Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, known by the molecular formula C20H22O5, finds its identity within the world of chemical raw materials as a versatile plasticizer. Its structure consists of two benzoate groups attached to a dipropylene glycol backbone. The molecular weight clocks in near 358.39 g/mol. As someone who has worked with industrial additives, I know the demand for efficient, reliable plasticizers never fades. Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate steps in especially for situations needing both flexibility and performance, whether in polymer, adhesive, or sealant applications.
This material assumes a solid state at room temperature, but melts easily to form a clear, pale liquid upon gentle heating. It can appear in several forms: solid flakes, crystalline powder, pearls, or as a viscous liquid. On the scale, the density typically ranges from 1.15 to 1.20 g/cm³. Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate dissolves in many organic solvents such as alcohols, esters, and ketones, yet shows poor solubility in water. That kind of solubility profile opens doors for use as a plasticizer for polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl chloride, especially where water resistance matters. Its melting point hovers between 38°C and 43°C, with a boiling point above 370°C under atmospheric pressure, so it keeps stable in high-temperature formulations.
The molecule carries a faint, characteristic odor. In production lines, the material pours as a liquid in drums or solid in bags, sometimes as slabs or flakes, depending on supplier and specification. Choosing between these forms usually depends on storage conditions, melting needs, and batch processing requirements. The HS Code for Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate falls under 2916.31, covering aromatic polycarboxylic acid esters, tying it into customs and trade documentation worldwide. In the lab, it appears colorless or slightly yellow, with an oily texture, though in colder climates, it may harden and require gentle warming to resume flow.
Anyone around chemicals learns one thing quickly: material safety information matters absolutely. Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate rates as non-volatile and low in acute toxicity, which sets it apart from nastier plasticizers like phthalates. Inhalation and skin contact do not usually result in acute hazards, though regular precautions, including gloves and goggles, make sense. The Safety Data Sheets point to a low risk for chronic effects, yet good ventilation, proper storage away from strong oxidizing agents, and care with handling remain the standards in any responsible workplace. The flashpoint sits above 200°C, which boosts confidence in fire safety compared to more volatile chemicals.
From a practical view, spills clean up with absorbent materials; dips into drains should be avoided to protect water sources. The substance is not considered harmful under normal conditions, but repeated exposure can sometimes trigger skin or eye irritation, a reminder to wear personal protective equipment. Waste disposal usually falls under standard non-hazardous industrial waste, though local legislation may differ. Transport regulations describe it as non-dangerous, which saves several headaches in logistics.
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate lends toughness and flexibility to adhesives, sealants, and flexible vinyl products. Its performance stands out in high-performance flooring adhesives, by boosting open time during installation and resisting brittleness in low temperatures. In waterborne adhesives, it manages a fine balance: strengthening the final bond without worsening the initial mix’s viscosity. Paint manufacturers choose it for its stability and clarity, especially in clear coats and specialty finishes. In rubber and elastomer compounding, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate adds elasticity without introducing softening agents that might compromise durability.
Because the molecule sidesteps the major environmental and health concerns flagged for some plasticizers, organizations push forward with its use in products destined for consumer markets, especially where safety scrutiny runs high. From a practical perspective, most processors value the low odor and stable processing temperatures, key for large-scale production environments. End-users—be they flooring installers, packaging producers, or automotive suppliers—see real output benefits, measured in stronger bonds and products that last longer and stand up to weather and wear.
Across suppliers, typical specifications address purity above 98%, clarity of melt, color index, density at standard temperature, and residue on ignition. Analytical labs run GC, HPLC, or FTIR scans to confirm identity and purity. Buyers in sensitive sectors, such as food contact or medical applications, demand certificates confirming the absence of phthalates and other restricted contaminants. Suppliers provide technical data sheets documenting all these properties, but anyone with hands-on experience knows that in-use performance sometimes tells the real story. So, making a habit of test batches pays off over relying only on tech specs.
One challenge with Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate crops up in cold storage environments, where its melting point can complicate pumping and processing. Heating jackets, insulated storage tanks, or localized batch melting resolve most issues. Due to its moderate viscosity, dosing equipment may need fine-tuning for accuracy. As with any chemical, raw material quality sometimes varies between supplier lots. A robust in-house quality control lab remains a practical solution for catching inconsistencies early. The move towards alternatives to phthalate-based plasticizers raises genuine questions about the cost, availability, and long-term environmental fate of Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate. Organizations interested in sustainable supply chains look into lifecycle assessments and seek suppliers sharing transparent data on sourcing and processing impacts.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C20H22O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 358.39 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow flakes, solid, powder, pearls, or viscous liquid |
| Density | 1.15 – 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 38°C – 43°C |
| Boiling Point | > 370°C |
| Solubility | Slight in water, good in organics |
| HS Code | 2916.31 |
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate brings a practical, reliable solution in modern manufacturing, from safer consumer products to improved industrial materials. Its mix of solid, liquid, flake, or powder forms gives buyers options to match their handling needs. Choosing this material reflects not just a technical need, but often an organizational push toward safer, more sustainable practices. Having worked among teams who care about worker health and end-user safety, I see up close the positive impact of shifting away from riskier chemicals. Increased transparency from suppliers, sound material testing, and thoughtful process design keep progress on track for manufacturers and consumers alike.
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