Preparation and Use of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Preparation

It is produced by the esterification reaction of phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol at high temperature with a catalyst:

C6H4(CO)2O + 2 C8H17OH → C6H4(CO2 C8H17)2 + H2O

Global production is approximately 300 million kilograms annually.

Uses

Due to its excellent physical properties and low cost, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used as a plasticizer in PVC plastics. The DEHP content in PVC ranges from 1% to 40%. DEHP is also used as a solvent in hydraulic fluids, capacitors, and glow sticks.