Phthalate Standards Reference Guide NEW

Benzene dicarboxylic acid is equivalent to phthalic acid. Reacting phthalic acid with a variety of alcohols results in the synthesis of a group of chemicals designated as phthalic acid esters or phthalates. Phthalates are used primarily as plasticizers. Plasticizers lower the glass transition temperature of a plastic/polymer and impart flexibility, durability and longevity to these types of products by acting as softening agents. Due to their low-cost, versatility and effectiveness, phthalates are widely used in plastics manufacturing, in pharmaceutical coatings, in all types of packaging, in inks, in textiles and as gelling agents. They are end-use components of electronics, paints, adhesives, building materials, cleaning products and toys to name just a few. Phthalates are now separated into two distinct classes according to the length of the precursor alcohol. The lower molecular weight (LMW) phthalates, including di-butyl, benzyl butyl and diethyl hexyl are made from alcohols with three to six carbon backbones.
Request Copy | View | Download PDF