Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate

Details:

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA or DOA) is a synthetic organic compound commonly used as a plasticizer and lubricant. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Chemical Structure & Properties

• Formula: C2222?H4242?O44?

• Structure: Diester of adipic acid (a dicarboxylic acid) and 2-ethylhexanol (a branched alcohol).

• Physical Properties: Clear, oily liquid with low volatility and high stability.

Primary Uses

1. Plasticizer:

   • Added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics to improve flexibility, durability, and workability.

   • Found in products like:

     • Food packaging films (e.g., cling wrap).

     • Vinyl flooring, cables, and synthetic leather.

     • Medical tubing and gloves.

2. Lubricant:

   • Used in industrial lubricants and greases due to its thermal stability.

3. Cosmetics:

   • Occasionally found in personal care products (e.g., nail polish, lotions) as an emollient.

Safety & Environmental Concerns

• Human Health:

  • Low acute toxicity but potential endocrine disruption (mimics hormones) with long-term exposure.

  • May migrate from plastic packaging into food, especially fatty foods.

  • Regulated in food contact materials (e.g., EU limits DEHA to ≤0.05% in plastics).

• Environment:

  • Slow to biodegrade; accumulates in soil/water.

  • Classified as a potential persistent organic pollutant (POP).

Regulations

• EU: Restricted under REACH and food contact material regulations.

• U.S.: FDA permits limited use in food packaging but prohibits DEHA in materials contacting infant food/formula.

• Alternatives: Increasingly replaced by phthalate-free plasticizers (e.g., DINCH, citrates) due to health concerns.

Key Differences from Phthalates

While similar in function to phthalates (e.g., DEHP), DEHA:

• Uses adipic acid instead of phthalic acid.

• Generally considered less toxic but still scrutinized for long-term effects.

Synonyms & Identifiers

• Other names: DEHA, DOA, Adipic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester.

• CAS No.: 103-23-1.

In summary, DEHA is a widely used industrial chemical with applications in plastics and lubricants, but its potential health and environmental impacts drive ongoing regulatory review and demand for safer alternatives.