Dimethyl Phthalate

Synonyms:  Avolin; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; benzenedicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; dimethyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; dimethyl benzene-o-dicarboxylate; dimethyl benzeneorthodicarboxylate; dimethyl o-phthalate; o-dimethyl phthalate; DMP; Eastman DMP; Fermine; Kodaflex DMP; methyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate; Mipax; Palatinol M; phthalic acid dimethyl ester; phthalic acid methyl ester; Repeftal; Solvanom; Solvarone; Unimoll DM.

Description:  Dimethyl phthalate occurs as a colorless, or faintly colored, odorless, viscous, oily liquid.

Chemical Name: 1,2-Benzene-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester

Film-forming agent; plasticizer; solvent.

• Dimethyl phthalate is used in pharmaceutical applications as a solvent and plasticizer for film-coatings such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate–butyrate mixtures

• In addition to a number of industrial applications, dimethyl phthalate is also widely used as an insect repellent with topical preparations typically applied as a 40% cream or lotion; it has also been applied as a tent fabric treatment.

Dimethyl phthalate is incompatible with strong acids or bases, nitrates, and strong oxidizing agents. As with other phthalates, contact with plastics should be avoided.

In pharmaceutical applications, dimethyl phthalate is used in film coating and as a topically applied insect repellent. Acute exposure to the eyes and mucous membranes can cause irritation, although dimethyl phthalate is considered less irritant than diethyl phthalate. Inhalation of dimethyl phthalate can cause irritation of the respiratory tract; oral ingestion can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Owing to the low water solubility and relatively high lipid solubility, dimethyl phthalate may accumulate in body tissues after chronic exposure, which may cause central nervous system depression.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Skin and eye contact should be avoided; eye goggles or a full face shield should be worn where splashing may occur. Respirators should be used if the compound is heated to decomposition

Dibutyl phthalate; diethyl phthalate.