Back in the early part of the twentieth century, chemical innovators started hunting for plasticizers that could soften plastics without leaching out or shifting the performance profile of the final material. The market for flexible plastics—especially in consumer goods—kicked intense demand for substances like dibutyl adipate. Early manufacturing recipes for cellulose acetate films or plasticized PVC turned to esters from the adipic acid family, and DBA became a staple by mid-century. Progress in industrial chemistry let companies refine the production pathway, squeeze down impurities, and reduce manufacturing costs, so DBA popped up across Europe, the U.S., and later Asia as plastics expanded across industries from packaging to agriculture. My time spent in a plastics plant made it clear: what started as a niche additive in safety glass blossomed into a backbone material that let designers balance flexibility, shape, and durability.
Dibutyl adipate belongs to the class of dialkyl esters, derived from adipic acid and butanol. Chemists use it as a colorless, nearly odorless liquid, finding its way into everything from soft plastics to lubricants and even cosmetic formulations. The product goes by synonyms like butyl adipate, DBA, and di-n-butyl hexanedioate, but anyone who works with polymers simply knows it for the way it smooths, softens, and stretches tough materials without causing brittleness. Multinational producers list it under various trade names, often adjusting the purity, but its backbone stays the same.
DBA shows up as a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, not too volatile and with a fairly high boiling point above 340°C. Its molecular formula is C14H26O4 and, as you might expect from an ester, it has moderate solubility in alcohols and ethers, poor solubility in water, and resists freezing until temperatures fall below -60°C. Beyond the specs sheet, these properties translate directly to practical use. Long-chain esters help keep plastic sheets flexible in cold storage, and this solvent compatibility opens doors for blending with other additives. Viscosity sits right around where film manufacturers like it, so production keeps running smooth even when you crank out thousands of tons a year.
Technical-grade DBA must meet exacting purity standards, often topping 99% pure with tight limits on moisture and volatile organic impurities. Material safety data sheets cite batch-specific details on boiling range, flash point (usually above 189°C), specific gravity, and refractive index. Proper packaging means sealed HDPE drums or IBC totes, since exposure to air and sunlight can lead to slow hydrolysis and drop the purity over time. Labels warn of the need for eye and skin protection, especially during bulk transfers. Regulations in regions like the European Union set thresholds for impurities, especially if the intended end-use lies in food contact materials or cosmetics.
Industrial DBA synthesis calls for an esterification reaction—adipic acid reacts with butanol in the presence of an acid catalyst, often sulfuric acid. Plants control water removal through either continuous distillation or chemical trapping, since even a bit of water shifts the reaction equilibrium and leaves behind unwanted acid. Residual butanol and catalyst get washed out in the downstream process, followed by vacuum distillation to wring out high-purity product. Facilities built after the 1980s adopted closed-loop systems to recover and recycle both the butanol and catalyst, keeping waste down, reducing operating costs, and keeping up with stricter environmental standards. It’s a process that looks simple on paper but requires tightly tuned control systems and skilled operators to keep quality consistent.
The classic reaction for DBA—esterification—can be reversed through hydrolysis under strong caustic or acid conditions, breaking down the ester into its acid and alcohol parts. That’s important for recycling and reprocessing. In industry, companies sometimes modify DBA’s structure for niche uses: adding stabilizer fragments for UV resistance, or tweaking side chains to increase oil solubility. If the ester group undergoes hydrogenolysis, you can chop the molecule into smaller alcohols for use as specialty solvents. My experience in coatings R&D showed the value of fiddling with those side groups—you get performance swings in flexibility and weather resistance, letting you tailor the material for everything from automotive parts to packaging foils.
Dibutyl adipate shows up under several alternative names—di-n-butyl adipate, butyl adipate, hexanedioic acid dibutyl ester, and sometimes simply DBA. On the datasheets, global chemical databases assign it the identifier CAS 105-99-7. Commercial products vary in branding but share these root terms, whether it’s legacy producers in Europe or newer entrants in China or India. Many suppliers cross-reference common international designations so purchasing teams tracking supply chains can avoid sourcing errors and regulatory slip-ups.
Handling DBA safely starts with proper ventilation, chemical splash goggles, and gloves made from nitrile or neoprene. Spills get slippery fast, so factories post “slippery when wet” warnings and use non-absorbent mats near fill lines. Fire risk runs low—DBA is not considered highly flammable—but dust and vapor precautions still matter in hot environments. From what I’ve seen in operational audits, training and labeling play a far more vital role than fancy equipment—most accidents trace back to absent-minded mistakes, not system failure. The big picture: follow the published safety data sheets, stick to regular equipment inspection, and keep material out of drains where regulatory trouble starts.
DBA finds its biggest market as a plasticizer. PVC, cellulose acetate, and polyvinyl butyral need flexibility, especially when used in cable sheathing, food packaging, or automotive interiors. Outside that, you’ll see dabblers in the personal care industry using DBA in emollient mixes for lotions, sunscreens, and hair sprays. The lubricants sector values its low volatility and resistance to oxidation in synthetic oil blends. Laboratories tap it as a solvent for certain dyes or drug formulations, though volume stays lower than in commodity plastics. Regulatory agencies in the U.S. and EU monitor its use in children’s products and food contact applications, so testing and compliance remain part of the selling process.
There’s more action in DBA R&D than most folks notice. Universities and research institutes have investigated blends with bio-based plastics as the push for greener materials grows. Test batches using DBA in PLA or PBS films—derived from renewable crops—have given mixed results; some blends show improved flexibility, but stability under sunlight or heat sometimes lags behind fossil-based recipes. Chemists look at new catalysts for cleaner synthesis, often trying to cut down energy needs or avoid strong acids altogether. Meanwhile, advanced analytical work tracks trace impurities down to parts per billion, screening for new safety concerns. Industry-university partnerships, from what I’ve seen, drive pilot-scale production and new applications into cosmetics or high-value plastics, but regulatory hurdles can delay commercial launches.
Studies on DBA’s toxicity date back over fifty years, based both on rodent feeding studies and simulated exposure through plastic contact. Acute toxicity runs low—enough so that regulatory agencies have allowed use in limited food packaging contexts. Chronic exposure research shows moderate skin and eye irritation, but little evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive harm at normal occupational exposure. That said, repeated high-dose ingestion produces liver and kidney effects in lab animals, keeping precautionary limits strict in consumer product guidelines. Recent work tracks environmental persistence and breakdown; DBA does not bioaccumulate rapidly in living systems, and water treatment typically degrades it within days, but its breakdown into butanol and smaller acids needs ongoing monitoring. Workers and researchers benefit from these studies—the science underpins updated PPE standards and storage protocols.
Shifts in consumer demand and green chemistry will shape DBA’s place in the coming years. Biodegradable plastics keep eating up more market share, and DBA’s strong performance in flexibility and low migration rate keeps it in the game. Researchers target new production routes—for example, bio-derived adipic acid or butanol—to cut fossil inputs and curb the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain. Cosmetics manufacturers hunt for “clean label” plasticizers, and DBA’s proven track record makes it hard to replace unless new safety data tips the balance. Regulatory agencies keep dialing in tighter restrictions for additives in children’s goods or food contact, so transparency in sourcing and traceability will matter as much as purity specs. Through all these shifts, my hunch is that the blend of old-school reliability and clever chemical tinkering will let DBA stick around, even as new alternatives crowd the laboratory shelves.
Dibutyl adipate isn’t the sort of name that sticks with most people, but chances are you’ve come across it in daily life. This colorless, oily liquid often ends up in plastics, cosmetics, and sometimes even food packaging. In simple terms, manufacturers use it as a plasticizer—a compound that makes plastics more flexible and less brittle.
My own curiosity pushed me to dig deeper after reading ingredients on some packaging last year. Companies look for ways to keep plastics soft, especially when making things like toys, films, and wire insulation. A material that cracks in the cold or stiffens up with age just won’t cut it. DBA helps solve that problem. In plastics, it works its way between molecules, reducing friction and letting them bend without snapping.
It’s not just plastics. If you check some skin creams or sunscreens, you might spot dibutyl adipate buried in the fine print. Personal care companies add it for its smooth, non-greasy feel. This can help lotions glide on more easily, and it keeps sunscreens from feeling chalky or sticky. That might sound minor until you deal with irritated skin or children who refuse to keep sunblock on unless it feels comfortable.
The discussion around safety always surfaces with chemicals used in products we touch or put on our skin. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that DBA carries a low risk for acute toxicity, but there’s been talk about cumulative exposure over time. The European Commission restricts its use in certain cosmetic categories to limit risk. These moves reflect growing recognition that safety limits need regular updating as our knowledge grows.
Transparency helps consumers make informed choices. Many shoppers don’t appreciate surprise ingredients in their lotions or packaging. Labels don’t always explain why an oily, unfamiliar chemical’s there or what alternatives exist. Clear disclosure and accessible information build trust. Studies from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science highlight that informed customers pay more attention to ingredients in cosmetics and demand safer, effective substitutes if concerns arise.
There’s a bigger story about what the future holds for plasticizers like DBA. Environmental groups have pointed out that traditional plasticizers sometimes migrate out of plastics, leaching into soil, food, or water over the product’s lifetime. The eco-impact won’t hit overnight, but I’ve seen community recycling drives sort plastics more carefully to keep them away from landfill or incinerators. In my own neighborhood, some groups petitioned manufacturers to shift toward bio-based alternatives and promote closed-loop recycling.
Safer substitutes are gaining ground, but it takes time and money to retool production lines or conduct fresh safety trials. This transition relies on clear research, stronger regulation, and company investment in green chemistry. For anyone concerned about what goes into everyday items, conversations about DBA serve as a reminder to ask questions, read labels, and push industry leaders to prioritize safer solutions. Keeping this cycle transparent and grounded in real evidence benefits everyone—today and tomorrow.
Dibutyl adipate shows up on the ingredient list of everything from sunscreens to moisturizers. It feels smooth and helps blend ingredients into a product, giving that silky touch most folks like. DBA is a synthetic compound; chemists make it by combining butanol with adipic acid. This isn’t a trendy new ingredient—DBA’s been around in cosmetics for decades.
Plenty of consumers see a chemical-sounding name and start to worry, which makes sense given how many headlines focus on toxic ingredients. Researchers have put DBA to the test. Major regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), have evaluated the evidence. Each found DBA safe for its intended uses in cosmetics. It doesn’t build up in the skin. After topical application, DBA either evaporates or the body breaks it down and flushes it out.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel—a group of independent scientists—looked at animal studies and human patch tests. These studies say DBA doesn’t irritate or sensitize skin at the concentrations used in beauty products. The SCCS takes it one step further, approving its use in leave-on and rinse-off products. If new evidence points to a risk, these panels revisit their assessments and update the guidance.
Plenty of well-meaning information spreads online, not all of it accurate. Some folks worry DBA is related to phthalates, a group of plasticizers that do pose health concerns. Even though they sound a little similar, DBA is not a phthalate. Its chemical structure acts very differently, so it doesn’t cause the side effects linked to those ingredients. Studies have also checked for hormone disruption and came up empty-handed; DBA doesn’t mess with the body’s endocrine system.
People with very sensitive skin sometimes react to just about anything, including common oils. Rare cases of contact dermatitis from DBA exist, but they’re not common. If you struggle with allergies or you notice a rash after using a new product, patch test before going all in.
Modern-day cosmetics get picked apart by scientists before they hit shelves. Regulatory bodies in the US, EU, and Asia do not give companies a pass to use risky chemicals. If an ingredient proves harmful over time, these groups ban it or cut back its allowable use. For any ingredient, safety depends on dose, frequency, and the way skin comes in contact with it. DBA keeps showing up where it passes all those tests.
Reading labels and searching for information matter, especially for parents and people with sensitive skin. If you still feel unsure about DBA after looking at the studies, alternatives exist. Some brands use plant-based emollients or avoid synthetic esters entirely. The demand for transparency and safer products does push companies to rethink their formulas, making it easier to pick what works for you.
Dibutyl adipate looks like a clear, colorless liquid with a mild scent. Pick up a bottle, and you might notice how easily it pours. People working with this chemical rarely complain about lingering strong odors, making it practical in labs and factories alike.
DBA shows up often in the world of plastics. The reason? It helps plasticizers do their job better, especially with plastics like PVC. Instead of tough, brittle products, DBA helps make them softer and more flexible. The benefits show up in products such as cables, shoes, or everyday flexible packaging. Soft plastics need something to prevent cracking, and DBA’s molecular structure offers just the right amount of flexibility for the task.
Handling DBA proves simple compared to some other chemicals. It has a boiling point around 340°C and a flash point close to 170°C. Most people feel reassured knowing it doesn't easily catch fire at normal temperatures. Skin contact and inhalation should still be avoided, as with many industrial compounds, but DBA rarely irritates skin severely. Safety data backs up its relatively mild effect—though gloves and goggles should always be part of the equation.
Dibutyl adipate mixes well with organic solvents—things like alcohols and ethers. On the other hand, it doesn't blend much with water. This property shapes how it gets used in various industries. Chemists turn to DBA when they want to dissolve other oils, resins, or plasticizer blends. The mix-and-match approach keeps the process versatile.
Environmental impact sits high on the list for many manufacturers. DBA breaks down more readily in the environment than some phthalate-based plasticizers. Tests have shown that bacteria and natural processes handle it relatively quickly, especially compared to tougher substances. This quality pushes companies to shift toward DBA for more eco-conscious product lines.
Compared with many industrial chemicals, DBA shows low toxicity. Studies in rats and other lab animals point toward minimal health risk at typical exposure levels. It's not considered a reproductive toxin or a known carcinogen. Regulatory agencies in the US and EU currently don't place strict bans on its use in plastics or cosmetics, although regular updates keep everyone on their toes.
That same softening action that works for plastics gives DBA a spot in cosmetics. Lotions, creams, and some sprays use it to help spread active ingredients evenly and leave skin feeling smooth. People working in cosmetics pick DBA for its gentle profile and lack of greasy residue. Years back, I handled a pilot batch of sunscreen that swapped out heavier esters for DBA—the texture and absorption immediately improved, and the feedback from testers was positive.
It's easy to overlook DBA’s role in other everyday goods. Synthetic lubricants, printing inks, and cellulose-based films get a boost from its smooth, non-sticky qualities. Around shop floors and print rooms, switching to DBA-based products tends to cut down on buildup and clean-up issues.
Dibutyl adipate stands out because it combines practical handling, chemical stability, and a safety profile people can trust. Solutions still emerge every year for boosting its bio-based sourcing and further tightening disposal processes. For chemists, workers, and consumers, careful handling and up-to-date knowledge keep the risks low and the benefits high. The story of DBA continues to evolve as demand for safer, cleaner ingredients shapes manufacturing choices in labs and on shelves.
Walking through any modern household, you’ll spot flooring, cables, and children’s toys made from flexible plastics. Dibutyl adipate, known to those in the business as DBA, makes these products feel soft and bendable instead of stiff and unforgiving. That’s because DBA acts as a plasticizer, giving plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) the stretch and durability that help everyday items hold up against repeated use. People often overlook how essential this is. I remember replacing a worn-out old garden hose; the new one flexed and survived the summer heat because of the right mix of plasticizers like DBA.
Personal care aisles in drugstores feature countless lotions, sunscreens, and creams. Here, DBA shows up as an ingredient that makes everything smoother and easier to spread on your skin. Its ability to dissolve other ingredients helps create stable and enjoyable formulations. Research demonstrates that consumers want products that feel pleasant without leaving greasy residue. Formulators pick DBA for its light texture and mildness, and regulatory reviews continue to support its safety profile in well-controlled amounts. These choices ripple through the industry, shaping the texture and feel of the creams people use every day.
Agriculture depends on more than seeds and soil; effective crop protection draws on chemical advances that reach the farm field. When spraying pesticides or herbicides, producers use DBA to keep the active ingredients mixed evenly. By acting as a solvent and carrier, DBA helps farmers apply protective treatments efficiently. Without this level of performance, essential ingredients could separate or drift away, making the treatment less reliable. As someone who’s spent time volunteering at a farm, I’ve seen the impact of poor spraying firsthand. Consistent mixing means healthier crops and less waste, while the industry keeps searching for greener and safer chemical solutions.
Fashion and upholstery have a secret connection to chemistry, especially when it comes to synthetic fabrics and faux leather. DBA helps impart softness and flexibility to artificial leathers and certain coatings. The clothes on your back—particularly athletic and outerwear—often owe part of their comfort and fit to this overlooked additive. During manufacturing, careful chemical choices shape not just touch and appearance, but also durability. Studies highlight that the right plasticizer can double the usable life of finished products.
Any chemical that ends up in the habitats where people live and work has to be evaluated for safety and environmental impact. Over the years, regulators in Europe and North America have reviewed DBA and related chemicals for toxicity, bioaccumulation, and allergic reactions. Companies keep improving their processes and look for ways to limit worker exposure in factories. Transparent labeling, stronger workplace ventilation, and regular toxicology reviews all help ensure safety.
People rely on chemicals that never appear in bold print on packaging or advertisements. Dibutyl adipate fills vital roles in comfort, function, and safety across several industries, driving home the importance of chemists, safety experts, and regulations working together to keep consumer goods practical and reliable.
Dibutyl Adipate pops up in plastics, cosmetics, and even as an additive in some lubricants. Most folks don’t toss that name around at the dinner table, but it’s working quietly behind the scenes. With this chemical, a little background goes a long way, especially if you spend time in a lab or a factory.
Many believe that just because something is used in cosmetics, it’s perfectly safe to handle at any volume. That thinking stumbles when chemicals leave the bottle. Dibutyl Adipate’s liquid form spreads easily. It doesn’t smell strong, which tricks people into relaxing their guard. If the liquid touches skin day after day, folks can develop rashes or irritation. Breathing in mist adds another layer of risk, especially in manufacturing.
I’ve seen people leave closed bottles under open vents, assuming no harm could come. Later, odd headaches and sore throats start showing up. There’s a reason rules exist, and they're rarely made up for fun.
A good storage plan makes the biggest difference. Dibutyl Adipate prefers cool, shaded spots far from heat and sunlight. Unshaded windows and warm warehouses speed up breakdown, which could pump out unwelcome fumes or weaken packaging.
In my work, I’ve witnessed forgotten drums split open thanks to hot summer days. White labeling comes loose, staff guess at contents, and confusion grows. Properly labeling containers keeps mistakes at bay. Tamper-proof seals and tight-fitting lids are worth every penny.
Gloves get lost or left behind on shelves. Folks sometimes reach for rags instead of proper cleanup kits. Dermal contact doesn’t always burn right away, but over time, discomfort and irritation grow. Safety glasses stop splashes from sneaking into corners of eyes. Industrial hygiene experts back up these simple precautions with real data: direct contact equals risk, always.
Teams get lazy about chemical spills. I once saw a minor spill left to “dry up on its own” near an entryway. Later, someone tracked it across the building. Dedicated spill kits and absorbents solve this, but only if people actually use them—and supervisors enforce the habit.
People often feel safe opening a door, turning on a fan, and calling it done. Good air flow means more than that. Strong mechanical systems pull vapors away before they have a chance to build. Routine air checks and proper fit testing for respirators create long-term protection, not just a Band-Aid fix. If you’re working with larger volumes, or in a space where fumes can hang low, air monitoring pays dividends.
Regular training does more than check a box on a compliance sheet. A staff that feels comfortable reporting a loose lid or a spill nips problems in the bud. Bringing in experts for hands-on demonstrations, instead of just handing out paperwork, leaves lasting lessons.
Dealing with chemicals like Dibutyl Adipate isn’t rocket science—it’s about sticking to habits that put people first. Storing it responsibly, handling it with care, and training everyone who comes near it flips the odds in your favor.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Dibutyl hexanedioate |
| Other names |
Di-n-butyl adipate
Dibutyl hexanedioate Adipic acid dibutyl ester DBE Adipic acid, dibutyl ester |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈbjuːtɪl ˈædɪpeɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 105-99-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1101162 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34618 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3180441 |
| ChemSpider | 15121 |
| DrugBank | DB01016 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 17d518ec-1e54-4e4a-8bbc-0a264bdee46f |
| EC Number | 203-090-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 71584 |
| KEGG | C13278 |
| MeSH | D000311 |
| PubChem CID | 30247 |
| RTECS number | AF7350000 |
| UNII | 0B9K8P5394 |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H26O4 |
| Molar mass | 258.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless oily liquid |
| Odor | Mild odor |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.11 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.01 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | Estimated pKa ≈ 25 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 12.85 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.93E-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4270 |
| Viscosity | 15 mPa·s (at 25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.62 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 619.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -726.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8698 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. |
| Flash point | 168 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 370°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 12,900 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 9000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NA0560000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible) for Dibutyl Adipate (DBA): 5 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction and vapor) (OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA) |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dimethyl adipate
Diethyl adipate Dioctyl adipate Adipic acid Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate |
