spectroscopy—to confirm chemical identity and detect impurities. Proper testing ensures that the plasticizer meets required performance standards and complies with safety regulations.

In filtration testing, DOP is aerosolized to evaluate HEPA filter efficiency. The particle size distribution and concentration are measured to confirm whether filters meet certification criteria. These tests are essential in cleanrooms, medical environments, and manufacturing facilities requiring high filtration performance.

Price

The price of DOP varies based on purity level, supplier, packaging size, and global market conditions. Industrial-grade DOP typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.00 per kilogram when purchased in bulk quantities. Smaller laboratory-grade containers may cost more due to refined purity and packaging standards.

Market fluctuations in petrochemical feedstocks can influence DOP pricing. Additionally, regions with stricter environmental regulations may have higher costs due to limited supply or shifts toward alternative plasticizers. Buyers often compare prices across suppliers to ensure consistent quality and cost efficiency.