Contact Us
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
© 2025 Jeifer Pharmaceutical, All Right
Reserved.
Dibutyl Phthalate, known in the chemical world for its short form DBP, sits on the list of phthalate esters commonly used as a plasticizer. People in laboratories and manufacturing lines use it to boost the flexibility of plastics. The “BP,” “EP,” and “USP” tags show this grade meets standards set by the British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, and United States Pharmacopeia, which means it has to pass some tight purity and safety checks, especially if it’s bound for pharmaceutical use or other sensitive industries.
Dibutyl Phthalate often comes as a clear, oily liquid. It might look colorless, sometimes with a little yellow tint, depending on how much light shines through. Touch reveals it’s slick, and it feels more fluid than something like mineral oil. People may see variations, like DBP in flakes, fine crystalline solids, or pearls, depending on temperature and storage method, but most recognize it as a stable, oily liquid at room temperature. Pouring it out, there’s usually no chunking or crystallization, and it leaves a slight sheen. The scent gives off a mild, faint, almost sweet odor—not overwhelming, but noticeable if you work around it for hours.
The chemical formula for Dibutyl Phthalate reads C16H22O4. Its structure includes a phthalic acid core attached to two butyl groups, sitting opposite each other on the aromatic ring. This setup makes DBP non-polar, which helps it work seamlessly with polymers. The molecular weight clocks in at about 278.35 g/mol. Specifications under pharmacopoeia rules demand high clarity and strict absence of specific impurities, as even low levels of contaminants present real risk in pharmaceuticals. DBP melts at about -35°C and boils at around 340°C. The density hovers close to 1.05 g/cm³ at standard temperature. Viscosity feels low to moderate, and it draws out easily for use as a solvent or plasticizer.
On the global trade front, Dibutyl Phthalate usually slides under the Harmonized System Code 2917.39.90, which stands for other phthalates and their derivatives. Customs offices use this code for tariffs, tracking, and regulatory purposes. Countries scanning for inbound or outbound chemical shipments check DBP for proper documentation because of its dual role as an industrial input and potential hazardous material.
DBP’s light oily feel owes to its moderate vapor pressure and good flow. Unlike some brittle solids, it pours easy and dissolves well in most organic solvents while resisting water. Its refractive index stands at 1.490, signaling its clarity and good light transmission. Temperature changes rarely knock it out of liquid state outside deep freeze or high-heat labs. The permeability helps blend it into polymers, making it a staple in making capsules, coatings, and flexible films. At room conditions, it doesn’t solidify, ensuring it mixes with other chemicals without fuss. Chemical resistance properties make it survive standard industrial use, and the material handles modest acid or base exposure yet falters with strong oxidizers or long light exposure.
DBP draws plenty of debate as a “safe” or “hazardous” chemical. In small, controlled doses set by pharmacopoeia standards, it slots into manufacturing pipelines for medical goods, where purity reigns. Still, health and regulatory agencies flag DBP for reproductive and developmental risks, especially in long-term or high-dose exposure. Inhalation of fumes, skin contact, or accidental ingestion triggers headaches, nausea, or skin rashes for some workers. Spills feel slick and greasy underfoot, and clean-up needs gloves and proper ventilation. Wastewater streams carrying DBP risk polluting local ecosystems, as wildlife inhaling tainted water or soil may suffer the impact up the food web. Because of this, proper labeling, storage, and disposal take top priority, lining up with OSHA and EPA guidance.
Pharmaceutical and biotech labs go through DBP mainly as a plasticizer for film coatings, tablet coverings, and sustained-release capsules. The raw material roll-out demands airtight containers and storerooms away from sunlight and high heat, all part of keeping DBP stable and clean. Blenders and mixers rely on DBP’s flow properties for smooth mixing without gumming up gears. In raw form, workers check batch numbers and purity grades, because swapping generic for BP/EP/USP grades could poison whole production runs. Lab techs look for clarity in solution, low odor, and absence of any crystals or cloudiness before approving a drum or bottle for use.
Moving forward, teams in chemical manufacturing and pharmaceuticals look at better ventilation, upgraded spill response, and strict on-site monitoring to trim the risk of DBP exposure. Advocates press for continuous research into safer alternatives, like citrate esters, when they can match DBP’s flexibility and process compatibility. Strong training programs teach chemists and plant operators to catch leaks or off-gas risks before they spread. Supporting documentation—safety data sheets, batch certificates, and independent testing—add a layer of accountability. Clear traceability from raw DBP barrels to final coated tablets gives regulators and consumers some peace of mind about material safety.
Experience shows that DBP brings tried-and-true advantages in flexibility and process performance, but the balance swings on careful use, steady oversight, and embracing safer options when they fit. Life in a laboratory or plant means understanding the push and pull between efficient production and health risk management. Policies built on scientific review, ongoing training, and robust environmental stewardship keep DBP valuable in pharma and polymer industries, while giving people and ecosystems a buffer from harm.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
