Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₈H₁₀O₄. It is a colorless, oily liquid that is commonly used as a plasticizer and as a solvent in a variety of industrial, consumer, and pharmaceutical applications. Diethyl phthalate is one of the many phthalate esters, which are widely used to make plastics more flexible and durable.
Schlüsseleigenschaften:
- Aussehen: Diethyl phthalate is a colorless, oily liquid with a mild odor.
- Siedepunkt: The boiling point is around 293°C (559°F).
- Löslichkeit: It is soluble in alcohols, Aceton, and other organic solvents but only slightly soluble in water.
- Viscosity: Diethyl phthalate has a relatively low viscosity, which makes it suitable for use in various formulations.
- Density: Around 1.118 g/cm³ at 20°C.
- Geruch: It has a mild, pleasant, slightly aromatic odor.
Allgemeine Anwendungen:
- Weichmacher: Diethylphthalat wird hauptsächlich als plasticizer für PVC (Polyvinylchlorid) und andere Kunststoffe verwendet, um die Flexibilität, Bearbeitbarkeit, und Haltbarkeit zu verbessern. Es hilft, Kunststoffe zu weichen, sie flexibler und formbar zu machen.
- Lösungsmittel in Duften: Es wird häufig als Lösungsmittel in der Parfüm- und Kosmetikindustrie, es hilft, andere Komponenten in Duftformulierungen zu lösen.
- Kosmetik: DEP wird in Produkten wie Nagellack, Sonnenschutzmittel, und Lotionen. Es verbessert die Glattheit und Verbreitbarkeit dieser Produkte und hilft bei der Stabilisierung von Duften.
- Pharmazeutika: Es wird als Hilfsmittel (inaktiver Inhaltsstoff) in der pharmazeutischen Industrie, hauptsächlich in der Formulierung von Medikamenten, insbesondere in Formulierungen mit kontrollierter Freisetzung oder bei der Herstellung bestimmter Arten von Pillen und Kapseln.
- Insektenabwehrmittel: Diethyl phthalate has been used in the production of insect repellents, particularly in combination with other active ingredients.
- Other Applications: It is used as a carrier solvent in paints, Beschichtungen, Tinten, und cleaning agents.
Safety and Environmental Concerns:
- Gesundheitsrisiken: While Diethyl phthalate is considered less toxic compared to some other phthalates, it has raised concerns due to its potential as an endocrine disruptor. Prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to health issues, especially related to reproductive health and hormone regulation.
- Skin and eye irritation: DEP can cause irritation upon direct contact with the skin or eyes.
- Inhalation risks: Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation or other health effects in confined spaces.
- Umweltauswirkungen: Diethyl phthalate is toxic to aquatic organisms and can persist in the environment. It is important to prevent its release into water bodies and ecosystems, as it may cause harm to aquatic life.
- Regulatory Status: Due to its potential health risks, the use of DEP, like other phthalates, is regulated in certain products. For example, its use in children's toys and products that come into direct contact with food is restricted in many countries.
CAS-Nummer: 84-66-2
Die CAS-Nummer for Diethyl phthalate is 84-66-2, which is used for identification in regulatory, scientific, und industriellen Kontexten verwendet wird.
Schlussfolgerung:
Diethyl phthalate is a widely used plasticizer and solvent in various industries, including plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. While it offers valuable properties like flexibility and solvency, it raises concerns due to its potential endocrine-disrupting effects. As such, its use is subject to regulation, and alternatives are being explored in response to health and environmental concerns.
