Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP/DEHP) Plasticizer

What Is Dioctyl Phthalate (DOP)?

Dioctyl Phthalate, commonly abbreviated as DOP, is the traditional market name for Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate or DEHP, CAS 117-81-7.

It is a colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid primarily used as a plasticizer in permitted industrial PVC formulations. DOP increases flexibility, supports processing and helps reduce the hardness of otherwise rigid polymer materials.

This page uses “DOP” to mean DEHP, CAS 117-81-7. Buyers should always confirm the CAS number because the name Dioctyl Phthalate can be ambiguous.

DOP Product Information

Does DOP Mean DEHP, DNOP or DOTP?

DOP is used inconsistently in international trade. The CAS number must be included in every specification, quotation, SDS and purchase order.

DOTP is not another name for DOP. It has a different molecular structure, regulatory profile and CAS number.

How Does DOP Plasticize PVC?

DOP molecules position themselves between PVC polymer chains and increase molecular mobility. This lowers material stiffness and helps produce a softer, more flexible compound.

The final performance depends on the DOP loading, PVC resin type, fillers, stabilizers, processing conditions and other additives.

Because DOP is not chemically bonded to PVC, migration, extraction and volatility should be evaluated for the intended service conditions.

Which DOP Specifications Should Buyers Compare?

A quotation should identify the test method and guaranteed limits rather than using only terms such as “high purity” or “premium grade.”

Where Is DOP Used?

Where regulations and customer specifications permit, DOP may be evaluated in:

• Flexible PVC compounds

• Industrial cable and wire insulation

• PVC sheets and films

• Synthetic leather

• Industrial hoses

• Flooring and coated fabrics

• Plastisol formulations

• Adhesives, sealants and selected coatings

• Rubber and polymer-processing formulations

Suitability must be reviewed for each destination market and finished product. DOP should not automatically be promoted for toys, childcare products, food-contact materials, medical products or other restricted uses.

What Regulatory Checks Are Required?

DEHP is subject to significant restrictions in multiple markets.

In the European Union, DEHP is listed as a Substance of Very High Concern and is covered by REACH restrictions. EU RoHS restricts DEHP to 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials within its scope, subject to applicable exemptions.

In the United States, children’s toys and childcare articles containing more than 0.1% DEHP in accessible component parts are prohibited.

Before ordering DOP, confirm:

1. Destination country

2. Finished-product category

3. REACH and SVHC requirements

4. RoHS requirements

5. Customer restricted-substance list

6. Required declarations and analytical reports

7. Whether a non-phthalate or alternative plasticizer is required

A supplier declaration alone does not determine whether the finished product complies with local regulations.

DOP or an Alternative Plasticizer?

The appropriate plasticizer depends on regulatory requirements and performance targets.

Possible alternatives include DOTP, DINP, DPHP, TOTM and other non-phthalate plasticizers. They are not direct one-to-one replacements in every formulation.

Before changing plasticizers, compare:

• Plasticizing efficiency

• Low-temperature flexibility

• Volatility

• Migration and extraction resistance

• Electrical properties

• Plastisol viscosity

• Processing temperature

• Regulatory acceptance

• Total formulation cost

Laboratory compounding and finished-product testing should be completed before commercial replacement.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

DOP may be supplied in drums, IBCs, flexitanks or bulk tankers, depending on quantity and destination.

Store the product in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool and ventilated area. Protect it from contamination, strong oxidizing agents and uncontrolled discharge to the environment.

Use suitable gloves, protective clothing and eye protection. Prevent releases to drains, soil and waterways. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.

Why Source DOP from AOZUN?

AOZUN can support industrial buyers with:

• Specification and grade matching

• COA, SDS and technical-document support

• Sample evaluation

• Drum, IBC, flexitank or bulk-shipment coordination

• Destination-market document review

• Pre-shipment quality verification

• Alternative plasticizer sourcing when required

Availability, regulatory documentation and guaranteed specifications should be confirmed for each order.

Dioctyl Phthalate FAQ

Is DOP the same as DEHP?

In most plasticizer markets, DOP refers to DEHP with CAS 117-81-7. The CAS number should always be confirmed because “dioctyl phthalate” can also be interpreted as DNOP.

Is DOP the same as DOTP?

No. DOP/DEHP is an ortho-phthalate, while DOTP is a terephthalate plasticizer with CAS 6422-86-2.

Is DOP an organic or inorganic chemical?

DOP is an organic ester. It is classified as a phthalate plasticizer and polymer additive.

Can DOP be used in toys or childcare products?

DEHP is restricted in toys and childcare products in major markets. The applicable regulations must be checked before any use or sale.

Can DOTP replace DOP directly?

Not automatically. The two products have different processing, migration and regulatory characteristics. A formulation trial is required.

Request a DOP Quotation

Contact AOZUN with the required CAS number, specification, application, packaging, order quantity, destination and regulatory-document requirements.

We can help verify the correct DOP/DEHP product and prepare a quotation for permitted industrial applications.