Dimethyl phthalate

PROPERTIES

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is a clear, colorless to light yellow, oily liquid with a slight sweet odor. It is slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (e.g. methanol, diethyl ether). Stable under ordinary conditions. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids or bases, nitrates. Sensitive to prolonged exposure to light.

APPLICATIONS

PHARMACY/MEDICINE

Dimethyl phthalate is an antiparasitic drug (ectoparasiticide),  used in the treatment of ectoparasitic infestations such as nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, infectious protozoa, and amoebas. It can be applied for treatment of rickettsial infections, as a miticidal agent.

AGROCHEMICALS

DMP has an application as insect (for fleas, chiggers and flies on horses and cows) and mosquito repellents in some topical formulations such as creams, aerosols and lotions, and in pesticides.

VETERINARY

Used in veterinary medecines as a plasticizer in film coating, at levels of 0.1% or below.

COSMETICS

Dimethyl phthalate has an application as a plasticizer, solvent and fragrance ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetic product types. It can be found in some hair care products, including aerosol fixatives and other cosmetics preparations such as bath, eye shadows, wave sets, nail polish, nail polish remover, nail extenders, after-shave lotions, and skin care preparations.

PLASTIC INDUSTRY

Dimethyl phthalate plasticizers polyvinyl acetate and rubber. It is used as a plasticizer in cellulose ester plastics, such as photographic films and sheets, blister packaging and tape applications.

DMP imparts flexibility and impacts strength of plastics. It makes plastics more flexible in products such as toothbrushes, automobile parts, tool handles, toys and food packaging. It is applied as an additive in polysulfide rubber to reduce shear strength.

RESINS

Dissolves many natural resins, glyceryl-phthalate resin and may be used with coumarone resins.

Other uses:

-        Solvent in formulations of organic peroxide, in nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate in varnishes/lacquers,

-        Dye carrier in colour base pigment industry,

-        Camphor substitute,

-        Manufacturing of celluloid,

-        carrier for catalysts,

-        additional uses in textiles, glass industry.