Diisononyl Adipate, known in the labs and factories as DINA, stands out in the landscape of chemical raw materials as a versatile plasticizer. This compound features a molecular formula of C26H48O4 and a molecular weight close to 424.66 g/mol. Its structure belongs to the adipate family, meaning it has an adipic acid backbone esterified with isononyl alcohol groups. The interplay of carbon and oxygen atoms gives DINA a flexibility that’s hard to beat in certain manufacturing processes, especially where cold resistance improves product performance. Users know DINA both for its physical adaptability and for the practical angles it offers in processing, including cost efficiency and environmental considerations.
DINA shows up as a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, with a density in the range of 0.92–0.93 g/cm³ at 20°C. Its appearance lacks any flakes, solids, powders, or crystalline forms in normal industrial handling; most production lines see it shipped or stored in liquid form, sometimes in drums or intermediate bulk containers to match volume requirements. Its average boiling point sits above 380°C, and it resists freezing until temperatures drop well below –55°C, a property especially useful for applications like flexible PVC intended for outdoor use or freezer-grade packaging. The ester bonds in DINA’s molecular structure create stability toward light and heat, so discoloration or breakdown remains minimal under standard operating conditions.
Producers typically offer DINA with purity over 99%. Water content remains impressively low, measured in parts per million, which safeguards processing stability for users working in tight quality assurance environments. Most reputable producers run DINA through rigorous quality checks, reporting acidity, color (APHA <50), and viscosity (15-22 mPa·s at 20°C). The HS Code for this product falls under 29171300, slotting it readily into customs documents in international trade. Those involved in plastics, adhesives, and industrial coatings find DINA easy to handle in both small-scale and bulk settings, making it a popular material across regions.
End users rarely encounter DINA as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals — its strength lies as a mobile, transparent liquid. This allows fast mixing into vinyl and other polymer matrices, without the delays often linked to melting or pre-mixing that other additives require. Safe storage asks for typical industrial chemical practices — keep it cool, prevent exposure to direct sunlight, and use stainless steel lines or compatible high-density polyethylene tanks. In my experience working in facilities, simple spill containment and routine ventilation eliminate the bulk of risks. Standard PPE like gloves and goggles suffice for most handling situations, given its relatively low volatility.
DINA falls on the safer end of the plasticizer spectrum when compared with older phthalates, though it isn’t entirely free from health concerns. Acute toxicity tests on rats indicate high safety margins, with LD50 values (oral, rat) over 9000 mg/kg. Eye or skin exposure generally leads to mild irritation at most, but working with any chemical benefits from routine respect — gloves, and goggles, and a splash-proof apron cut down on unnecessary contact. DINA does not fall under major international hazardous chemical classifications for transportation or storage, but local regulations might call for routine inventory and reporting under “notifiable chemicals” in some jurisdictions. Environmentally, DINA resists easy breakdown in soil and water, so care around drains and open ground always matters. Some studies indicate low levels of bioaccumulation, but this material poses less risk to aquatic life than many legacy plasticizers and breaks down into simpler organic acids over longer time frames. I’ve found most users manage waste streams through incineration or specialized solvent disposal, meeting both safety and regulatory demands.
DINA’s real-world value shows in places demanding flexibility, low-temperature performance, and a clean safety record. It supports soft PVC compounds in flooring, wall coverings, cable insulation, and automotive interiors. Medical device makers use DINA for blood bags and tubes due to its status as a safer alternative to phthalates. In adhesives, DINA ensures flexible bonds while maintaining transparency. Some specialty inks and coatings rely on DINA’s resistance to heat and UV light. Anyone working in these fields sees a steady push away from toxic phthalates, and DINA meets many existing and emerging regulations, especially in regions like the European Union where product testing grows fiercer each year. Raw material buyers seek consistency, and DINA’s technical profile lets it fit into formulas with minimal change to established workflows.
DINA faces ongoing pressure from both regulators and markets to raise safety and reduce environmental impact further. Sustainability questions arise due to its slow biodegradability and long persistence when spilled or leaked in large quantity. Efforts focus on tighter supply chain monitoring and interest in producing DINA from bio-based, renewable nonanol, which could slash carbon footprints across the plastics industry. Transition to closed-system manufacturing and recycling for DINA-rich materials helps lessen environmental loading. Technologists and chemists keep searching for blends that maintain cold resistance but embrace even lower toxicity. Sharing best practices throughout supply chains — from chemical plants to end-users in product formulation labs — smooths this transition and protects both workers and surrounding communities.
