Dioctyl Phthalate

Dioctyl Phthalate abbreviated as DOP is a general-purpose plasticizer. It is mainly used for improving the softness and pliability of PVC. DOP is essentially the phthalate ester of 2-Ethyl Hexanol. First, esterification is performed between Phthalic Anhydride and 2-Ethyl Hexanol. This esterification reaction occurs in two steps. In the first step, alcoholysis of Phthalic Acid takes place which results in the production of monoesters. In the second reaction step, monoester is converted into di-ester. To accelerate the reaction, temperature elevation and introduction of a catalyst takes place. Excess alcohol produced in the reaction is recovered and recycled. Finally, the DOP produced is purified through vacuum distillation andor by using activated charcoal. The entire reaction sequence occurs within a closed system.