Dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) comes straight out of the world of specialty plasticizers and industrial chemicals. It stands out as a highly effective plasticizer developed for flexible PVC, adhesives, sealants, and coatings. Used for formulators wanting to balance cost with performance, dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) leverages a strong molecular backbone to offer both flexible properties and chemical resistance. You find it in many consumer goods—from flooring to automotive interiors, to specialty paints and grouts that need to hold their shape and resist wear over time.
The backbone of dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) contains a propylene glycol core with two benzoic acid groups attached via ester bonds. This gives it a molecular formula: C20H22O5. You can picture the molecule as a central chain holding two hefty benzoate groups on the ends, contributing to its excellent plasticizing properties. Having multiple phenyl rings gives the compound both physical rigidity and chemical stability, making it an effective agent for use where other softening agents might not hold up under stress, heat, or solvents.
In the lab or warehouse, dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) usually appears as a transparent liquid. Sometimes you’ll see it as solid flakes or a viscous crystalline powder if the temperature drops. Its density settles close to 1.15–1.19 g/cm³ at room temperature, slightly heavier than water. This density range and the viscosity mean that mixing, weighing, and pouring require care to reduce spills and exposure. The melting point stays fairly low, and it won’t freeze in a normal workroom, but you might spot crystals forming when storage spaces get cold. The boiling point sits above 160 °C, so overheating isn’t a problem in most common handling scenarios.
Most suppliers put the purity of dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) at 98% or higher. It typically comes standardized with controlled water content below 0.2%, so batches remain consistent for industrial requirements. As for particle size, solid forms typically range from soft flakes to coarse, crystalline granules, dissolving easily in common solvents like acetone or toluene. In packaging, you might find drums for liquids and lined bags for solid forms; each protects from moisture and keeps the product stable during long warehouse stays.
For customs and trade, dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) ships under HS Code 2916.39—covering aromatic acids and their esters. This classification speeds imports and compliance checks, especially in supply chains where regulatory scrutiny is high. In my experience, properly labeling with this HS Code keeps paperwork moving smoothly and reduces the hassles of held shipments at borders. Timely delivery and reliable inventory count on clear identification, particularly with specialty intermediates.
Dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) comes in several physical forms. Liquid forms work best for mixing into resins and flexible PVC. Flakes and powders address batch mixing with dry ingredients or when low-dust handling matters. In specialty applications, crystalline and pearl forms dissolve for high-purity needs, and even as a solution blended directly into waterborne or solvent-based formulations. These choices help manufacturers adapt to their specific mixing setups or performance targets. Bulk liquid tends to dominate due to easier handling and faster incorporation into high-volume production lines.
On the safety side, workers need to treat dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) with respect. Skin contact and vapor inhalation can irritate sensitive people. Like many aromatic esters, large-scale spills or unprotected use run the risk of local irritation, particularly for laborers who aren’t equipped with chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. I always recommend good ventilation and personal protective equipment, whether handling a few liters or pumping tons into finished goods. SDS sheets outline first aid and response for exposure—including cleanup techniques, storage instructions to avoid contamination, and emergency procedures if someone gets exposed in the workplace.
The starting materials tie directly to benzoic acid and propylene glycol. With catalysts and controlled temperatures, benzoic acid and propylene glycol react to make the diester. The process produces consistent yields if the feedstocks meet high purity, and deviations in production can show up quickly as cloudiness or color changes in the batch. By keeping a close eye on raw materials, producers can avoid costly contamination issues, which can slow downstream processes or even shut down lines waiting on quality checks.
Handled carelessly, dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) creates risks—not just to workers, but to local waterways and ecosystems. Spilled material can persist and doesn’t degrade easily. Most plants I’ve seen working responsibly keep tight containment procedures, with spill kits at hand and training in safe disposal through licensed waste processors. This chemical is not classified as acutely toxic, but smart operations keep a closed loop from unloading through application to avoid unintentional release.
Choosing dibenzoate di(propylene glycol) drives performance in products that face daily abuse—flooring under heavy foot traffic, window seals that weather sun and cold, or adhesives bonding plastics in unpredictable environments. With its tailored molecular structure, it stays flexible without leaching or breaking down quickly. Detailed knowledge of its properties, like density and specific handling requirements, enables safer workspaces and efficient manufacturing. Still, keeping chemicals like this out of the wrong hands and away from the environment calls for discipline, training, and investment in safety systems.
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