Substance profile
Dibutyl Phthalate
Dibutyl Phthalate is a colorless to faint yellow, oily liquid with a slight, aromatic odor.
01 · Identification
What Dibutyl Phthalate is
Dibutyl Phthalate is a colorless to faint yellow, oily liquid with a slight, aromatic odor. Its molecular formula is C16H22O4 and its molecular weight is 278.34 g/mol. It boils at 340 °C, melts at -35 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Dibutyl Phthalate
- DBP
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dibutyl Phthalate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 340 °C (644 °F) | HSDB | |
| 340 °C (644 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -35 °C (-31 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.0459 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.049 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | More soluble in than in water & increased solubility with pH rise | perspiration | HSDB |
| Very soluble in acetone, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 11.2 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00007 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.000014 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0000201 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 157.22 °C (315 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 402.78 °C (757 °F) | HSDB | |
| 402 °C (755.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 0.5 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 2.5 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 9.58 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | In humans, an olfactory threshold value ranging from 0.26 to 1.47 mg/cu m. | was found | HSDB |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 523.85 °C (974.9 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dibutyl Phthalate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Liquid chlorine reacts explosively with ...dibutyl phthalate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
N-BUTYL PHTHALATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. Will not polymerize. (USCG, 1999). Can generate electrostatic charges. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 250].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dibutyl Phthalate in the storage compatibility matrix →