Diisoheptyl phthalate: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:33, 16 February 2025

Diisoheptyl Phthalate[edit]

Diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHP) is a phthalate ester used primarily as a plasticizer in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers. It is part of the larger family of phthalates, which are used to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastic products.

Chemical Structure and Properties[edit]

Diisoheptyl phthalate is characterized by its chemical structure, which includes a phthalate backbone with two heptyl ester groups. This structure is responsible for its properties as a plasticizer. The molecular formula of DIHP is C₂₂H₃₄O₄, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 362.5 g/mol.

Physical Properties[edit]

DIHP is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature. It has a low volatility and is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

Chemical Properties[edit]

As a phthalate ester, DIHP is relatively stable under normal conditions but can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of strong acids or bases, breaking down into phthalic acid and heptyl alcohols.

Applications[edit]

Diisoheptyl phthalate is primarily used as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of flexible PVC products. These products include cables, flooring, wall coverings, and automotive interiors. The addition of DIHP to PVC enhances its flexibility and workability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Health and Environmental Concerns[edit]

Like other phthalates, DIHP has raised concerns regarding its potential health and environmental impacts. Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors, and there is ongoing research into their effects on human health, particularly in relation to reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Regulatory Status[edit]

Due to these concerns, the use of certain phthalates, including DIHP, is regulated in many countries. Regulations often limit the concentration of phthalates in children's toys and childcare articles to reduce exposure.

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Phthalates

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-'''Diisoheptyl phthalate''' (DIHP) is a [[phthalate]] ester used primarily as a [[plasticizer]]. Phthalates are a family of compounds whose primary use is to soften [[PVC]] (polyvinyl chloride) and other [[polymers]]. DIHP, like other phthalates, works by embedding itself between the chains of polymers, thereby increasing their flexibility and making them more pliable.
+== Diisoheptyl Phthalate ==
-==Properties and Uses==
+[[File:Diisoheptyl_phthalate_3D.png|thumb|right|3D model of Diisoheptyl Phthalate]]
-DIHP is a colorless, viscous liquid with a slight, characteristic odor. It is poorly soluble in [[water]] but has good solubility in most organic solvents. This makes it particularly useful in the production of flexible PVC products such as cables, hoses, and flooring. In addition to its primary use as a plasticizer, DIHP can also be found in certain adhesives, sealants, and coatings, contributing to their flexibility, workability, and durability.
-==Health and Environmental Concerns==
+'''Diisoheptyl phthalate''' (DIHP) is a [[phthalate]] [[ester]] used primarily as a [[plasticizer]] in the production of [[polyvinyl chloride]] (PVC) and other [[polymers]]. It is part of the larger family of phthalates, which are used to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastic products.
-The use of phthalates, including DIHP, has raised health and environmental concerns. Studies have suggested that exposure to certain phthalates can lead to reproductive and developmental issues in animals, and there is concern about their potential effects on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. As a result, the use of some phthalates has been restricted or banned in various applications, especially those involving contact with food or children's products.
-Environmental concerns also arise from the persistence and bioaccumulation of phthalates like DIHP. They can leach out of products into the environment, contaminating soil and water. Once in the environment, they can be difficult to break down, leading to long-term exposure and potential ecological impacts.
+== Chemical Structure and Properties ==
-==Regulation and Alternatives==
+Diisoheptyl phthalate is characterized by its [[chemical structure]], which includes a phthalate backbone with two heptyl ester groups. This structure is responsible for its properties as a plasticizer. The [[molecular formula]] of DIHP is C<sub>22</sub>H<sub>34</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, and it has a [[molecular weight]] of approximately 362.5 g/mol.
-In response to these concerns, regulatory bodies in many countries have implemented restrictions on the use of certain phthalates in consumer products. The European Union, for example, has stringent regulations governing the use of phthalates in toys and childcare articles. Similarly, the United States has enacted legislation to limit the use of specific phthalates in children's products.
-The industry has responded by developing alternative plasticizers that are claimed to be safer and more environmentally friendly. These alternatives include adipates, citrates, and bio-based plasticizers, which are designed to provide similar benefits to phthalates but with reduced health and environmental risks.
+=== Physical Properties ===
-==Conclusion==
+DIHP is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature. It has a low [[volatility]] and is insoluble in [[water]], but soluble in [[organic solvents]] such as [[ethanol]] and [[acetone]].
-While DIHP and other phthalates have played a crucial role in the development of flexible PVC products, their potential health and environmental impacts have led to increased scrutiny and regulation. The ongoing development of safer, more sustainable plasticizers is essential to addressing these concerns while meeting the material needs of modern society.
-[[Category:Chemicals]]
+=== Chemical Properties ===
+As a phthalate ester, DIHP is relatively stable under normal conditions but can undergo [[hydrolysis]] in the presence of strong [[acids]] or [[bases]], breaking down into [[phthalic acid]] and heptyl alcohols.
+== Applications ==
+Diisoheptyl phthalate is primarily used as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of flexible PVC products. These products include [[cables]], [[flooring]], [[wall coverings]], and [[automotive]] interiors. The addition of DIHP to PVC enhances its flexibility and workability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
+== Health and Environmental Concerns ==
+Like other phthalates, DIHP has raised concerns regarding its potential [[health]] and [[environmental]] impacts. Phthalates are known to be [[endocrine disruptors]], and there is ongoing research into their effects on human health, particularly in relation to [[reproductive]] and [[developmental]] toxicity.
+=== Regulatory Status ===
+Due to these concerns, the use of certain phthalates, including DIHP, is regulated in many countries. Regulations often limit the concentration of phthalates in children's toys and childcare articles to reduce exposure.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Phthalate]]
+* [[Plasticizer]]
+* [[Polyvinyl chloride]]
+* [[Endocrine disruptor]]
+{{Phthalates}}
+[[Category:Phthalates]]
 [[Category:Plasticizers]]
-[[Category:Environmental chemistry]]
-{{chem-stub}}