Dibutyl sebacate (DBS) drew industry attention soon after the early innovations in plasticizers. As plastics began to shape manufacturing in the twentieth century, chemists looked for ways to make them flexible and durable. Early plasticizers offered function but often came with odor or health concerns. By the 1930s, after much trial and error with esters and fatty acids, researchers realized that sebacic acid, when combined with butanol, produced a compound with remarkable flexibility and cold resistance. DBS quickly found a place on the production lines of early vinyl products and in military equipment during the world wars, as demand for adaptable, reliable materials soared. This history matters because it highlights how people create solutions for shifting industrial needs, and why chemists have kept refining DBS’s role in modern formulations.
DBS offers much more than a simple plasticizer. It serves diverse manufacturers as a vinyl softener, lubricant component, and even a flavor additive in select food-grade applications. It’s found in PVC cables, rubber, nitrocellulose lacquers, and as a carrier for cosmetic ingredients. My firsthand experience in specialty coatings shows just how often DBS gets chosen for applications demanding low plasticizer migration. Its versatility has lifted it above many older plasticizers, contributing to environmental and user safety while also keeping production lines efficient. Because DBS plays such a central role for so many sectors—construction, automotive, packaging—its continued refinement reflects how industry listens to market and regulatory pressures.
DBS usually appears as a clear, oily liquid with no discernible color and a mild, almost elusive odor. It doesn’t mix with water, but it dissolves well in most organic solvents and plastic matrices. Boiling at around 344°C and freezing at approximately −10°C, it holds up remarkably well across a huge temperature range. The molecular formula, C18H34O4, gives it a relatively low density—about 1.05 g/cm³. Compared to alternatives like phthalates, DBS remains stable under light and moderate heat, so end products don’t suffer discoloration or brittleness as quickly. Its resilience and clarity make it popular in both transparent and colored applications. I’ve seen first-hand how its ability to retain flexibility during cold storage can make the difference between product failure and success in extreme climates.
DBS typically arrives at facilities with certificates from manufacturers confirming purity levels—usually upwards of 98%. Labels often declare precise butanol and sebacic acid content, ensuring users can trace every additive’s origin. Standard packaging relies on well-sealed drums or intermediate bulk containers, each marked with batch numbers for traceability. Regulatory compliance matters: the EU’s REACH registration and US FDA guidelines set strict upper limits on residual alcohols and impurities. Producers run routine checks, confirming acid value (often <0.2 mg KOH/g), refractive index (near 1.443), and saponification value (about 287-294 mg KOH/g). Quality inspectors in manufacturing plants rely on these numbers to keep product rejection rates low and ensure that workers know exactly what they’re handling.
Manufacturing DBS starts with sebacic acid—usually sourced from castor oil through a series of cracking and distillation steps. Factories then react this acid with n-butanol in the presence of acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid. Continuous distillation removes byproducts and purifies the ester. Scalability matters, and DBS production lines often run for weeks nonstop to fulfill global demand. Modern facilities have invested in closed systems to minimize emissions and worker exposure to vapors. Advances in process control—using real-time monitoring and improved catalysts—have cut waste and improved yields. In my experience, switching to higher-purity starting materials and automated sampling has helped smaller plants compete with global chemical giants, lowering costs while meeting environmental standards.
DBS reacts with strong acids or alkalis, breaking down into butanol and sebacic acid—an important point for safe wastewater treatment. Under heat and catalyst influence, it can undergo transesterification to create other esters tailored for niche uses. In flame retardant applications, chemists sometimes tweak the DBM molecule by introducing halogens or phosphorus-containing groups. Some recent research explores grafting DBS onto biodegradable polymers, seeking to blend flexibility with renewability. This work echoes experiences I’ve discussed with academic and industrial partners: chemicals like DBS open doors as industry pivots to sustainability, blending old methods with new environmental priorities.
You’ll hear Dibutyl Sebacate called by many names—DBS, 1,10-decanedioic acid dibutyl ester, or even “Butyl sebacate” in some markets. Some suppliers use trademarks like Polycizer DBS, Plastomoll DO, or Kodaflex DBS for their own blends. Each synonym marks a slightly different technical or commercial heritage—sometimes tied to regional preferences, occasionally to purity or regional certification nuances. In my chemical procurement work, keeping track of these synonyms keeps purchasing teams from ordering the wrong product by mistake, which matters when production lines can stop due to a simple mix-up.
Handler safety relies on a full understanding of DBS’s risks and controls. DBS poses low acute toxicity but prolonged inhalation of vapors or skin exposure can irritate tissue. Safety data sheets (SDS) instruct workers to wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Modern factories insist on local exhaust ventilation wherever DBS gets transferred. Spills rarely ignite, since DBS carries a flashpoint well above 170°C, yet industrial best practice still treats all spills as cause for immediate cleanup—slippery floors drive more accidents than most people admit. Waste disposal follows local chemical guidelines: neutralize with mild base, segregate from other waste streams, and send to licensed incinerators. Regular training puts these standards into daily routines, making accidents rare.
DBS claims a spot in dozens of manufactured goods. PVC cable insulation stays flexible longer with DBS included, even after years in the cold. Chewing gum makers add DBS to keep their product soft and chewy without worrying about off-flavors. Nail polish brands value how DBS helps distribute pigments and prevents cracking. In the field of medical plastics, its use in blood bags and tubing—subject to heavy scrutiny for leachable compounds—reflects industry trust in its safety record. I’ve seen packaging companies turn to DBS when moving away from phthalates, especially as health concerns over older plasticizers rise. Even the aerospace sector turns to DBS-modified rubbers for gaskets and hoses that stand up to huge temperature swings.
Academic labs and corporate innovation teams haven’t stopped studying DBS. Today’s R&D efforts address both technical performance and environmental challenges. Chemists look for ways to graft DBS into bio-based or recyclable polymers, making products last longer and breaking down safely at end-of-life. Researchers monitor migration levels in food-contact materials, pushing for ever-lower residue readings. Some labs test new catalysts to slash energy and emissions from DBS synthesis. Groups working on medical devices measure interactions between DBS and biologically active compounds. Personally, I’ve witnessed joint ventures between universities and private firms turn promising lab findings into pilot-scale manufacturing changes that lower solvent emissions and save thousands of dollars.
Unlike many plasticizers, DBS has maintained a reputation for low toxicity in both short and long-term exposure studies. Regulatory authorities in the US, EU, and Asia assign it to their lowest toxicity categories for both oral and dermal exposure, which ties back to its use in cosmetics and food-grade items. Still, no chemical escapes scrutiny. Ongoing studies explore subtle impacts on hormone pathways and evaluate cumulative effects from chronic low-dose exposure. The drive for ever-safer materials keeps toxicologists and industry watchdogs vigilant. Workers handling DBS in large quantities remain the most at risk, but comprehensive safety protocols and regular monitoring minimize incident reports. My network in regulatory compliance agrees: even as new studies confirm DBS’s relative safety, transparent labeling and traceability remain as crucial as ever.
DBS’s future looks tied to the shift toward greener chemistry and increased material scrutiny. Regulations banning hazardous phthalates place DBS in a prime position, yet this same spotlight brings pressure to demonstrate reduced environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain. Manufacturers aim for renewable sebacic acid sources—often experimenting with bio-based feedstocks. Researchers envision blending DBS with emerging polymers to make biodegradable packaging and medical devices. The race to meet client demand for “cleaner” ingredients sees innovation at every stage, from production through recycling. My own experience suggests that transparent sourcing, improved waste management, and greener synthesis practices will determine DBS’s reputation and commercial fate over the next decade.
Dibutyl Sebacate (DBS) gets a lot of attention in industries where flexibility and durability mean the difference between a project’s success or failure. I’ve come across this compound plenty of times during hands-on work in both plastics and pharmaceutical environments. Every time, DBS made its value clear.
The plastics industry runs into a common problem: hard, brittle materials that crack under pressure. DBS steps up as a plasticizer—think of it as giving plastic a new sense of flexibility. Companies mix it into products like PVC cables, food packaging, or synthetic rubber boots, turning stiff, unyielding materials into something pliable and tough. Unlike other additives, DBS keeps materials soft even after repeated stretching or temperature changes. This makes it a staple for products exposed to cold or rough handling.
Health and safety always drive material choices, and DBS checks the right boxes. I’ve seen manufacturers pick DBS for applications where children’s toys need to stay non-toxic or where food wraps come in direct contact with what we eat. The FDA approves DBS for use in specific food-contact plastics, and European agencies give it a green light in their own ways, so companies can ship products around the globe without regulatory headaches. This safety record leaves us with real confidence instead of just compliance.
Medicine relies on more than active ingredients. Capsules need materials that won’t crack or crumble during shipping or storage. DBS acts as a key excipient in these capsules and tablets. It ensures smooth coatings, helps powder granules stick together, and prevents breakage on pharmacy shelves. People who work in manufacturing, like I have, worry about recalls and lost trust. By adding DBS, we get reliable medicines that do not turn to dust in a bottle.
DBS spreads its benefits in the cosmetics world too. Lipsticks, creams, and lotions gain a smooth, spreadable texture when DBS acts as a solvent or emollient. Long-lasting products appeal to customers, and manufacturers want something that won’t irritate skin. DBS fits the role, being gentle and stable in all sorts of formulas. Even in specialty lubricants for precision equipment or locks, DBS cuts down on unwanted reactions and leaves clean, even coatings where liquid movement matters.
No chemical survives scrutiny without tradeoffs. DBS behaves well under normal temperatures, but it won’t cut it in extreme heat situations. For anything going into an engine or furnace, engineers pick tougher agents. Supply chain ups and downs also play a role, as price swings happen due to raw material shortages or changing regulations. Staying ahead of these changes keeps operations running smoothly.
Sustainable practices now drive chemical choices, so many are looking for bio-based sources of sebacic acid, the building block of DBS. More suppliers now offer plant-derived versions. It’s a positive trend, but it won’t happen overnight. Developing these sources and making them affordable for large-scale production remains a task on the horizon. Practical, safe chemical solutions—like DBS already delivers—help guide the way forward.
Dibutyl sebacate pops up in the world of plastic as a plasticizer. Think of it as an ingredient that helps keep certain plastics flexible. Food packaging serves more than one job, protecting food from outside materials but also making sure it stays safe for people to eat. Manufacturers value dibutyl sebacate because it can help add stretch to plastics like PVC and cellulose-based wraps.
Food safety agencies in Europe, the United States, and other areas set specific limits for what chemicals can contact food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists dibutyl sebacate under regulations for substances generally recognized as safe in food contact. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also addresses it in its review of plasticizers, providing detailed migration limits and risk assessments.
The main point regulators check: how much dibutyl sebacate leaches from packaging into food. Research shows that, under most expected conditions, migration remains below the strict limits set by authorities. Data reviews from public health sources report no clear links between dibutyl sebacate in packaging and health problems for people eating typical packaged foods.
Tests often look at both immediate effects and long-term risks. Dibutyl sebacate doesn’t build up in the human body, a fact that helps reduce any lingering concern. Still, changes in food packaging trends and aggressive solvents or fatty foods raise questions: Could higher-fat or acidic foods boost leaching, especially in hotter storage or over many months?
In my own kitchen, I have noticed softer wraps cling much more closely to oily cheese slices, sometimes smelling faintly of plastic. I make decisions by checking which plastics touch my food the most and whether alternatives exist. Many people now opt for reusable silicone or simple wax paper to avoid unnecessary chemical contact, especially for young children.
People trust health agencies to protect public safety, but many still like the idea of “safer by design” food supplies. Every new report of chemicals in plastics, even if regulators call it safe, sparks fresh debate. Years ago, softeners like phthalates fell out of favor as research raised questions. Dibutyl sebacate carries fewer red flags—at least according to current science—but caution remains popular, especially among parents and households trying to reduce exposure overall.
Transparency goes a long way. Food brands can list which additives touch packaged goods and make test results easy to find. Companies could keep supporting research that checks migration in real kitchen settings, not just in the lab. Regulators can keep updating guidelines as new data emerges.
In my own home, switching to glass or alternatives for food storage helped ease my mind. Big solutions need wide support, but simple steps like using glass, beeswax wraps, or approved bioplastics show everyday people have choices, too.
The science around dibutyl sebacate continues to grow. While oversight from experts inspires some trust, practical habits—like reading labels and choosing low-risk packaging—build confidence at the dinner table.
If you’ve ever wondered what keeps your tablet smooth or why some plastics stay flexible even in winter, dibutyl sebacate often finds its way into the answer. Let’s strip away the technical jargon and talk straight about what gives this chemical its unique place in industries from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing.
Dibutyl sebacate is a colorless, oily liquid with almost no odor. It feels slick but not sticky, which makes it easy to blend into other substances. Pour a small sample and you’ll notice it doesn’t evaporate quickly—the boiling point sits way up at about 344°C (651°F), so it doesn’t vanish into thin air when things heat up. This slow evaporation supports longer shelf life and consistent performance in products exposed to higher temperatures.
Its freezing point lands below -10°C (about 14°F), which means it doesn’t harden in cold storage. That helps medicines, cosmetics, and plastics keep their texture and flexibility in a range of climates. That resistance to freezing and staying liquid at low temperatures has always impressed me as someone who spent part of my career working in packaging for cold-chain pharmaceuticals.
Now, chemists label dibutyl sebacate as a diester—technically, it forms by joining sebacic acid and n-butanol. It doesn’t react quickly with water or air, so it resists breaking down from accidental moisture. Some chemicals emit harsh fumes or change color over time. This one barely changes; it’s stable enough to do its job for years, tucked into everything from pill coatings to specialty plastics. Its neutral pH and resistance to hydrolysis have opened up a wide field for uses in sensitive formulations where breakdown could spell trouble for safety or performance.
I started paying attention to stricter chemical safety standards over the past decade, and dibutyl sebacate generally clears the bar as a safe option in many uses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists it as a food additive, which speaks volumes. Eyes and skin can get irritated with prolonged contact, but its toxicity stays low compared to other plasticizers. It doesn’t build up in the environment or in people, keeping concerns over bioaccumulation and persistence at bay.
This compound isn’t rare or exotic. You’ll run across it in film coatings on medications and vitamins, nail polish remover, and even the soft grip on plastic tools. Its ability to soften brittle materials and hang tough through heat and cold gives manufacturers flexibility that plain old phthalates or other plasticizers can’t match. Since it’s not prone to leaching out of plastics, it adds longevity and reliability to everything from medical devices to food packaging. That’s peace of mind, especially after seeing recalls for products with less stable alternatives.
Looking forward, I hope more companies use dibutyl sebacate to drop hazardous plasticizers. Tackling chemical safety at the design stage can save headaches and lawsuits down the line. Open sourcing data on its effects in the environment, speeding up research into safer derivatives, or improving waste management for production sites could smooth out any rough edges that remain. I’ve seen firsthand how responsive industry can be when customers and regulators demand safer, high-performing chemicals, and dibutyl sebacate hits the sweet spot more often than not.
Dibutyl sebacate isn’t a household name, but it shows up in a pile of products. You find it in plastics, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and even food packaging. Its flexibility and low toxicity make it an industry staple. Chemical safety often gets ignored, especially with substances people see as low-risk. Complacency leaves the door open for sudden problems in the workplace or supply chain.
Dibutyl sebacate comes as a clear, oily liquid. At room temperature, it doesn’t explode, burn your skin, or knock you out with fumes. This can cause people to skip basics—like keeping the bottle tightly sealed, away from sunlight and strong heat. Over years spent working with chemical stores and small labs, I see firsthand how “harmless” substances often end up carelessly tossed on the wrong shelf or left half-open. Moisture can creep in. Sunlight triggers slow chemical changes. These don’t seem urgent at first, but slow changes lead to performance drops, possible contamination, or tough waste disposal later on.
Most chemical suppliers recommend cool, well-ventilated rooms for storage. A dry spot works better in the long run. Strong UV light isn’t a friend to dibutyl sebacate. Keep containers tucked away from big windows or heat sources like radiators and exhaust fans. Tight lids slow down air exposure and keep dust or water out. Metal has a bad habit of corroding or leaching with certain chemicals over time. Glass or high-quality plastic, certified for chemical use, holds up much longer. In my experience, using clear containers always brings more risk of light damage, so brown or opaque options win out if you can get them.
Folks working in small workshops sometimes handle this liquid without gloves, since it doesn’t immediately hurt their skin. Good practice means using nitrile or neoprene gloves anyway, along with splash-proof goggles. Accidents don’t wait for a second invitation. Spills on counters or floors need cleaning with absorbent pads, not just wiping with a wet rag. People who care about workplace health reduce slip hazards and avoid residues in one step. Too many still pour waste or residues down the sink. That small shortcut piles into dangerous buildup or environmental issues for everyone connected to the drain. Specialized solvent recovery or hazardous waste collection helps meet local laws and keeps drains clean.
One-off safety briefings don’t stick. People remember best when they run hands-on drills a few times a year. Simple quizzes and refreshers help everyone—not just new staff. Storage and handling rules aren’t just about the law, they keep daily routines smooth and emergency calls rare. Putting safety data sheets in every storage area and making them easy to read (not locked in a binder no one touches) means fewer bad surprises down the road.
Every warehouse and lab has its own limits and pressures. Still, small steps—better containers, visible reminders, updated routines—build stronger habits year by year. Protecting dibutyl sebacate from heat, sunlight, and careless spills doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Regular risk checks and simple protective gear drive those habits home. People stay healthy, materials keep their properties, and waste stays manageable.
Dibutyl sebacate isn't a new kid on the block. People have used it as a plasticizer in plastics, coatings, and even pharmaceuticals for years. The reason it keeps showing up: it plays well with many other ingredients. I’ve seen firsthand how it gets thrown into formulations alongside classic phthalates like dioctyl phthalate (DOP), or with more modern non-phthalate alternatives. The blend leads to plastics that stay flexible instead of cracking, even when the weather goes cold. In my lab days, PVC bathed in dibutyl sebacate came out smoother and less brittle, without turning gummy.
Not every plasticizer offers this kind of teamwork. Whenever we tried alternatives with stiffer polymers or aggressive solvents, results ranged from too rigid to sticky or cloudy. Dibutyl sebacate handled these hurdles thanks to its long, fatty structure. Chemically speaking, it carries two big, greasy tails attached to a backbone. That gives it a knack for slipping between the chains of polymers like PVC, cellulose acetate, or even synthetic rubbers. It spreads out evenly and keeps the plastic flexible across a big temperature range, from freezer storage to a hot summer day.
Every polymer has a personality. PVC is easy-going and likes a wide group of plasticizers, including dibutyl sebacate. Cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose acetate and cellulose butyrate, can be trickier, but they take well to the softer, oilier esters. Dibutyl sebacate delivers that softness while holding on to clarity—a big plus for films and coatings.
Polyvinyl butyral, sometimes used in laminated glass, shares chemical features that help it dissolve plasticizers. Dibutyl sebacate can tag along, improving flexibility without clouding the interlayer. In my experience, going above fifty parts per hundred of polymer pushes things too far; surfaces start to sweat, leading to sticky buildup. Careful balance and small test batches help avoid these pitfalls.
No product is perfect. Polyethylene and polypropylene don’t open their arms as easily. Their non-polar nature resists molecules like dibutyl sebacate. I remember one project where we spent a week trying to coax flexibility into HDPE films. We just couldn’t get the kind of softness you see with PVC or cellulose plastics. This kind of mismatch is textbook, and most manufacturers know which polymers pair best with which plasticizers.
Mixing dibutyl sebacate with other plasticizers often gives the best of both worlds. Phthalates bring down the cost, while dibutyl sebacate adds cold weather resilience. Adipates often join the mix as well. These blends can answer different durability, texture, and regulatory needs, especially as the market shifts away from phthalates for health reasons. Companies I’ve worked with switched to such blends years ago to comply with EU REACH and U.S. CPSIA rules that block certain phthalates in toys and food packaging.
Anyone working with flexible vinyl knows the value of a reliable, stable, and safe additive. Dibutyl sebacate frequently meets this need, especially in products that must survive the cold. Its chemical structure and proven record have kept it part of the conversation, even with the industry moving toward more sustainable and safer solutions.
Consumers and regulators are paying sharper attention to chemical safety, particularly with additives that could migrate into food or medicine. It's smart to run updated migration and toxicology studies, especially for any application involving skin or ingestion. More renewable sources and biodegradable versions are entering the market, offering promising alternatives in the years ahead.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Dibutyl decanedioate |
| Other names |
Sebacic acid dibutyl ester
Dibutyl decanedioate Butyl sebacate |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈbjuːtɪl sɪˈbeɪkeɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 109-43-3 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | Here is the **JSmol 3D model string** for **Dibutyl Sebacate (DBS)**: ``` CCCOC(=O)CCCCCCCCC(=O)OCCC ``` This string is the **SMILES** notation, commonly used in JSmol for generating 3D models. |
| Beilstein Reference | 1461816 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34987 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1621497 |
| ChemSpider | 17628 |
| DrugBank | DB00741 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 14d7beccb-12b6-49fe-aa49-e7c812c6e7f4 |
| EC Number | 204-640-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 64638 |
| KEGG | C14425 |
| MeSH | Dibutyl Sebacate |
| PubChem CID | 30223 |
| RTECS number | TH9625000 |
| UNII | LDE7M2855V |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID8021245 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H34O4 |
| Molar mass | MW = 314.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless or yellowish oily liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.82 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa ≈ 25 (very weakly acidic, typical of esters) |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: 2.98 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.68×10⁻⁶ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.443-1.448 |
| Viscosity | 13-15 mPa·s (at 25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.70 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 689.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1156.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -13720 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A07AX03 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS09 |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P280, P305+P351+P338, P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 210°C (410°F) (Closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 410°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 12,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SEBC9850 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Diethyl sebacate
Dimethyl sebacate Diisopropyl sebacate Sebacic acid Dioctyl sebacate |
