Molecule of the Month March 2019

Molecule of the Month

Date:               March 2019

Subject:          Non-Phthalate Plasticizer DOCH

Plasticizers are additives that increase the plasticity of a material. The vast majority are used in plastics, PVC especially, making the material flexible and durable. They are also used in concrete, clays and related products. Of the various types of plasticizers used globally, over two-thirds are phthalates (based on 2014 data).

A small number of phthalate plasticizers have been the subject of serious criticism as they have been potentially linked to developmental disturbances in children. This criticism has spread broadly to the whole class of phthalate plasticizers. There has been a move away from these compounds as a result.

Formerly one of the most common plasticizers, di-octyl phthalate (DOP), used in flooring materials, carpets, notebook covers and high explosives, can be converted to a non-phthalate form through catalytic hydrogenation. This produces di-octyl cyclohexanoate (DOCH). This process, developed by Buss ChemTech, results in very high product yields (>99.5%-wt) with minimal impurities.

To learn more about our technology to produce DOCH, contact Thomas Blocher, Business Manager Reaction Technology at +41 61 825 6317 or by liam-e

External Input/sources for this Article: Nexant PERP Report, Wikipedia Article Plasticizer