Diisobutyl Adipate: Deep Dive into a Versatile Chemical

What is Diisobutyl Adipate?

Diisobutyl Adipate stands out as an organic ester derived from adipic acid and isobutanol. Known in the chemical industry for its clear liquid form and mild odor, its applications often stretch well beyond the boundaries of one single sector. This compound has more going on than you might realize after a quick glance at a label or product listing. Its IUPAC name, dioctyl hexanedioate, gives a hint about its molecular layout. In practice, Diisobutyl Adipate (DIBA) holds a place in many everyday products, from personal care to plastics. Digging into its specifics helps highlight why manufacturers and engineers keep coming back to this compound.

Products and Real-World Utilities

Take a look at any major batch of plasticizers, lubricants, or cosmetics, and Diisobutyl Adipate pops up frequently. Personal care items like sunscreen and moisturizers use this ingredient to make creams smooth without feeling greasy. Companies producing flexible plastics rely on DIBA for its ability to keep materials pliable and soft, qualities that benefit things like food packaging, medical equipment, and children’s toys. Its compatibility with a range of polymers, particularly PVC, opens up product ideas that resist brittleness. Add to that its presence in lubricants and adhesives, and you find a material that keeps machinery running or furniture assembled. As someone who has used products made softer and lighter by additives like DIBA, I have seen how performance improves and end-users notice the difference—in comfort, durability, and finish.

Structure and Chemical Properties

The backbone of Diisobutyl Adipate comes from joining adipic acid, a six-carbon dicarboxylic acid, with two isobutanol molecules. This chemical union crafts a formula of C14H26O4 and builds a clear, lightly viscous liquid at room temperature. Its molecular weight measures about 258.35 g/mol. The ester bonds within this compound break down slowly, which means DIBA resists hydrolysis and doesn’t degrade easily when exposed to limited moisture or moderate heat. Its structure gives it low volatility and a modest solubility in water, though mixing with organic solvents like ethanol or acetone works well. This plays a big part in why it performs so well as a plasticizer and emollient. Its density lands at about 0.985 g/cm³ at 20°C.

Appearance and Physical Forms

You usually see Diisobutyl Adipate as a colorless, oily liquid that pours with the sort of viscosity you would expect from lightweight oils. Crystalline, powder, flakes, or pearls forms aren’t typical on the market since its core utility relies on its liquid consistency. Still, if cooled to very low temperatures, it may solidify or crystalize, particularly during transport or storage in unconditioned spaces. The absence of significant color or odor means it adjusts effortlessly into products that shouldn’t carry scents or tints. Physical properties like flash point (about 195°C) and low freezing point (around -60°C) make storage and transport easier, but still demand some oversight from professionals working with large volumes.

Molecular Formula and Specific Density

Looking at the details, Diisobutyl Adipate packs its atoms together as C14H26O4, with a molar mass of just under 260 grams per mole. The density falls just under the mark of water, at 0.98 to 1.01 g/cm³ depending on condition. Pour some into a beaker, and you’ll spot its fine, even consistency. Specific gravity comes into play for dosing and blending specialists, especially in industries that don’t tolerate unexpected changes to product mass or finish. Whether measured in milliliters per gram or liters per kilogram, steady properties keep things predictable.

HS Code and Regulatory Snapshot

Customs and international shipping require an eye for details like the Harmonized System (HS) Code. Diisobutyl Adipate fits into the international system under HS Code 2917.39. This designation covers esters of adipic acid and lets border agents identify and tax it correctly, reducing problems with shipments getting stuck. Companies face fewer headaches by knowing the right codes and can focus resources where they matter—on quality and compliance. Documenting these details keeps companies transparent and helps regulators keep unsafe materials off the market.

Safety, Hazards, and Harmful Properties

Chemicals always deserve respect, so handling Diisobutyl Adipate should line up with your workplace’s best safety practices. While DIBA isn’t as hazardous as strong acids or volatile chemicals, it’s not risk-free. Direct skin contact, especially over long periods, could trigger irritation. Breathing in fine mist might bother workers with sensitive respiratory systems. The compound doesn’t evaporate quickly, so the danger of inhalation stays low unless sprayed. Ask anyone working in a bustling factory or a busy processing line, and they’ll say that gloves, goggles, and good ventilation can keep day-to-day exposure in check. There’s limited evidence pointing to acute toxic effects. Its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) flags flammability from high heat (think warehouse fires), but under practical conditions, it doesn’t explode or outgas dangerous fumes. Regular training helps keep injuries rare, and spills get neutralized quickly with absorbent pads or sand. Popular wisdom recommends proper labeling, responsible disposal, and avoiding unchecked dumping in water or soil.

Role as a Raw Material

Beyond final products, Diisobutyl Adipate works as a foundational raw material. Manufacturers turn to it as a building block for other specialties, modifying its structure to create unique esters, specialty lubricants, and advanced polymers. Researchers looking into new flexible plastics or bio-based alternatives use it as a benchmark when developing replacements. In my experience, having a raw material like DIBA on hand boosts efficiency—especially on short timelines, when you can’t afford hiccups in formulation or finished product standards. It blends into established processes smoothly, reducing headaches.

Potential Solutions to Environmental and Health Issues

Long-term sustainability means thinking about where Diisobutyl Adipate goes after use. Proper recycling programs, waste management protocols, and alternatives made from biomass instead of fossil fuels offer a hopeful direction. Governments and NGOs push these efforts, while responsible producers invest directly in greener processes. I’ve seen environmental claims scrutinized in consumer products, so transparency about sourcing, production safety, and end-of-life handling resonates with both scientists and buyers. Tracking environmental impact, reducing accidental releases, and ensuring compliance with REACH and TSCA standards puts everyone on more solid ground. Customers value clear safety documentation and manufacturers who look for harm reduction at every stage of the product’s journey.