Dioctyl adipate – Flexibility in industrial chemistry and modern plastics

Dioctyl adipate, also known as dioctyl adipate (DOA), is a colorless, oily liquid that is an ester of adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a compound widely used as a plasticizer in the chemical and materials industries. Thanks to its properties – such as low volatility, excellent flexibility and cold resistance – it is used […]

Dioctyl adipate, also known as dioctyl adipate (DOA), is a colorless, oily liquid that is an ester of adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a compound widely used as a plasticizer in the chemical and materials industries. Thanks to its properties – such as low volatility, excellent flexibility and cold resistance – it is used in the production of soft plastics, gaskets, films and medical devices.

In this article we will take a close look at the chemical characteristics, applications and importance of Dioctyl Adipate in modern industries. It is more than a plasticizer – it is an element that gives materials new properties and functionality.

Product Technical Data

Chemical name: Dioctyl Adipate (Dioctyl Adipate)
CAS number: 103-23-1
EC (EINECS) number: 203-090-1
Sum formula: _C22H42O4
Molar mass: 370.57 g/mol
Physical form: Colorless, oily liquid
Boiling point: 214-216 °C (at 13 mmHg)
Flash point: 204 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, well soluble in most organic solvents

Industrial Applications

1. plastics industry

Dioctyl adipate is a plasticizer used in soft PVC polymers that need to remain flexible at low temperatures. It is ideal for the production of cables, packaging films, tapes, refrigeration curtains and synthetic skins.

2. medical and hygiene products

DOA is used in the production of flexible medical tubing, drug packaging, and in food-contact films where non-toxicity and compliance with sanitary standards are essential.

3. automotive industry

Dioctyl adipate is used in automotive interior components such as upholstery, gaskets, membranes and other components that need to be age-resistant and flexible over a wide temperature range.

Features and benefits

Resistant to low temperatures – remains flexible even below -50 °C
Low volatility – limits migration of plasticizer to product surface
Excellent compatibility with a wide range of polymers
No odor or color – does not affect the aesthetics of the finished product
Food contact safety – approved for food applications in many countries

Safety and environment

Dioctyl adipate has low toxicity and does not cause irritation with standard use. It complies with FDA, EFSA and many REACH regulations for safe use in contact with food and skin. During storage, protect from fire, strong oxidants and high temperatures.

Chemical curiosities

DOA is a dioctyl ester – both alcohol groups are derived from 2-ethylhexanol
It is a component of the so-called “soft cold-resistant plasticizers”
Thanks to its low viscosity, it improves PVC processing in extrusion technology
In combination with other plasticizers, it allows to adjust the hardness and elasticity of the final material

Summary

Dioctyl adipate is one of the most preferred plasticizers for applications requiring flexibility, low toxicity and durability. Its physicochemical properties, compliance with international standards and wide application possibilities make it a strategic raw material for the plastics, medical and food industries. You can find it in Vichemic’s offer at the following link: https://vichemic.pl/oferta/

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