Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)

Identification

Product Name: Dioctyl Phthalate
Chemical Formula: C24H38O4
Common Synonyms: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, DEHP
CAS Number: 117-81-7
Intended Use: Plasticizer in PVC and other plastics, sealants, adhesives, personal care products
Manufacturer Contact: Check supplier label for emergency telephone and address
Supplier Identifier: Commercial chemical supplying companies
Emergency Phone: Poison control centers or relevant emergency helpline
Restrictions on Use: Not recommended for food contact applications, children’s toys, or medical devices in some regions

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Reproductive toxicity (Category 1B), Eye irritation (Category 2B)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May damage fertility or unborn child, causes eye irritation
Pictograms: Health hazard, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Obtain special instructions before use, avoid release to environment, wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid breathing mist or vapor
Potential Acute Effects: Eyes can become irritated by direct exposure, inhaling high concentrations of vapor may cause respiratory discomfort, skin contact causes mild irritation in some individuals
Chronic Health Effects: Possible permanent reproductive impact and developmental toxicity if exposure continues over time
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air above flash point
Environmental Warning: Harmful to aquatic organisms with long term effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Chemical Percentage: Approximately 99–100%
Other Ingredients: Trace impurities from manufacturing process (reported on Certificates of Analysis)
Impurity Concerns: Modern refining processes minimize presence of hazardous impurities such as phthalic anhydride or esters of lower molecular weight

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air, resting and keeping warm, seek medical attention if symptoms (headache, dizziness, breathing trouble) do not improve
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with mild soap and water, strip off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, consult a doctor if rash or irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with lukewarm, clean running water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, get medical help if discomfort remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, keep individual calm, seek immediate medical advice
Medical Attention: Bring safety data sheet and label for reference in emergencies
Note to Physician: Symptom-based treatment, respiratory or gastric lavage only under hospital guidance

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray (do not use water jet directly on burning liquid)
Fire Hazards: May produce toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, and phthalic anhydride under combustion
Protective Equipment: Full fire-resistant gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Firefighting Procedures: Keep containers cool with water spray, keep out of smoke plume, prevent run-off from entering drains
Explosion Hazards: Closed containers can rupture under heat, avoid spraying water directly into burning liquid

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable respirator, gloves, goggles, avoid skin and eye contact, remove all ignition sources
Environmental Precautions: Prevent liquid from entering sewers, groundwater, or surface waters, build barriers or use adsorbent booms where necessary
Containment and Cleanup: Soak up with inert material (sand, clay, vermiculite), place in containers for disposal, clean contaminated surfaces with suitable detergent
Disposal: Label all waste and dispose following local, state, and federal regulations
Safe Handling Advice: Ventilate contaminated area, avoid breathing vapor, wash hands after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling Advice: Use only in well-ventilated settings, do not eat/drink/smoke during use, wash hands before breaks and at end of shift, handle with gloves and chemical-resistant clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep container tightly closed, store away from food and incompatible chemicals (strong acids, oxidizers)
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and acids
Bulk Storage: Tank design includes vapor recovery systems, emergency spill control tools, and secondary containment
Shelf Life Considerations: Protect from direct sunlight and temperature extremes to minimize degradation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hoods, closed process equipment help to limit exposure
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), tight-fitting goggles, face shield during splash risk tasks
Respiratory Protection: Use approved half-mask or full-face respirator in poorly ventilated areas or if concentrations exceed occupational limits
Body Protection: Wear impervious clothing, long sleeves, chemical aprons
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing promptly, wash skin thoroughly, store personal protective equipment away from eating areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless, oily liquid
Odor: Slight, mild ester odor
Melting Point: -55°C
Boiling Point: 385°C
Flash Point: 210°C (closed cup)
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Specific Gravity: 0.983–0.988 (25°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents
Viscosity: 56–64 mPa·s (25°C)
Evaporation Rate: Slow, well below that of water
Explosive Properties: Not classified as explosive
Decomposition Temperature: Above 325°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions of storage and handling
Reactivity Profile: Negligible under room temperature, slow hydrolysis by strong acids or bases
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, alkalis, and reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning can produce noxious gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and phthalic anhydride
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected under recommended conditions
Thermal Decomposition: High heat causes breakdown into hazardous byproducts

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (Oral, Rat): >20,000 mg/kg, very low toxicity if swallowed in small amounts
Chronic Toxicity: Classified as a reproductive toxin; long term/high exposure may affect fertility, development of fetus bred in laboratory animal studies
Symptoms After Exposure: Skin redness, drying, eye redness, coughing, headache, drowsiness with vapors
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as known human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA, though animal studies suggest possible tumor risk with very high exposure
Mutagenicity: No strong evidence for genetic harm in human cells or laboratory animals
Sensitization: No indication of skin or respiratory sensitization under ordinary workplace conditions

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms (LC50 for fish: 1–10 mg/L in 96h)
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable in environment, tends to persist under low-light or anaerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Can accumulate in living tissues, significant bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains documented
Mobility in Soil: Strong adsorption to soil particles, low mobility to reach groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Can disturb hormone activity in aquatic wildlife, careful disposal reduces environmental impact

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Use only licensed, regulated waste treatment and disposal contractors
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse, puncture, then use defined hazardous waste channel
Local/State/Federal Laws: Adhere to all regional hazardous waste regulations (RCRA code for DOP waste: U028 or D001 where applicable)
Contaminated Packaging: Empty packages retain chemical residue, treat as hazardous material until professionally cleaned
Preferred Disposal Method: Incineration under controlled conditions with off-gas treatment

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3082 (for environmental hazard under bulk conditions)
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S. (contains Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)
Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Environment hazard
Transport Regulations: Covered by International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Special Precautions: Protect from severe mechanical shock and strong sunlight, keep drums upright during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered by Hazard Communication Standard, listed hazardous
TSCA: Dioctyl Phthalate listed
REACH (Europe): Candidate List SVHC for reproductive toxicity concern
Canadian DSL/NDSL: Included in Domestic Substances List
Other Country Listings: China IECSC, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, Korea KECI
Right-to-Know Laws: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts – Reportable
Restrictions: Use banned in children's toys and childcare articles under European and US consumer safety acts
Labeling Requirements: Toxic to reproduction, environmental hazard labeling per local law