Dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an organic compound commonly used plasticizer. With the chemical formula C6H4(CO2C4H9)2, it is a colorless oil, although commercial samples are often yellow. Because of its low toxicity and wide liquid range, it is used as a plasticizer. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an organic compound commonly used plasticizer. With the chemical formula C6H4(CO2C4H9)2, it is a colorless oil, although commercial samples are often yellow. Because of its low toxicity and wide liquid range, it is used as a plasticizer. DBP is produced by the reaction of n-butanol with phthalic anhydride. These precursor compounds are produced cleanly and cheaply. DBP is an important plasticizer that allows major engineering plastics, such as PVC, to be used. Such modified PVC is widely used in plumbing for carrying sewerage and other corrosive materials. Monobutyl phthalate (MBP) is its major metabolite. doi:10.1007/s40618-015-0279-6 Double saponification of DBP leads to phthalic acid and 1-butanol. DBP has a low vapor pressure of 2.67 x 10−3 Pa. Thus DBP does not evaporate readily (hence its utility as a plasticizer). I Henry’s Law constant is 8.83 x 10−7 atm-m3/mol. As reflected by its octanol-water partition coefficient of around 4, it is lipophilic, which means that it is not readily mobilized (dissolved by) water. Nonetheless dissolved organic compounds (DOC) increase its mobility in landfills. Biodegradation by microorganisms represents one route for remediation of pollution by DBP. For example, Enterobacter species can biodegrade municipal solid waste—where the DBP concentration can be observed at 1500 ppm—with a half-life of 2–3 hours. In contrast, the same species can break down 100% of dimethyl phthalate after a span of six days. The white rot fungus Polyporus brumalis degrades DBP. DBP is also a putative endocrine disruptor.