Dioctyl Terephthalate
The low-toxicity substitute plasticiser gaining share from DOP/DEHP — the same ester chemistry, built on the terephthalate (PX-derived) backbone instead.
Chelora Chemicals supplies dioctyl terephthalate to flexible-PVC compounders worldwide, including food-contact, toy and medical-grade applications.
Product identity
- CAS Number
- 6422-86-2
- IUPAC name
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate
- Molecular formula
- C₂₄H₃₈O₄
- Molecular weight
- 390.56 g/mol
- Boiling point
- > 380 °C
- Melting point
- -50 °C (typical)
- UN Number
- Not regulated
- HS Code
- 2917 39
Note: DOTP is the terephthalate isomer of DOP and is not classified as a phthalate under several regulatory frameworks, though terminology varies by jurisdiction — confirm classification with your regulatory affairs team.
What DOTP is used for
Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP), also known as DEHT, is a colourless, oily liquid with the same molecular formula as DOP but built on the terephthalic acid (1,4-isomer) backbone rather than the ortho-phthalic (1,2-isomer) backbone. It is produced by esterifying terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 2-ethylhexanol.
DOTP functions as a near drop-in substitute for DOP in flexible PVC compounding, offering comparable plasticising efficiency, processability and cost, while carrying a significantly more favourable toxicological profile and avoiding classification as a phthalate under several regulatory schemes. This has made it the leading substitute in toy, food-contact, medical-device and other sensitive flexible-PVC applications where DOP is restricted.
Where it sits in the petrochemical value chain
- Para-Xylene / Terephthalic Acid the feedstock chain, esterified into DOTP. See Para-Xylene.
- Dioctyl Terephthalate (this product) the low-toxicity plasticiser substitute for the applications below.
- Polyvinyl Chloride the dominant end use — flexible PVC compounds, including sensitive end uses. See that page.
Handling character
DOTP has a favourable toxicological profile and is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, making it suitable for sensitive applications where DOP is restricted. Full handling detail is in the Safety section below.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless oily liquid |
| Assay | 99.5% min (plasticiser grade) |
| Colour (APHA) | Within producer specification |
| Acidity | < 0.02 mg KOH/g (typical) |
Important: the figures above are indicative of commercial material and are offered for planning only. The batch certificate of analysis is the governing document.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless, oily, high-boiling liquid |
| Boiling point | > 380 °C |
| Melting point | -50 °C (typical) |
| Density | 0.984 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | Very low (practically insoluble) |
| Flash point | > 200 °C (combustible) |
Physical constants compiled from public reference data for CAS 6422-86-2 and rounded for readability. Treat them as orientation, not as a specification.
Where our customers put DOTP to work
The regulatory-favoured substitute plasticiser for toys, food-contact and medical-grade flexible PVC.
Toys & childcare articles
A leading substitute for DOP in flexible PVC toys and childcare articles, where phthalate restrictions apply.
- Toy-safety compliant grade
- Bulk & drum supply
- Technical desk review on request
Food-contact film & packaging
Used in flexible PVC film and packaging requiring food-contact compliance.
- Food-contact grade specification
- Documented batch traceability
- Contract & spot supply
Medical-grade PVC
Used in medical tubing, blood bags and other devices where a non-phthalate profile is preferred.
- Full analytical documentation available
- Retained sample held against the lot
Cable, film & flooring (general)
A general-purpose drop-in substitute for DOP across standard flexible PVC cable, film and flooring compounds.
- Documented batch traceability
- Technical desk review on request
Coated fabrics & consumer goods
Used in coated fabrics and consumer goods where a favourable toxicological profile is valued.
- Research & process-scale quantities
- Full documentation supplied
Contract & scheduled supply
Flexible-PVC compounders running continuous consumption are supported with scheduled bulk delivery.
- Annual contracts with scheduled call-off
- Price held across the contract period
- Second source held in reserve
How we supply Dioctyl Terephthalate
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and sourcing partner, not a manufacturer. DOTP's suitability for sensitive end uses (toys, food-contact, medical) depends on destination-specific compliance documentation — that shapes how we manage this line.
We place your order with whichever qualified producer best matches your required grade, your price point and your delivery window, and confirm your jurisdiction's compliance requirements before booking.
We keep a second qualified source on this line, so a single-plant disruption never becomes your production problem.
- Compliance documentation for sensitive end uses confirmed before we quote. Toy-safety, food-contact and medical-device uses each carry their own compliance requirements.
- Purity and colour grade confirmed before we quote. Consistency matters to downstream PVC compound clarity and performance.
- Scheduled call-off scheduling. We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
- Batch traceability to the producing plant. Full chain of custody documentation on request.
- Export machinery handled in-house. Classification, approved packing, labelling, freight booking and customs paperwork are ours to manage.
- Drop-in substitute guidance provided. We can advise on substituting DOTP for DOP in your existing formulation.
Packed the way your plant receives it
Drum, tote or bulk tank — tell us your preferred format and we will quote and classify to it.
200-210 litre drums
Steel drums for smaller-volume orders and trial quantities.
~1,000 litre totes
Returnable or one-way IBC totes sized for mid-volume converter orders.
Large-volume bulk shipment
ISO tank or flexi-tank bulk shipment for continuous-consumption PVC-compounding plants.
Incoterms to suit you
Quoted on the Incoterm your purchasing team works to, with documentation filed before booking.
Trial / sample quantities
Small packs dispatched for process trials before a commercial order is placed.
Contracted call-off supply
We hold contracted tonnage and release it against your consumption calendar.
Low toxicity profile — still confirm your compliance need
DOTP has a favourable acute and chronic toxicological profile and is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, which supports its use in sensitive applications. The summary below is orientation only — the safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch is the authoritative document.
Classified hazards
Not classified (reproductive)Not classified as a reproductive or developmental toxicant under current GHS assessment.Low acute toxicityLow acute oral and dermal toxicity under typical industrial handling.Combustible noteCombustible liquid; keep away from open flame and high-temperature ignition sources.
Favourable profile, standard precautions still apply. Use standard industrial liquid-handling precautions; always read the SDS issued with your specific batch and confirm toy-safety/food-contact/medical compliance documentation for sensitive end uses.
Storage
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry area away from strong oxidising agents; DOTP is a stable, low-volatility liquid under normal storage conditions.
Handling
Standard gloves and eye protection are sufficient for normal industrial handling.
Transport
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport. We confirm any destination-specific toy-safety, food-contact or medical-device compliance documentation your shipment requires.
Every batch, documented
We verify documentation before dispatch so there are no surprises at your incoming-goods bench.
Specification agreed
Assay, colour grade and acidity confirmed against your process requirement before order placement.
Producer batch testing
The producing plant tests each batch against the agreed specification before release.
Documentation review
COA, SDS and compliance paperwork checked by our desk before the shipment is booked.
Traceable dispatch
Each shipment is traceable to its producing batch, with full chain-of-custody records on request.
How DOTP is made
DOTP is produced industrially by the esterification of terephthalic acid (or dimethyl terephthalate) with 2-ethylhexanol, under acid or catalytic conditions analogous to DOP production but starting from the para-isomer (terephthalic) backbone instead of the ortho-isomer (phthalic) backbone. The product is purified by neutralisation, stripping and filtration.
We do not publish operating process parameters here; this is background only. Full technical documentation accompanies every shipment, and any process-specific detail you need is best confirmed directly with our technical desk.
| Chemical family | Terephthalate ester (plasticiser) |
|---|---|
| Functional groups | Diester of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid (para-isomer) |
| Reactivity | Stable under normal conditions; hydrolyses slowly under strong acid/base and heat |
| Related compounds | Para-Xylene / PTA (feedstock chain), Dioctyl Phthalate (ortho-isomer analogue) |
Explore the wider petrochemical range
Dioctyl Terephthalate, answered
What is Dioctyl Terephthalate used for?
How is Dioctyl Terephthalate made?
Is Dioctyl Terephthalate hazardous?
What grade do you supply?
What packing do you offer?
Do you manufacture this yourself?
Get a quote on Dioctyl Terephthalate today
Send us your required grade, pack size and delivery window. We will come back with a firm quote, lead time and full documentation.