1. Product Overview
Bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP; di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate; C₂₈H₄₆O₄, CAS 53306-54-0) is the diester of phthalic acid and the branched C10 alcohol 2-propylheptanol — a clear, oily, low-volatility liquid that is one of the industry's leading high-molecular-weight general-purpose plasticizers for flexible PVC. As a direct replacement for DEHP and DINP in most applications, it imparts flexibility, durability and long-term performance retention to vinyl compounds: its high molecular weight and branched structure give very low volatility and outstanding resistance to heat, UV and extraction, so plasticized PVC keeps its softness, flexibility and physical properties over years of service. The same profile makes it the plasticizer of choice for vinyl flooring, wall coverings, automotive interiors, wire & cable insulation and roofing membranes, with typical use levels of 10–35% in flexible PVC formulations.
Core value propositions:
● General-Purpose PVC Plasticizer (Core Application): high-efficiency flexibility for flexible and semi-rigid vinyl — flooring, wall covering, automotive and cable compounds;
● Low Volatility & High-Temperature Performance: minimal fogging, migration and weight loss — properties that last;
● Weather-Resistant & Durable: outstanding resistance to heat, UV and extraction for outdoor and long-service products;
● DEHP/DINP Replacement: drop-in performance in most existing formulations with an improved regulatory and handling profile.
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate; bis(2-propylheptyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate) |
Synonyms | DPHP; di(propylheptyl) orthophthalate; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-propylheptyl) ester; brand names incl. Palatinol 10-P / Palatinol DPHP, Jayflex DPHP |
CAS No. | 53306-54-0 |
Molecular Formula | C₂₈H₄₆O₄ |
Molecular Weight | 446.67 g/mol |
Appearance | Clear, colorless oily liquid |
Density | 0.957–0.965 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
Viscosity | 120–130 mPa·s at 20 °C |
Refractive Index | 1.482–1.484 |
Solubility | Practically insoluble in water (< 0.01 mg/L); soluble in most organic solvents |
Assay | ≥ 99.5% (GC); exact spec per COA |
Grades | Industrial grade |
3. Chemistry & Structure
DPHP is the phthalate diester of the branched C10 alcohol 2-propylheptanol, bis(2-propylheptyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (MW 446.67). It is manufactured by esterification of phthalic anhydride with 2-propylheptanol under acid-catalyzed conditions, followed by neutralization, drying and refining. The central rigid phthalate ring and the two long branched C10 ester chains give the molecule its plasticizing character: the ester groups interact with the polar sites of the PVC chain, spacing the polymer chains apart and reducing inter-chain forces, while the bulky branched tails lower volatility and migration. As a high-molecular-weight plasticizer, DPHP offers exceptional permanence — low volatility, low migration and low fogging — combined with good low-temperature flexibility and excellent electrical properties. It is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with a density of ≈ 0.96 g/cm³, a viscosity of ≈ 120–130 mPa·s at 20 °C, a refractive index of ≈ 1.483, and it is practically insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents.
4. Key Features & Benefits
● General-purpose efficiency: plasticizes flexible and semi-rigid PVC at standard 10–35% loadings.
● Very low volatility: minimal evaporation, fogging and weight loss at high processing and service temperatures.
● Low migration and extraction resistance: stable flexibility in contact with water, oils and soaps.
● Good low-temperature flexibility: vinyl compounds stay flexible in cold climates.
● Excellent heat and UV stability: long service life for outdoor and automotive applications.
● Outstanding electrical properties: reliable insulation for wire & cable compounds.
● Direct DEHP/DINP replacement: drop-in performance in most existing formulations.
● Consistent quality: controlled ester content, color, acid value and water content with COA.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Vinyl Flooring & Wall Coverings (Core Application)
DPHP is the workhorse general-purpose plasticizer of the flexible vinyl industry:
● Homogeneous and multi-layer vinyl flooring: flexible, dimensionally stable and easy to install.
● Vinyl wall coverings and decorative films: softness, printability and dimensional stability.
● Backing and foam layers: stable cell structure in foamed PVC.
● Long service life under foot traffic, cleaning agents and UV exposure.
5.2 Wire & Cable Insulation
● Insulation and sheathing compounds: flexibility combined with excellent electrical properties.
● High-temperature service: low volatility prevents insulation embrittlement and shrinkage.
● Oil-resistant and water-resistant cable formulations.
5.3 Automotive Interior
● Dashboard skins and door panels: low fogging and low odor.
● Interior trim, seat covers and floor mats.
● UV-resistant formulations for sun-exposed interior parts.
● Consistent soft-touch performance over the life of the vehicle.
5.4 Roofing Membranes, Pond Liners & Outdoor Applications
● PVC roofing membranes: weatherability and long-term flexibility.
● Pond liners and geomembranes: resistance to water and soil chemicals.
● Tarpaulins, awnings and outdoor profiles: UV and thermal aging resistance.
5.5 Artificial Leather, Film & Sheet
● Synthetic leather for upholstery, apparel and accessories.
● Film, sheet and coated fabrics.
● Sealants, gaskets and flexible profiles.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 200 kg / 1,000 kg steel or plastic drums; 1,000 kg IBC totes
Storage:
● Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed;
● Avoid prolonged high temperature and direct sunlight;
● Keep away from strong oxidizers.
7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?
● Factory-direct supply: own production and sourcing capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested (ester content, color, acid value, water), COA with every shipment.
● Application know-how: flexible PVC compounding experience for technical support.
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, SDS, application advice); small trial orders accepted.
8. FAQ
Q1: What is bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) used for?
DPHP is a high-molecular-weight general-purpose plasticizer for flexible PVC. It softens and flexibilizes vinyl in flooring, wall coverings, automotive interiors, wire & cable insulation, roofing membranes, pond liners, artificial leather, film and sheet. It is a direct replacement for DEHP and DINP in most applications, and is particularly valued where low volatility, low fogging, heat/UV resistance and long-term durability are required.
Q2: How does DPHP compare with DEHP or DINP?
DPHP belongs to the high-molecular-weight phthalate (HMWP) family. Its branched C10 side chains give it lower volatility, lower migration and better resistance to heat, UV and extraction than DEHP or DINP, with comparable plasticizing efficiency — so compounds keep their flexibility and properties longer, with less fogging and less plasticizer loss over time. In most formulations it can be used as a direct, drop-in replacement at the same loading levels, which is why it is a preferred choice for automotive, cable and flooring applications.
Q3: Is DPHP safe to handle?
DPHP is a REACH-registered substance and, according to ECHA C&L notifications, is not classified as meeting GHS hazard criteria (reported by 188 of 188 notifying companies). It is a low-volatility liquid with a high flash point and is not classified as dangerous goods for transport. Handle with normal industrial hygiene: avoid prolonged skin contact, and follow the SDS for full handling, storage and disposal guidance. Regulatory status can vary by country and end use — check applicable local rules for your application.