DOP

Dioctyl Phthalate abbreviated as DOP is a general-purpose plasticizer. It is mainly used for improving the softness and pliability of PVC. DOP is essentially the phthalate ester of 2-Ethyl Hexanol. First, esterification is performed between Phthalic Anhydride and 2-Ethyl Hexanol. This esterification reaction occurs in two steps. In the first step, alcoholysis of Phthalic Acid takes place which results in the production of monoesters. In the second reaction step, monoester is converted into di-ester. To accelerate the reaction, temperature elevation and introduction of a catalyst takes place. Excess alcohol produced in the reaction is recovered and recycled. Finally, the DOP produced is purified through vacuum distillation and/or by using activated charcoal. The entire reaction sequence occurs within a closed system.

Usage

Dioctyl Phthalate has good plasticizing properties that makes the long polymer molecules in it to slide against one another. It is mainly used as a softening agent. It makes any product easily rebound and harden only under pressure. The Automotive Industry, Building and Construction, Flooring, and Medical equipment industries make use of Dioctyl Phthalates. Other applications of DOP include processing of Polyvinyl Chloride, making of ethyl-cellulose resins for producing plastic films, imitation leather, electric wires, cable wearers, sheets, mould plastic products, and nitrocellulose paints. It is also used in industrial wood coatings for improving the performance properties of wood coatings formulations. Medical and Sanitary products like Blood Bags and Dialysis Equipment see Dioctyl Phthalate use for manufacture. It is used in blood bags because Dioctyl Phthalate stabilises red blood cell membranes, thus enabling and prolonging blood storage.