Diisooctyl sebacate has a backstory shaped by industrial needs and practical chemistry. Once the market demanded better plasticizers for materials like polyvinyl chloride, chemists began digging through sebacic acid esters. In the years between post-war expansion and the plastics boom, researchers set their sights on molecules that could do more than traditional phthalates. The shift didn’t happen overnight, but as people recognized the consistent performance and low volatility of diisooctyl sebacate, it found popularity in cables, synthetic leather, and sensitive military equipment. Historical records show patents and technical bulletins tracing its development from a specialty material to a key ingredient when engineers wanted durability and cold resistance. Each tweak to its production or improvement in manufacturing proved that this ester keeps evolving with changes in industry expectations and consumer standards.
Diisooctyl sebacate, often known as DOS or bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, stands out as a favorite for its flexibility and low-temperature plasticizing effect. It's a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, with a nearly odorless profile, which is what you want when dealing with sensitive end-products. Unlike many alternatives, it doesn’t cloud up or break down in the cold. End users—ranging from wire manufacturers to lubricants mixers—stick with it because it handles weathering and remains stable whether you fill it in a plasticizer blend or apply it to food-grade tubing. The market doesn’t overlook offspring names either: you’ll hear it called by trade names from various chemical suppliers, each swearing by its purity and performance. This product’s variety of labels ties back to its global reach and necessity in making flexible, resilient goods.
As an ester formed from sebacic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, DOS delivers a winning combination of flexibility and toughness. It appears as a dense liquid—viscous but still free-flowing—showing a boiling point that sits high enough to stay liquid under most processing conditions. With a specific gravity slightly below 1, and a refractive index right in line with other plasticizers, it blends smoothly with most resins and oils. Its low water solubility keeps it inside plastic for years, blocking out absorption problems that plague other options. Chemicians who value performance in cold climates pay extra attention to its pour point and freeze resistance. DOS won’t easily degrade with light exposure or moderate heat, holding up better than many less expensive options. From direct experience, long-term storage rarely leads to product loss or contamination—a nod to its stable molecular backbone.
Labels on drums and bulk containers outline purity—usually north of 99%. They list CAS number 122-62-3, and technical data sheets walk you through viscosity, acid value, color (APHA scale), and any traces of volatile substances. Companies provide batch numbers and recommended shelf-life, especially to meet regulations such as REACH or TSCA. Handling instructions and hazard labeling focus mostly on avoiding spills and minimizing skin contact, though health hazards tend to be much less severe than harsher solvents. Regulatory agencies expect compliance with transport classifications, especially when shipped overseas. These specs make a real difference when passing quality audits or sourcing for medical and food-contact applications, where trace contaminants get zero tolerance.
Production involves direct esterification of sebacic acid with 2-ethylhexanol, usually in the presence of a catalyst like sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid. Industrial reactors keep temperature and agitation steady, while water generated during the reaction gets pulled off to drive the process toward full conversion. Purification often requires vacuum distillation to strip out unreacted alcohol and acid, delivering that high-purity product the industry expects. Operators spend time fine-tuning residence times and reaction temperatures; small changes ripple through to yield, color, and final viscosity. Companies running continuous plants have moved beyond batch kettles for efficiency and tighter quality controls, all to support the scale of demand in major manufacturing hubs.
In practice, the molecule stays inert under most use conditions. Still, in a lab or production setting, DOS can undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis or transesterification if required. Chemists sometimes play with its backbone, adjusting the alkyl chain for specialty plasticizers, but most of these tweaks come at a cost in cold resistance or volatility. Given its length and branching, DOS sits out most unwanted side reactions—oxidation or polymerization rates remain low—even near the limits of recommended use temperatures. Process engineers avoid conditions that might cause breakdown, like high acidity or exposure to strong bases, since these shorten service life and affect safety profiles. Some research labs have tried grafting functional groups onto DOS to improve compatibility in certain high-performance blends, though commercial uptake remains limited.
Over decades of commercial sale, this material picked up plenty of alternative labels. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate is common in technical papers, but suppliers might call it DEHS or simply DOS. Commercial producers often slap on branding such as Palatinol 551 or Elasteq DOS, trying to stand out in crowded markets. Regulatory filings use its CAS number and EU registration code—helpful for tracing its inclusion in finished goods or confirming its absence from restricted-substance lists. Whether you buy by generic name or hunt for that trusted label, the end compound stays the same, driving quality in finished products from toys and medical devices to aircraft hydraulic fluids.
Every workplace needs to respect safety requirements, even with a plasticizer known for its low acute toxicity. Spills require quick cleanup with absorbent, followed by routine disposal. Workers need gloves when handling drums—this minimizes skin exposure, although the irritation risk remains low. Ventilation standards apply in blending and heating areas, mostly to control vapors and protect against buildup. Companies set threshold workplace exposure limits even if DOS scores lower on hazard scales compared to other ester plasticizers. Shipping must comply with international regulations, especially for bulk liquid containers. Safety data sheets focus on avoiding open flames during use, safe transfer from bulk tanks, and the use of PPE. For all its advantages, facilities can’t cut corners on routine inspection or maintenance, because safe handling forms the bedrock of trust, both inside and outside the company fence.
Cables, automotive interiors, synthetic leather, adhesives, and sealants—these fields rely on diisooctyl sebacate for its unique balancing act between flexibility and stability. Electrical insulation benefits from its ability to withstand wide temperature swings without cracking or leaching. Synthetic leather seats and dashboard films keep that “just made” look thanks to plasticizers that don’t migrate or harden under sunlight. Aerospace standards call out DOS by name for hydraulic fluids and specialty lubricants because they trust its low pour point. In medical and food packaging, careful oversight ensures every drum tracked and tested, since any failure could undermine consumer confidence. Specialty inks, rubber products, and a handful of cutting-edge polymer blends continue to tap DOS, squeezing efficiency and durability from every molecule.
Ongoing R&D inside chemical firms focuses on pushing the limits of DOS's cold resistance, migration properties, and compatibility with emerging polymers. Technicians test variants of sebacic acid esters, hoping to discover improvements amid regulatory pressures to remove phthalates and other higher-risk additives. Formulators balance the trade-offs between price, purity, and processing performance, with some labs trialing bio-based feedstocks to answer the call for sustainability. Patent filings describe tweaks in catalyst systems, purification steps, and alternative alcohols intended to slim environmental impacts. Researchers pair computational modeling with bench-scale experiments, searching for clues that could lead to even more robust plasticizers capable of facing stricter future standards—a steady push powered by both necessity and curiosity.
Multiple animal studies and occupational health records point toward low acute and chronic toxicity for DOS. Oral and dermal exposure reports rarely show concerning effects, even with repeated dosing. This aligns with its approval for some food-contact applications. Regulatory scientists keep a close watch for subtle risks, reviewing emerging literature on long-term exposure and potential bioaccumulation. Industries that use DOS at scale maintain monitoring programs for air quality and worker health, staying ready to adjust controls if new data surfaces. Being transparent about product safety isn’t just a checkbox; it spells the difference between a successful, trusted supplier and one mired in controversy. Government toxicologists, independent labs, and NGOs all scan for overlooked hazards, demanding companies stay vigilant as scientific understanding evolves.
Looking at industry trends, demand for flexible, low-toxicity plasticizers isn’t going away any time soon. Electric vehicles, green construction, and food-safe packaging keep setting new benchmarks for performance without environmental trade-offs. Regulatory changes drive suppliers to revisit old formulations, searching out greener, more sustainable options that don’t undercut the technical strengths that make DOS hard to replace. Biodegradable versions and bio-based routes stand at the edge of mainstream adoption, with pilot plants already turning out trial batches in the hope of winning early contracts. Performance in cold climates, regulatory acceptance, and lifecycle analysis will shape how DOS and its improved cousins fare. As customers double down on effects over empty claims, only continued investment, openness to new research, and a willingness to adapt will decide whether DOS keeps its spot in the game or fades behind faster-moving green tech.
Walk into any grocery store, flip through your wallet, or take a drive, and you’re surrounded by products that rely on ingredients most folks never even hear about. Diisooctyl Sebacate, or DOS, fits this picture. DOS steps up as a key plasticizer—basically an essential ingredient that softens tough plastics and boosts their flexibility and durability. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needs something to keep it from going brittle and cracking. DOS gives PVC that extra bend, making it easier to produce smooth, flexible wires, cables, and hoses. Cables sitting under the summer sun or chilled by winter’s bite need to last. DOS helps keep them from stiffening or breaking, stretching their service life and boosting electrical safety.
I’ve always liked sitting in a car with upholstery that doesn’t stick to the back of my legs on a hot day. DOS plays a real part in synthetic leathers, turning the vinyl finish from a stiff sheet into something closer to natural hide—softer, easier to sit on, and less likely to crack over time. Film manufacturers using DOS in packaging materials get wraps that bend around products better while holding their shape without tearing at the seams.
Car interiors and dashboards get hammered by sunlight and changing temperatures. Car makers count on DOS for its ability to keep components stable for years. Because DOS withstands heat, cold, and basic chemical attacks better than cheaper knockoffs, it keeps dashboards and trim parts looking sharp. This translates to fewer repairs, happier drivers, and less waste.
Industrial and automotive lubricants can’t just be slippery—they have to perform under pressure and heat. DOS shows up here too, helping blend oils that don’t thicken or break down quickly. This means less machine wear, fewer breakdowns, and smoother running engines. Maintenance teams value consistent results, and DOS helps deliver.
There’s a history of plasticizers causing trouble, both for health and the planet. Some older types leach out, linger in the environment, or raise worries about hormone disruption. DOS brings a safer profile. Researchers testing it for toxicity found low bioaccumulation in the environment. Europe and the United States both set tight rules for what goes into flexible plastics. Meeting these tough standards, DOS gives manufacturers a reliable route for making safer, more sustainable choices.
Plastics aren’t going away, but safer chemistry and better recycling practices can blunt their impact. Big brands in consumer packaging and the car business now talk openly about getting rid of questionable additives. Choosing high-quality ingredients like DOS supports progress. To push further, the next step means investing in research and developing new additives that keep products flexible and durable while breaking down more easily when they’re discarded. Clear labels and trustworthy sourcing also help customers make smarter choices. The challenge is finding solutions that keep both people and the planet in mind—an approach the chemical industry needs to take seriously.
- European Chemicals Agency, “Safety Information for Diisooctyl Sebacate.”- U.S. National Institutes of Health, PubChem Database.- American Chemistry Council, “Plasticizers Market and Uses.”- Environmental Protection Agency, “Safe Use of Additives in Plastics.”
Diisooctyl sebacate, known in some circles as DOOS, shows up in a surprising spread of skincare and makeup items. As an ester, its job often centers on giving skin products a lighter feel and helping them spread more easily. Many brands turn to this substance because oily or greasy textures drive away buyers. It's seen in sunscreens, lotions, lip balms, and eye makeup.
The main safety worry people have about diisooctyl sebacate comes down to how skin handles it. Major regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety have both reviewed this substance. Neither has flagged it as dangerous for normal use—so long as concentrations stay reasonable.
Most studies done on DOOS aimed to find out if it irritates skin or causes allergic reactions. Data shows the risk of reaction sits on the low side. In the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel’s assessment, researchers found little to worry about when examining creams and personal care items containing DOOS. I haven’t run into complaints or rash outbreaks caused by this ingredient, either professionally or through friends who obsessively read labels.
A handful of folks with very sensitive skin might say they notice issues, but these cases seem rare. No evidence points to diisooctyl sebacate building up in our bodies or harming the environment at levels used in beauty products.
Using sunscreen and makeup sits firmly in daily life now, but that doesn’t mean people ignore labels. You want to feel confident about what touches your face. Distrust creeps in when an unpronounceable name lands on an ingredients list. So, the real importance here comes down to transparency. Brands do a better job of sharing science with the public today than they did a decade ago.
As someone who’s worked around product development and fielded all kinds of consumer questions, I see the push for clarity as a good thing. People want facts, not marketing gloss. If manufacturers aim for trust, they need to cite independent sources, publish their safety data, and listen when customers worry.
For those who still feel concern, clearer labeling and easier-to-understand explanations in plain language can help. Third-party verifications or certifications (from dermatologists or clean beauty organizations) create extra peace of mind. Companies can publish their sourcing info, reveal impurity testing results, and make their safety studies easier to find online.
People with ultra-sensitive or allergy-prone skin need patch testing—trying a tiny dab of the product behind the ear or on the arm before using it all over the face. This step, simple as it is, stops most surprises before they turn into irritation.
Researchers and regulators need to keep watching ingredient trends. New data and anecdotal feedback should always update standards. Companies that adapt when concerns pop up—by reformulating, discontinuing, or clarifying—will keep earning trust.
Diisooctyl sebacate continues to meet safety standards in the concentrations found in most cosmetics today. Keeping a balance between science, transparency, and listening to everyday people can build confidence in what we use on our skin.
A lot of people have never heard of Diisooctyl Sebacate, but anyone who works around chemicals, plastics, or cables probably owes it a nod. This compound pops up in labs and factories whenever there’s a need for materials that bend without cracking, last through temperature swings, and keep electrical insulation solid. I’ve poked around vinyl cable sheathing and rubber goods where this guy quietly does its job, making sure products don’t turn brittle.
It comes as a clear, oily liquid—no strong smell, no harsh reaction with other substances. Unlike some chemicals that need careful storage away from air or water, Diisooctyl Sebacate stays pretty steady at room temperature. This non-polar compound won’t dissolve in water but gets along well with most organic solvents. Its chemical formula, C26H50O4, makes it part of the larger family of plasticizers. These molecules slip between chains of plastics and soften them up.
The backbone of this compound is sebacic acid, which brings a lot of carbon atoms into play. The “diisooctyl” part joins two eight-carbon isooctyl groups to the main chain. This structure resists breaking down even when exposed to light or air. A big plus is the low volatility. You can heat it up (boiling point hits around 230°C at low pressure), and it won’t just disappear into vapors the way lighter plasticizers do.
In practical terms, this means materials keep their flexibility for years and don’t ooze sticky residue after sun exposure. That’s especially crucial for car interiors, outdoor cables, and everything else where temperature always shifts.
Nobody wants wires to crack in winter or vinyl plastics that get stiff and snap. Diisooctyl Sebacate adds long-term stability to products and stays put, even after years outside. Unlike some plasticizers that leach out and raise red flags for toxicity, this compound has a low record of health hazards. Europe lists it under the REACH regulation, and so far, there’s no major restriction for its use.
In food packaging or toys, cleaner alternatives sometimes get the nod, but you’ll still see Diisooctyl Sebacate used in military gear, automotive seals, gaskets—even aviation lubricants. Every time I worked with PVC and phthalate-free formulas, it was clear just how many engineers rely on this one to boost weather resistance without adding much fire risk (flash point is around 226°C).
Chemicals like this aren’t perfect. Old plastics can end up as waste, and even safe-for-now compounds need better recycling plans. Incineration or poor disposal leads to small releases into soil and water systems. Industry groups and researchers tinker with bio-based versions, looking for equal flexibility from plant-sourced compounds with easier breakdown after use. Labs in Europe and Asia have published some early success stories using esters from vegetable oils.
There’s always a tradeoff between flexibility and long-term environmental impact. Weighing those choices—and pushing safer options into widespread use—takes real effort from everyone along the supply chain.
Diisooctyl Sebacate’s role as a plasticizer makes it important for countless manufacturers. Stretchy cables, flexible PVC films, and coated fabrics look smoother and last longer because of this chemical. Those qualities don’t amount to much if accidents, spills, or chemical breakdown become part of daily operations. I’ve spent enough time on shop floors to see how small mistakes with chemical care can create messes, lost materials, and even health scares. Good handling habits make the work safer and cut unexpected costs.
Every storage area benefits from common sense: a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Strong sunlight speeds up chemical changes and can turn a stable product into a leaky mess. Diisooctyl Sebacate can stick around for years if kept between 15°C and 30°C. No worker enjoys handling drums that have been baked in a warehouse with a broken air conditioner. Dampness invites rust and corrosion, which means ruptured containers and wasted money.
I always look for solid shelving – not the wobbly, half-rusted kind. Sturdy racks keep the drums upright, far away from walkways. No one wants to trip over a barrel or shift it around just to get by. Separation from food or drinking water makes sense. Cross-contamination isn’t worth the headache or the public relations scandal. Ventilation makes a huge difference. Even if Diisooctyl Sebacate doesn’t produce clouds of fumes like some chemicals, fresh air takes care of minor spills before they become breathing hazards.
In my career, I’ve seen that mistakes most often come from overconfidence or a lack of training. Folks need clear procedures and working equipment. Splash goggles and chemical-resistant gloves shouldn’t gather dust on the wall. Employees feel more comfortable taking their time if they know their skin and eyes have protection. Leaky pumps and old hoses risk more than product loss. Dripping plasticizer leaves floors slippery, tempting fate for both workers and visitors.
Team members appreciate labels that spell out precisely what’s inside each drum. A single missed label can mean a frantic call to the safety officer and piles of paperwork. Spills happen. Absorbent pads and a spill containment kit stationed nearby keep chaos at bay. Every worker deserves to know which cleanup steps come first—notify, contain, report. Practicing these drills at least once a year keeps the muscle memory sharp.
Waste disposal brings its own headaches. Pouring leftovers down the drain is illegal and puts local water at risk. Reputable chemical recycling outfits help companies stay out of trouble. If a facility collects used Diisooctyl Sebacate separately from other waste, it’s easier — and often cheaper — for disposal teams to do their job. Staying up to date on local environmental rules keeps the spotlight off a business for all the right reasons.
A company, no matter the size, builds a reputation by keeping people and the environment safe. People trust workplaces that avoid shortcuts. Regular inspections, smart storage, and hands-on training help everyone feel more secure. In my experience, these actions pay off in more than just compliance — they mean fewer interruptions, healthier workers, and a cleaner community.
Diisooctyl Sebacate, or DOS, turns up in plasticized products everywhere. Manufacturers use it to keep plastics flexible. You’ll spot it in cables, films, synthetic leathers, and sometimes food packaging. As a plasticizer, it beats out some old-school chemicals because it’s less likely to set off alarms for human health at typical exposure levels.
Talk about DOS and the environment, and the first question that comes up is—does it break down safely, or does it keep hanging around? The world learned tough lessons with plasticizers like phthalates. Those stick around in soil and water, mess with wildlife, and sometimes end up inside us. So, companies switching to DOS want to know if they’re choosing better for the earth, not just people.
I dug through studies and agency reports on DOS’s breakdown in soil and water. DOS comes from sebacic acid and isooctanol, both organic. But that doesn’t guarantee harmlessness. According to OECD testing, DOS does show some biodegradability—it can break down when bacteria and oxygen get to work. The process doesn’t happen fast, though. Research from the 1990s found DOS needed over 28 days for only partial breakdown under “ready biodegradability” tests. More recent fieldwork shows that in fertile, microbe-rich soils, it will degrade over a few months. Out in the wild, in cold or oxygen-poor spots, that pace drops off.
No way around this: no chemical works in a vacuum. DOS doesn’t build up in fat (low bioaccumulation), and studies on aquatic animals don’t show rapid, severe toxicity the way some phthalates do. That's a critical point. The U.S. EPA and European agencies check for this, and so far, the hazard score on DOS is low to moderate if released in normal amounts.
Even so, there’s a saying—dilution isn’t the solution to pollution. DOS can hang out in sediments and soil before breaking down, and over time, big releases could add up. Our lakes and rivers already deal with loads of persistent plastics and their additives. While DOS leaves less of a toxic legacy, tossing out tons of it or burning it up could stress waterways or increase air pollution if controls are sloppy. There’s also no guarantee all plasticized goods using DOS are recycled or properly destroyed today.
I have talked to waste site managers and watched the work put into sorting, cleaning, and recycling plastic. They don’t always spot the difference between DOS-plasticized materials and those with other additives. Solutions start further upstream. If producers collect data on what happens to DOS after products reach the landfill, they can tell whether we’re looking at a manageable risk or a sleeper problem. As more materials get marked with QR codes or chemical barcodes, it’s easier for the next generation of recyclers to treat DOS-containing products the right way.
On the industry side, companies are experimenting with “bio-based” plasticizers. These can sometimes come from plant oils or fermentation byproducts. Some options match DOS for flexibility but degrade faster. Pushing the switch takes investment, but public pressure and tighter rules on plastic waste push the whole market in that direction.
Whether you handle cables at work, buy toys for your kids, or just try to cut down on plastic waste, asking where chemicals end up matters. DOS won’t vanish overnight, but it also doesn’t look like it’ll cause the next wave of environmental disaster. Still, convenience shouldn’t mean ignoring what sticks around downstream. Better tracking, real-world tests, and investment in next-generation plasticizers could make future choices less of a gamble.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Bis(7-methyloctyl) decanedioate |
| Other names |
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate
Dioctyl sebacate Bis(2-ethylhexyl) decanedioate Sebacic acid dioctyl ester DOS |
| Pronunciation | /ˌdaɪ.aɪˌsuːˈɒk.tɪl sɪˈbeɪ.kət/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | ["122-62-3"] |
| Beilstein Reference | 1460760 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34429 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3176948 |
| ChemSpider | 6829 |
| DrugBank | DB16645 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.014.293 |
| EC Number | 204-558-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1422298 |
| KEGG | C19676 |
| MeSH | D02.886.590.700.200.700.250 |
| PubChem CID | 8273 |
| RTECS number | NI5950000 |
| UNII | F7S6G2D80S |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID6020327 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C26H50O4 |
| Molar mass | 426.68 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless oily liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.912 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 6.6 |
| Vapor pressure | < 0.01 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 11.38 |
| Basicity (pKb) | @ 25°C: 3.68 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.08e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.449 |
| Viscosity | 13.6 cSt (40°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.72 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 1040.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1202.4 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -14020.4 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX18 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | No signal word |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statement. |
| Precautionary statements | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| Flash point | 210 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 410°C (770°F) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral, rat: > 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): > 40 mL/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | WJ0470000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Diethyl sebacate
Dimethyl sebacate Dioctyl adipate Dioctyl phthalate |
