Diisobutyl phthalate
Diisobutyl phthalate is prepared by esterification process of isobutanol and phthalic anhydride. Its structural formula is C6H42.
DIBP is an odorless plasticizer and has excellent heat and light stability. It is the lowest cost plasticizer for cellulose nitrate. DIBP has lower density and freezing point than the related compound dibutyl phthalate. Otherwise, it has similar properties DBP and can often be used as a substitute for it. Its refractive index is 1.488–1.492.Health issues
The concentration of a metabolite of DIBP, monoisobutyl phthalate, has been steadily increasing in the urine of Americans over the period 1999–2008.
Products in Taiwan made by Hebo Natural Products Limited of China contained ginger contaminated with DIBP; 80,000 nutritional supplement capsules made with imported ginger powder were seized by the Public Health Department of Taiwan in June 2011. In addition, soybean extract and olive leaf extract, both in powder form, were contaminated with DIBP and DBP.
