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Dibutyl phthalate chemical structure, C16H22O4, CAS 84-74-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless to faint yellow, oily liquid
Melting point
-35 °C
Boiling point
340 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.05
Flash point
157 °C
HS code
291734
Category
Plasticizers
UN number
UN 3082
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in sealed glass ampoules on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Dibutyl phthalate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Dibutyl phthalate is a phthalate ester that is the diester obtained by the formal condensation of the carboxy groups of phthalic acid with two molecules of butan-1-ol. Although used extensively as a plasticiser, it is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that poses a risk to humans. It has a role as a metabolite, a teratogenic agent, an EC 3.2.1.20 (alpha-glucosidase) inhibitor, an environmental contaminant and a plasticiser. It is a phthalate ester and a diester. It is functionally related to a butan-1-ol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
CAS number
84-74-2 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 137077-55-5
EC number
201-557-4
Molecular formula
C16H22O4
UNII
2286E5R2KE
MDL number
MFCD00009441
INCI name
DIBUTYL PHTHALATE
InChIKey
DOIRQSBPFJWKBE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C16H22O4/c1-3-5-11-19-15(17)13-9-7-8-10-14(13)16(18)20-12-6-4-2/h7-10H,3-6,11-12H2,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCCCC

Synonyms

  • Di-n-butyl phthalate
  • n-Butyl phthalate
  • Butyl phthalate
  • Genoplast B
  • Palatinol C
  • Celluflex DPB
  • Unimoll DB
  • Dibutylphthalate
  • Staflex DBP
  • Elaol
  • Ergoplast FDB
  • Hexaplas M/B
  • dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
  • Witcizer 300
  • Kodaflex DBP
  • Dibutyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate
  • Dibutyl-o-phthalate
  • DBP (ester)
  • N-Butylphthalate
  • Ersoplast FDA
  • Uniflex DBP
  • Hatcol DBP
  • 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester
  • RC Plasticizer DBP
  • Hatco dbp
Show all 39 synonyms
  • Phthalate, di-n-butyl
  • Phthalic acid, dibutyl ester
  • Dibutyl o-phthalate
  • o-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester
  • RCRA waste number U069
  • Benzene-o-dicarboxylic acid di-n-butyl ester
  • Monocizer dbp
  • Plasthall dbp
  • Vestinol c
  • PX 104
  • Phthalic acid di-n-butyl ester
  • Ruifeng vp 201
  • Corflex 440
  • Yh-1bd2

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless to faint yellow, oily liquidexp.
Odour
Slight, aromatic odorexp.
Taste
Tastes strong and bitterexp.
Melting point
-35 °Cexp.
Boiling point
340 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.05exp.
Flash point
157 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
402 °Cexp.
Solubility
More soluble in /perspiration/ than in water & increased solubility with pH riseexp.
Vapour pressure
14 mm Hg at 200 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
278.35 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
278.1518 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
3.6calc.
Topological polar surface area
52.6 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
8calc.
Heavy atoms
20calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
120NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H360DfMay damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
Precautionary statements (7)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 3082
Transport hazard class
9
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Dibutyl phthalate suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

235 suppliers in 34 countries

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Dibutyl phthalate price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Congress has permanently banned three types of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) in any amount greater than 0.1 percent (computed for each phthalate, individually) in (1) children's toys and (2) certain child care articles. di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP).

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide product ... "cancelled".

Plasticizer, solvent for oil-soluble dyes, insecticides and other organics, antifoam agent, textile fiber lubricant, fragrance fixative, insect repellent.

Dibutyl phthalate is used to help make plastics soft and flexible. It is used in shower curtains, raincoats, food wraps, bowls, car interiors, vinyl fabrics, floor tiles, and other products.

Industrial uses: Adhesion/cohesion promoter, Filler, Plasticizer, Other, Solvent.

Consumer uses: Plasticizer.

Use classes: Phthalates, Plasticizers, Plastics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name DIBUTYL PHTHALATE(fragrance, plasticiser, solvent, perfuming)

Pharmacological actions

  • Plasticizers

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • antiinfective agent
  • antiparasitic agent
  • environmental contaminant
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • plasticiser
  • teratogenic agent

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Fragrance
  • Plasticizer
  • Solvent

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Perfuming
  • Plasticiser
  • Solvent

How it is made

Di-n-butyl phthalate can be manufactured via the esterification of phthalic acid with n-butyl alcohol in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or p-toluene sulfonic acid. This reaction is generally performed at a temperature of 150 °C along with agitation. Water from this process is either recovered for other operations or treated and discharged as waste water. Di-n-butyl phthalate is finally purified by vacuum distillation and/or with activated charcoal.

By treating n-butyl alcohol with phthalic anhydride followed by purification, which results in a product unusually free from odor and color.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-318-00-4

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Dibutyl phthalate, Ref no: 675, Annex ref: II/675

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Dibutyl phthalate is traded under.

HS 2917.34Indicative HS code

Aromatic polycarboxylic acids, other esters of orthophthalic acids

World exports in 2024
$279M
−7.8% vs 2023, imports $292M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China18.7%
  2. India * partner reported16.0%
  3. South Korea14.2%
Top importers
  1. United States10.6%
  2. Germany8.7%
  3. China8.0%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Dibutyl phthalate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Dibutyl phthalate, based on the data on this page

What is Dibutyl phthalate?

Dibutyl phthalate is a phthalate ester that is the diester obtained by the formal condensation of the carboxy groups of phthalic acid with two molecules of butan-1-ol. Although used extensively as a plasticiser, it is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that poses a risk to humans.

What is the CAS number of Dibutyl phthalate?

The CAS registry number of Dibutyl phthalate is 84-74-2. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 137077-55-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Dibutyl phthalate?

The molecular formula of Dibutyl phthalate is C16H22O4 and its molar mass is 278.35 g/mol.

What is Dibutyl phthalate used for?

Congress has permanently banned three types of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) in any amount greater than 0.1 percent (computed for each phthalate, individually) in (1) children's toys and (2) certain child care articles. di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP).

Is Dibutyl phthalate hazardous?

Dibutyl phthalate carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may damage the unborn child. suspected of damaging fertility, very toxic to aquatic life. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Dibutyl phthalate?

Dibutyl phthalate is usually classified under HS code 291734 (Aromatic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Dibutyl phthalate?

CompoundList lists 235 suppliers of Dibutyl phthalate in United States, China, India, Thailand and 30 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Dibutyl phthalate in India?

43 suppliers in India list Dibutyl phthalate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Dibutyl phthalate?

Suppliers quote Dibutyl phthalate on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Dibutyl phthalate

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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