Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP/DEHT) CAS 6422-86-2

What Is Dioctyl Terephthalate?

Dioctyl terephthalate, commonly abbreviated as DOTP, is a general-purpose plasticizer used primarily in flexible PVC and related polymer applications.

The more precise chemical name is bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate. It is also known as di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate or DEHT.

DOTP normally appears as a clear, colorless, oily liquid. It provides polymer flexibility, processing performance, low-temperature properties and relatively low volatility.

DOTP Identification and Typical Properties

These values are general reference information. Final requirements must be confirmed against the agreed product specification and batch Certificate of Analysis.

Is DOTP Organic or Inorganic?

DOTP is an organic compound. It is an ester produced from terephthalic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Commercially, DOTP is classified as a fine chemical, polymer additive or plasticizer. It is normally used as a finished functional additive rather than as a chemical intermediate.

If only one website category can be selected, “Plasticizers” or “Fine Chemicals” is more appropriate than “Intermediates.”

Are DOTP and DEHT the Same Product?

Yes. DOTP and DEHT are commonly used abbreviations for CAS No. 6422-86-2.

DOTP means dioctyl terephthalate, while DEHT means di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate. DEHT describes the alcohol-derived side chains more precisely.

Buyers should confirm the CAS number because the abbreviation “DOP” may refer to a different chemical.

DOTP vs. DOP, DEHP and DINP

DOTP must not be confused with DEHP merely because both products may be described informally as “dioctyl” plasticizers.

Is DOTP Phthalate-Free?

DOTP is a terephthalate ester, not an ortho-phthalate ester such as DEHP, DBP or DINP. It is therefore frequently marketed as a non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer or phthalate alternative.

However, the word “phthalate-free” can have different legal or customer-specific meanings. Suppliers should not make a blanket compliance claim without confirming:

• Applicable country or region

• Restricted-substance list

• Customer specification

• Test method

• Intended finished-product application

• Required declaration or third-party report

“Non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer” is generally the more chemically precise description.

How Does DOTP Plasticize PVC?

DOTP molecules position themselves between PVC polymer chains and reduce intermolecular attraction. This increases chain mobility and helps produce a softer, more flexible material.

DOTP can influence:

• Hardness

• Tensile and elongation properties

• Low-temperature flexibility

• Plastisol viscosity

• Processing temperature

• Volatility

• Migration and extraction resistance

• Electrical insulation performance

Performance depends on dosage, PVC resin type, fillers, stabilizers and other formulation components. Laboratory formulation testing should be completed before commercial use.

What Is DOTP Used For?

Flexible PVC Compounds

DOTP is used in general-purpose flexible PVC formulations requiring balanced processing and mechanical properties.

Wire and Cable

Low volatility and electrical-performance requirements make DOTP suitable for selected cable insulation and sheathing formulations.

Flooring and Wall Coverings

DOTP is used in flexible flooring, vinyl tiles, wall coverings and related construction materials.

Films and Sheets

It can be incorporated into flexible PVC film, sheet and coated-fabric formulations.

Hoses, Gaskets and Seals

DOTP is used in selected hoses, seals, gaskets and flexible profiles where durability and flexibility are required.

Artificial Leather

DOTP can be used in PVC-based synthetic leather, coated fabric and upholstery applications.

Plastisols

DOTP may provide suitable initial viscosity and viscosity stability in selected PVC plastisol systems.

Adhesives, Coatings and Elastomers

Application-specific grades may be evaluated in adhesives, sealants, coatings, rubber and elastomeric compounds.

Medical, food-contact, toy or childcare applications require an appropriate grade and application-specific compliance documentation. Industrial-grade DOTP should not automatically be presented as suitable for regulated uses.

Which DOTP Grade Should Buyers Select?

A formulation trial is recommended before changing from DOP, DINP or another plasticizer to DOTP.

Which DOTP Quality Specifications Should Buyers Compare?

DOTP buyers should compare more than ester content. Color, acidity, water, free alcohol, volatility and electrical performance can affect processing and finished-product quality.

Commercial high-purity DOTP grades commonly specify approximately 99.5–99.6% minimum ester content, low APHA color, low acid value and controlled water. These are market references, not guaranteed AOZUN specifications unless confirmed in the quotation and contract.

Which Performance Tests Should Be Completed in PVC?

Chemical purity does not automatically predict performance in every formulation. Buyers should evaluate DOTP in the intended PVC compound.

Recommended comparisons may include:

• Shore hardness

• Tensile strength and elongation

• Low-temperature bend or brittleness

• Oven aging

• Mass loss after heating

• Oil, water and detergent extraction

• Migration into adjacent materials

• Plastisol viscosity

• Gelation and fusion behavior

• Volume resistivity

• Color stability

When replacing another plasticizer, compare formulations at equivalent hardness or equivalent performance rather than assuming a universal one-to-one substitution.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

DOTP should be supplied in clean, tightly sealed and chemically compatible packaging. Drum, IBC or bulk supply options should be confirmed during quotation.

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep containers closed and protect the product from moisture, contamination, excessive heat and incompatible materials.

Use appropriate gloves, eye protection and spill-control procedures. Handling and storage must follow the current Safety Data Sheet and local regulations.

Which Documents Should a DOTP Supplier Provide?

Depending on the application and destination market, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Product specification

• Country-of-origin statement

• Packaging information

• REACH or inventory status

• RoHS or restricted-substance declaration

• Phthalate or ortho-phthalate test report

• Heavy-metal report

• PAH report

• Food-contact, toy or medical declaration where applicable

Documents should be matched to the exact grade, production source and batch where required.

Why Source DOTP from AOZUN?

AOZUN can assist customers with DOTP specification matching, sample evaluation, packaging selection and commercial order coordination.

For an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Intended polymer and application

• Required ester content

• Maximum color, acidity and water

• Electrical or volatility requirements

• Regulatory and testing requirements

• Required quantity

• Packaging preference

• Destination country

Final specifications, packaging, availability and documentation are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial order.

DOTP FAQ

Is DOTP the Same as DOP?

No. DOTP is bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate, CAS No. 6422-86-2. DOP commonly refers to DEHP, CAS No. 117-81-7, although naming can vary between markets.

Is DOTP the Same as DEHT?

Yes. DOTP and DEHT are commonly used names for the same substance with CAS No. 6422-86-2.

Can DOTP Replace DOP or DINP?

DOTP may be evaluated as an alternative, but processing, hardness, volatility, migration and electrical performance should be confirmed through formulation testing.

Is DOTP Suitable for Wire and Cable?

DOTP is used in selected wire and cable formulations. Buyers should compare volume resistivity, heating loss, low-temperature flexibility and aging performance.

Is DOTP Safe for Food-Contact or Medical Applications?

Only a suitable grade supported by the required application-specific regulations and supplier documentation should be used. General industrial DOTP should not automatically be assumed compliant.

Is DOTP a Fine Chemical or an Intermediate?

DOTP is an organic fine chemical used as a functional plasticizer and polymer additive. It is generally not classified as a chemical intermediate.

Request a DOTP Quotation

Contact AOZUN for Dioctyl Terephthalate, CAS No. 6422-86-2. Include your PVC application, target specification, quantity, packaging and compliance requirements so that the appropriate product can be evaluated.