Material Safety Data Sheet: Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Identification

Product Name: Dibutyl Phthalate
Chemical Formula: C16H22O4
Synonyms: DBP, Phthalic acid dibutyl ester
CAS Number: 84-74-2
Recommended Use: Plasticizer, solvent, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer Contact: Company name, address, emergency phone number, email

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Reproductive Toxicity (Category 1B), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 5)
Label Elements: Signal word: Danger; Hazard statements: May damage fertility or the unborn child. Causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Obtain special instructions before use, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
Hazards Not Otherwise Classified: May cause respiratory tract irritation, suspected of damaging fertility.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Dibutyl Phthalate
Concentration: >99%
CAS Number: 84-74-2
Impurities and Stabilizing Additives: Trace amounts of phthalate byproducts, content varies by batch and supplier.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep at rest. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention for symptoms like coughing or lung irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water for several minutes. Get medical advice in case of irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately under running water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids apart. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention. Ensure airway not obstructed if individual is drowsy.
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Irritation of eyes, skin redness, gastrointestinal discomfort, symptoms of reproductive toxicity.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor respiratory function, supportive care.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide (CO2), foam, dry chemical powder.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet can spread burning material.
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air if heated, combustion produces phthalic anhydride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing.
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water from a safe distance, move containers from fire area if safe, avoid breathing fumes generated by fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and suitable respirator. Remove sources of ignition, use non-sparking tools.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or watercourses. Notify authorities if environmental contamination occurs.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb with inert material such as sand or earth, then collect in suitable containers for disposal. Clean contaminated surfaces with detergent, avoid use of solvents.
Spill Sizes: For small spills, wipe up and dispose of absorbed material in accordance with local regulations. Large spills require evacuation and entry by trained personnel with full protection.

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Wear appropriate protective equipment, avoid inhaling vapors or contact with skin and eyes. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Keep container upright to prevent leakage.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area. Decontaminate clothing and equipment before reuse.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 5 mg/m³ TWA; OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ TWA.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or other engineering controls to keep exposure below allowable limits.
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator if airborne concentrations exceed exposure limits.
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves, lab coat, apron as required.
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles, face shield.
Other Protective Equipment: Eye wash station, safety shower, regular changing of contaminated clothing.
Environmental Controls: Contain spills promptly, use closed systems to reduce risk of environmental exposure.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Faint, pleasant, aromatic
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH (at 20°C): Not applicable
Melting Point: -35°C
Boiling Point: 340°C
Flash Point: 157°C (Closed Cup)
Evaporation Rate: Very low (compared to water)
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: <0.01 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 9.6 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Negligible (<0.01 g/100 mL at 25°C)
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in alcohol, ether, benzene
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 4.57
Auto-ignition Temperature: 402°C
Decomposition Temperature: >350°C
Viscosity: 17 mPa·s at 25°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong oxidizers. Can hydrolyze slowly in presence of strong acids or bases.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, sparks, prolonged exposure to air.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Phthalic anhydride, butanol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide produced upon combustion or thermal decomposition.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): 8000 mg/kg; LD50 dermal (rabbit): >20,000 mg/kg; LC50 inhalation data not available.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes mild to moderate skin irritation.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Can cause significant eye irritation.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer.
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No evidence from animal studies.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Reproductive Toxicity: Evidence of adverse effects on reproduction in animal studies; may impair fertility.
STOT (Single Exposure): May cause respiratory tract irritation.
STOT (Repeated Exposure): Prolonged exposure linked to decreased fertility and developmental toxicity.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life; LC50 (fish, 96 h): 1.2-16 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48 h): 1.1 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in soil and water, slow biodegradation under aerobic conditions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: High potential due to log Kow >4.
Mobility in Soil: Low due to high adsorption to organic matter.
Other Adverse Effects: May disrupt endocrine systems in aquatic organisms.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Transfer to a suitable disposal facility authorized for hazardous chemical waste. Do not dispose of in sewers or natural waterways. Incineration recommended.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be triple rinsed and then disposed of as hazardous waste per local regulations.
Special Precautions: Notify environmental authorities if spillage or uncontrolled disposal occurs.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3082
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (Dibutyl Phthalate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Avoid shipment with incompatible or reactive materials, ensure all containers sealed and labeled correctly, follow emergency schedules for accidental releases during transit.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated as hazardous under the Hazard Communication Standard.
EPA: Listed as a hazardous substance, reporting requirements under SARA Title III Section 313.
REACH: Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC); subject to authorization.
TSCA: Listed on the TSCA Inventory.
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure limits in the EU and other jurisdictions; additional state and local regulations may apply for reproductive toxins and environmental hazards.