What Is Diisobutyl Adipate

Diisobutyl adipate (CAS 141-04-8) is an aliphatic compound with the molecular formula C₁₄H₂₆O₄. It is a colourless to nearly colourless transparent liquid with a freezing point of −22°C, a boiling point of 293°C (at atmospheric pressure), a density of approximately 1.0 g/cm³, and a refractive index of 1.4301 (at 20°C). It is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. Under the action of acids or bases, it can undergo hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and amination reactions. It is chemically stable at room temperature and standard atmospheric pressure. It is primarily used as a plasticiser and solvent for cellulose and vinyl resins and is blended with other esters as a film-forming aid in water-based architectural coatings. It is irritating to the skin and eyes.

What Are the Key Characteristics of Diisobutyl Adipate? 

Diisobutyl adipate (DIBA) is a low-toxicity, highly soluble aliphatic dicarboxylate ester characterised by excellent cold-weather plasticizing properties, good solvent compatibility, and moderate volatility. It is primarily used as a plasticiser for plastics and a film-forming aid for coatings.

1. Excellent Cold Resistance

Diisobutyl adipate imparts excellent low-temperature flexibility and ductility to the polymer, offering outstanding cold resistance, moderate volatility, and good transparency.

2. Low Volatility, Low Migration, and High Stability

Stable under normal temperature and pressure; may undergo hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and other reactions when exposed to strong acids or strong bases.‌‌

3. Excellent Compatibility

A colourless to nearly colourless transparent liquid, odourless or with a faint ester-like odour; insoluble in water but readily soluble in most organic solvents.

What Are the Properties of Diisobutyl Adipate?

Safety Information

What Is Diisobutyl Adipate Used For?

‌Plastics Industry‌

Diisobutyl adipate is used as a primary or secondary plasticiser to improve the cold resistance and flexibility of products such as PVC and polyolefins.

‌Coatings and Inks‌

Diisobutyl adipate is used as a film-forming aid and solvent to improve flow, dispersion, and anti-blocking properties.

‌Other Applications‌

Diisobutyl adipate is used in small quantities as a solvent or carrier in adhesives, synthetic lubricants, and fragrance formulations.‌‌