Diethylphthalat

Phthalate

Semi-Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC)

Cosmetics ingredient -> Fragrance; Other (Specify); Solvent

Cosmetic ingredients (Diethyl Phthalate) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)

Solvent; Hair conditioning; Denaturant; Film forming; Plasticiser

log Kow = 2.47

2.47

2.47

Practically odorless

Odorless

Very slight, aromatic odor.

1.12 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.120 at 25 °C/25 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.1

1.12

1.232 @ 14°C

1.12

Colorless oily liquid

Colorless to water-white, oily liquid.

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 96.7% (1710 of 1769) of all reports.

Not Classified

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1769 reports by companies from 21 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Not Classified

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

P273, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-diethyl ester

Hazard Traits - Developmental Toxicity; Endocrine Toxicity; Immunotoxicity; Other Toxicological Hazard Traits; Reproductive Toxicity; Respiratory Toxicity

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-diethyl ester is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-diethyl ester are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 18-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14869

Diethyl phthalate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors of unburned chemical may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)

Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

Diethyl phthalate is a colorless liquid that has a bitter, disagreeable taste. This synthetic substance is commonly used to make plastics more flexible. Products in which it is found include toothbrushes, automobile parts, tools, toys, and food packaging. Diethyl phthalate can be released fairly easily from these products, as it is not part of the chain of chemicals (polymers) that makes up the plastic. Diethyl phthalate is also used in cosmetics, insecticides, and aspirin.

The heated compound is an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract; [ACGIH] Allergic contact dermatitis reported; [Kanerva, p. 1782] In high-dose reproductive studies of rats and mice, DEHP and other phthalates cause testicular damage to males and increased fetal losses and malformations to pregnant females. [Frazier, p. 350-2] Low toxicity both acute and chronic, but could cause CNS depression if large dose absorbed; [HSDB]

Substances classified as plasticizers when migrating from food-packaging material includes diethyl phthalate.

Diethyl phthalate is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.

PIERCE RC ET AL; PHTHALATE ESTERS IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT; NATL RES COUNC CAN ASSOC COMM SCI CRITER ENVIRON QUAL PUBL 0(17583) 1-100 (1980). THE PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, ANALYTICAL DETERMINATION & ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS OF PHTHALATE ESTERS (INDUSTRIAL PLASTICIZERS) ARE REVIEWED. ARTICLE INCLUDES DIETHYL PHTHALATE.

Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters in the Aquatic Environment (1980) NRCC No. 17583

USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate Esters (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067

Health & Welfare Canada; Phthalic Acid Esters (1980) Report # 80-EDH-62

For more Special Reports (Complete) data for DIETHYL PHTHALATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

U088; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when diethyl phthalate, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester is included on this list. Effective date 10/04/82; Sunset date 10/04/92.

DIETHYL PHTHALATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. Can generate electrostatic charges. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 250].

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

(General first aid procedures)

Poisonous gases are produced in fire. ... Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions.

Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback.

To fight fire, use water spray, mist, foam.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam extinguishers. Water or foam may cause frothing.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

Water or foam may cause frothing.

Storage temp: ambient; venting: open.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and oxidizing agents (such as permanganates, nitrates, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, and peroxides). Metal containers involoving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparkling tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Whenever this chemical is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

Environmental considerations-land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./

Environmental considerations-water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

Environmental considerations-air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.

[40 CFR 240-280, 300-306, 702-799 (7/1/2006)] Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U088, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Good candidate for liquid injection incineration, with a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. Good candidate for rotary kiln incineration, with a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of seconds. Also a good candidate for fluidized bed incineration, with a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and a residence time of seconds.

Atomize into an incinerator; combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Recommendable methods: Incineration, landfill & use as boiler fuel. Peer-review: Adsorb on vermiculite or similar adsorbent and landfill. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

1. A gas-pipe the gas into the incinerator or lower into a pit and allow it to burn away. 2. A liquid-atomize into an incinerator. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent. 3. A solid-make up packages in paper or other flammable material. Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and sprayed into the fire chamber.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard.

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Diethyl phthalate was detected in the expired breath from 2 of 12 residents in Bayonne, NJ(1). Diethyl phthalate was measured in expired air samples of pregnant New York women at 1.5-7.1 ug/cu m in samples taken Mar to Sept 2000 and in pregnant Krakow, Poland women at 0.26-2.9 ug/cu m in samples taken Nov 2000 to Mar 2001(3). Diethyl phthalate was identified, not quantified in the adipose tissue of persons in the US(4).

Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Hepatic (Liver), Reproductive (Producing Children)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, reproductive system

Phthalate esters are endocrine disruptors. Animal studies have shown that they disrupt reproductive development and can cause a number of malformations in affected young, such as reduced anogenital distance (AGD), cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and reduced fertility. The combination of effects associated with phthalates is called 'phthalate syndrome’. (A2883)

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill, young of year, weight 0.32-1.2 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 21-23 °C, pH 6.5-7.9, hardness 32-48 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 28-34 mg/L CaCO3, conductivity 93-190 umhos/cm, dissolved oxygen 0.3-9.7 mg/L; Concentration: 120000 ug/L for 24 hr /> or = 80% purity/

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill, young of year, weight 0.32-1.2 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 21-23 °C, pH 6.5-7.9, hardness 32-48 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 28-34 mg/L CaCO3, conductivity 93-190 umhos/cm, dissolved oxygen 0.3-9.7 mg/L; Concentration: 110000 ug/L for 96 hr /> or = 80% purity/

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill, juvenile, length 29-40 mm); Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 7.6-7.9, hardness 25-50 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 25-50 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 16700 ug/L for 96 hr /> or = 95% purity/

LC50; Species: Cyprinodon variegatus (Sheepshead minnow, juvenile age 14-28 days posthatch, length 8-15 mm); Conditions: saltwater, static, 25-31 °C, salinity 10-31 ppt; Concentration: >69000 ug/L for 24 hr /> or =80% purity/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for DIETHYL PHTHALATE (35 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 69-1,726(2-4), indicate that diethyl phthalate is expected to have high to low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethyl phthalate from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(5) given a Henry's Law constant of 6.1X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.1X10-3 mm Hg(6), and water solubility, 1,080 mg/L(7). Diethyl phthalate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(6). Diethyl phthalate had an aerobic soil half-life of 1.83 days agitated in aqueous suspension(8) and an anaerobic half-life of about 5 days(9).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 69-1,726(2-4), indicate that diethyl phthalate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(5) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 6.1X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.1X10-3 mm Hg(6), and water solubility, 1,080 mg/L(7). According to a classification scheme(8), a BCF of 117 measured in bluegill sunfish(9), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). However, bioconcentration studies on compounds which are structurally similar suggest that bioconcentration may be lower than that indicated by the regression-derived equations due to the ability of aquatic organisms to readily metabolize this class of compounds(12). Diethyl phthalate is expected to hydrolyze slowly in the environment with an estimated half-life of 110 days at pH 8(10). Diethyl phthalate is expected to biodegrade in aquatic environments with estimated half-lives of about 3 and 28 days for aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively(11).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethyl phthalate, which has a vapor pressure of 2.1X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist solely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl phthalate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4.6 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.5X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Diethyl phthalate does contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC)

Reproductive Toxin - A chemical that is toxic to the reproductive system, including defects in the progeny and injury to male or female reproductive function. Reproductive toxicity includes developmental effects. See Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L1903) ; inhalation (L1903) ; dermal (L1903)

Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org

Phthalate esters are endocrine disruptors. They decrease foetal testis testosterone production and reduce the expression of steroidogenic genes by decreasing mRNA expression. Some phthalates have also been shown to reduce the expression of insulin-like peptide 3 (insl3), an important hormone secreted by the Leydig cell necessary for development of the gubernacular ligament. Animal studies have shown that these effects disrupt reproductive development and can cause a number of malformations in affected young. (A2883)

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ A previous in vitro study has indicated that four phthalate esters (PAEs) could damage hemocytes and decreases the cellular immunity of prawns ... . The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of four PAEs, diethyl phthalate (DEP), dihexyl phthalate (DHP), dipropyl phthalate (DPrP) and diphenyl phthalate (DPP) on the defense system of the giant freshwater prawn, M. rosenbergii. PAE dissolved in corn oil was continuously fed to prawns for 8 days and five immune parameters (total hemocyte count, THC; ratio of granulocytes to hyalinocytes, G/H; intrahemocytic total phenoloxidase activity, PO(T); intracellular superoxide anion (O2-) production; transglutaminase (TGase) activity) were separately detected on days 1, 4 and 8. In addition, mortality was determined on days 4 and 8 after challenging the prawns with Lactobacillus garvieae. In comparison with untreated prawns, the results showed that DHP demonstrated the lowest toxicity in that it only influenced the PO activity and O2- production before 4 days after treatment and caused 6.6% mortality on day 8. DEP decreased G/H, PO(T) and TGase activity on day 1 and reduced THC, G/H and PO(T) and caused 16.6% mortality on day 4; however, on day 8, it increased O2- production and caused no mortality. In the DPrP-treated group, a reduction of all the immune reactions apart from TGase activity and 22.2% mortality were detected on day 4. As for the effect of DPP, results showed that it decreased all the immune parameters apart from THC on days 1 and 4, but caused no mortality on day 4; but on day 8, an increase of O2- production and 17.7% mortality were detected. These results indicated that the immune reactions of prawns were variable due to the different toxic effects of PAEs. In addition, it was found that, on day 8 after treatment, the three PAEs, DHP, DPrP and DPP increased O2- production and did not influence the other four reactions, but mortality was detected in these groups.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Tests were performed with the freshwater invertebrates Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Lumbriculus variegatus to determine the acute toxicity of six phthalate esters, including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). It was possible to derive 10-d LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% of the population) values only for the four lower molecular weight esters (DMP, DEP, DBP, and BBP), for which toxicity increased with increasing octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and decreasing water solubility. The LC50 values for DMP, DEP, DBP, and BBP were 28.1, 4.21, 0.63, and 0.46 mg/L for H. azteca; 68.2, 31.0, 2.64, and > 1.76 mg/L for C. tentans; and 246, 102, 2.48, and 1.23 mg/L for L. variegatus, respectively. No significant survival reductions were observed when the three species were exposed to either DHP or DEHP at concentrations approximating their water solubilities.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Seven phthalate esters were evaluated for their 10-d toxicity to the freshwater invertebrates Hyalella azteca and Chironomus tentans in sediment. The esters were diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and a commercial mixture of C7, C9, and C11 isophthalate esters (711P). All seven esters were tested in a sediment containing 4.80% total organic carbon (TOC), and DBP alone was tested in two additional sediments with 2.45 and 14.1% TOC. Sediment spiking concentrations for DEP and DBP were based on LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% of the population) values from water-only toxicity tests, sediment organic carbon concentration, and equilibrium partitioning (EqP) theory. The five higher molecular weight phthalate esters (DHP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP, 711P), two of which were tested and found to be nontoxic in water-only tests (i.e., DHP and DEHP), were tested at single concentrations between 2,100 and 3,200 mg/kg dry weight. Preliminary spiking studies were performed to assess phthalate ester stability under test conditions. The five higher molecular weight phthalate esters in sediment had no effect on survival or growth of either C. tentans or H. azteca, consistent with predictions based on water-only tests and EqP theory. The 10-d LC50 values for DBP and H. azteca were >17,400, >29,500, and >71,900 mg/kg dry weight for the low, medium, and high TOC sediments, respectively. These values are more than 30x greater than predicted by EqP theory and may reflect the fact that H. azteca is an epibenthic species and not an obligative burrower. The 10-d LC50 values for DBP and C. tentans were 826, 1,664, and 4.730 mg/kg dry weight for the low, medium, and high TOC sediments, respectively. These values are within a factor of two of the values predicted by EqP theory. Pore-water 10-d LC50 values for DBP (dissolved fraction) and C. tentans in the three sediments were 0.65, 0.89, and 0.66 of the water-only LC50 value of 2.64 mg/L, thereby agreeing with EqP theory predictions to within a factor of 1.5. The LC50 value for DEP and C. tentans was >3,100 mg/kg dry weight, which is approximately 10x that predicted by EqP theory.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... A study was designed to determine the toxic effects of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on a freshwater fish, Cirrhina mrigala. The fish was treated with 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm (w/v) DEP dissolved in acetone to determine the LC50. Positive controls were treated with acetone only. There was 100% mortality observed within 24 h in 75 and 100 ppm, and 50% mortality in 50 ppm treated fish in 72 h. Those treated at 25 ppm showed only 10% mortality within 72 h and remaining fish continued to survive. The surviving fish were treated with 25 ppm DEP once daily for 3 days with every change of water (Group III). One group was maintained as negative control in dechlorinated water (Group I) and the other group received acetone once daily for 3 days with every change of water and was used as positive control (Group II). Fish were killed by cold narcosis on an ice block and dissected to obtain liver, muscle, and brain samples; 10% homogenates in ice-cold saline were prepared. Brain and muscle acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity was measured. Liver aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and liver and muscle succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) alkaline and acid phosphate (ALP and ACP) were measured. There was a significant increase in liver and muscle ACP and ALP in DEP-treated fish compared with positive and negative controls. There was a significant increase in muscle SDH and liver ALT (ALT) in DEP-treated fish compared with positive and negative controls. Brain AchE level was significantly decreased in DEP-treated fish compared to positive and negative controls.

For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for DIETHYL PHTHALATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Diethyl phthalate was found in aquatic organisms June to Sept 1999 from False Harbor, Vancouver, British Columbia; green algae (Enteromorpha intestinalis) 2.29 ng/g lipid and brown algae (Nereocysitis luetkeana, Fucus gardneri) 1.73 ng/g lipid(1).

Substances classified as plasticizers when migrating from food-packaging material includes diethyl phthalate.

Diethyl phthalate is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.

U088; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when diethyl phthalate, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester is included on this list. Effective date 10/04/82; Sunset date 10/04/92.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

For the protection of human health from the toxic properties of diethyl phthalate ingested through water and contaminated organisms, the ambient water criterion is determined to be 350 mg/l. For the protection of human health from the toxic properties of diethyl phthalate ingested through contaminated aquatic organisms alone, the ambient water criterion is determined to be 1.8 g/l.

(FL) FLORIDA 5,600 ug/l

(MN) MINNESOTA 6000 ug/l

(ME) MAINE 5,000 ug/l

(14)C-Carboxy-labelled diethyl phthalate (2850 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to a group of 13 pregnant rats on either day 5 or day 10 of gestation. ... The half-life was calculated to be 2.22 days for diethyl phthalate.

In fish, the half-life may be as short as 1.5 hr, yielding 99% clearance in 24 hr. /Phthalate esters/

Diethyl phthalate (10 or 100 mg) was administered to each of three Wistar rats by stomach intubation. Daily urine collections were analyzed for 10 days by GC-MS. For both doses, 77-78% of the administered dose was excreted in urine within 24 hr as monoester derivative (67-70% of the dose), phthalic acid (8-9% of the dose), or parent compound (0.1-0.4%), and about 85-93% was excreted within 1 week after administration.

Using in vitro preparations of rat, baboon, and human tissues, /investigators/ demonstrated that DEP was hydrolyzed to the monoester. Further hydrolysis of the monoester and its conjugation with glucuronic acid are consistent with the biotransformation pathways for related phthalates.

The first step of metabolism involves hydrolysis to a monoester derivative. This was seen in the in vitro metabolism of (14)C-diethyl phthalate (5-mmol/L solution) by hepatic and small intestine preparations from a rodent (rat), a nonrodent (ferret), and a nonhuman primate (baboon). Hepatic postmitochondrial supematant and intestinal preparations from the rat, baboon, and ferret were able to catalyze the hydrolysis of diethyl phthalate to its monoester derivative. Enzyme activity was expressed as micromoles of product formed per hour per gram of liver (umol/hour/g) or per milligram of intestinal mucosal cell protein (umol/hour/mg). Quantitative species differences were observed in the hepatic and intestinal studies. In the hepatic studies, diethyl phthalate hydrolase activity decreased in the following order: baboon (516 umol/hour/g) > rat (231 umol/hour/g) > ferret (45.9 umol/hour/g). In the intestinal preparation, diethyl phthalate hydrolase activity decreased in the same order: baboon (4.33 umol/hour/mg) > rat (0.648 umol/hour/mg) > ferret (0.053 umol/hour/mg). Studies were also performed with samples of human duodenum and jejunum tissues. As with the three animal species, human intestinal preparations were also active in the metabolism of diethyl phthalate. The results obtained with human intestinal preparations were expressed as nanomoles of product formed per hour per milligram of intestinal protein (nmol/hour/mg). In the human intestinal preparation, the diethyl phthalate hydrolase activity was 31.2-153 nmol/hour/mg in the duodenum and 129 nmol/hour/mg in the jejunum. Similarly, of the tissues from three rat and one human studied in vitro, the rat small intestine hydrolyzed the greatest amount (36.4%) of diethyl phthalate in a 16-hour period. These results show a qualitative species similarity in the hydrolytic metabolism of diethyl phthalate in humans, a rodent, a nonrodent, and a nonhuman primate.

Once formed, the monoester derivative can be further hydrolysed in vivo to phthalic acid and excreted or conjugated to glucuronide and excreted; the terminal or next-to-last carbon atom in the monoester can be oxidized to an alcohol and excreted; or the alcohol can be successively oxidized to an aldehyde, ketone, or carboxylic acid and excreted.

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for DIETHYL PHTHALATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Diethyl phthalate is hydrolyzed to its monoester derivative by diethyl phthalate hydrolase. Once formed, the monoester derivative can be further hydrolyzed in vivo to phthalic acid or conjugated to glucuronide, both of which can then be excreted. The terminal or next-to-last carbon atom in the monoester can also be oxidized to an alcohol, which can be excreted as is or first oxidized to an aldehyde, ketone, or carboxylic acid. The monoester and oxidative metabolites are excreted in the urine and faeces. (L1900, A2884)

Absorption of diethyl phthalate and three other phthalates (dimethyl, dibutyl, and di(2-ethylhexyl)) was measured using human epidermal skin obtained from the abdominal skin of 11 cadavers (mostly females 55 years of age or older) and subcutaneous fat removed in vitro. Epidermal membranes were set up in glass diffusion cells, and their permeability to tritiated water was measured to establish the integrity of the skin. Lag time for absorption of diethyl phthalate was 6 hr, and the steady-state absorption rate was 12.8 ug/sq cm per hour.

Percutaneous absorption of diethyl phthalate was evaluated in vitro in flow-through diffusion cells using human breast skin. Neat chemical (16-21 mg/sq cm) was applied over 72 hr to the epidermal surface of the skin, which was either uncovered or covered. The absorption of diethyl phthalate through skin was 3.9% and 4.8% of the applied doses for covered and uncovered conditions, respectively. The interindividual variation was 4-fold, ranging from 1.6% (SD 1.2) (n = 3) to 8.7% (SD 3.9) (n = 6) among skin donors.

This study examined the extent of dermal absorption of a series of phthalate diesters in the rat. Those tested were dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, diisobutyl, dihexyl, di(2-ethylhexyl), diisodecyl, and benzyl butyl phthalate. Hair from a skin area (1.3 cm in diameter) on the back of male F344 rats was clipped, the 14(C)phthalate diester was applied in a dose of 157 mumol/kg, and the area of application was covered with a perforated cap. The rat was restrained and housed for 7 days in a metabolic cage that allowed separate collection of urine and feces. Urine and feces were collected every 24 hr, and the amount of (14)C excreted was taken as an index of the percutaneous absorption. At 24 hr, diethyl phthalate showed the greatest excretion (26%). As the length of the alkyl side chain increased, the amount of (14)C excreted in the first 24 hr decreased signficantly. The cumulative percentage dose excreted in 7 days was greatest for diethyl, dibutyl, and diisobutyl phthalate, about 50-60% of the applied (14)C; and intermediate (20-40%) for dimethyl, benzyl butyl, and dihexyl phthalate. Urine was the major route of excretion of all phthalate diesters except for diisodecyl phthalate. This compound was poorly absorbed and showed almost no urinary excretion. After 7 days, the percentage dose for each phthalate that remained in the body was minimal showed no specific tissue distribution. Most of the unexcreted dose remained in the area of application. These data show that the structure of the phthalate diester determines the degree of dermal absorption. Absorption maximized with diethyl phthalate and then decreased significantly as the alkyl side chain length increased.

(14)C-Carboxy-labelled diethyl phthalate (2850 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to a group of 13 pregnant rats on either day 5 or day 10 of gestation. The results showed that radioactivity in the maternal blood peaked during the first 24 hr, then diminished quickly. A similar pattern was observed in amniotic fluid and fetal tissues. The reduction in concentration of (14)C from these tissues as a function of time was found to fit a first-order excretion curve. From this model curve, the half-life was calculated to be 2.22 days for diethyl phthalate. Radioactivity from (14)C-diethyl phthalate is transmitted across the placenta from mother to fetus for at least 15 days post-injection. (14)C radioactivity was widely distributed and was detected (<1%) in maternal blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, and developing fetuses at all gestational stages investigated.

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for DIETHYL PHTHALATE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

CIR ingredient: Diethyl Phthalate

Plasticizer (added to polymers to effect flexibility and/or toughness); also used as an insect repellant and solvent; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in cellulose acetate, fragrances, and cosmetics; [Merck Index #7371]

Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]

In mfr celluloid; solvent for cellulose acetate in mfr varnishes and dopes; denaturing alcohol. Vehicle for fragrance and cosmetic ingredients

Solvent for nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate, plasticizer, wetting agent; ... camphor substitute, plastics, perfumery as fixative and solvent, alcohol denaturant, ... plasticizer in solid rocket propellants.

... insecticidal sprays ... mosquito repellents /Former/

(1978) 2.77X10+8 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)

(1982) 2.32X10+8 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)

2023: 1,000,000 - <2,500,000 lb

(1977) 7.72X10+9 G

(1982) 7.72X10+9 G

(1985) 7.78X10+9 g

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#2455]

Grade: Technical

GRADE OF PURITY: TECHNICAL: 99+ %

Cosmetics product ingredient: Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

Information on 85 consumer products that contain Diethyl phthalate in the following categories is provided:

Chemical Classes -> Phthalates

Fragrance Ingredients

Cosmetics -> Solvent; Hair conditioning; Denaturant; Film forming; Plasticiser

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-diethyl ester: ACTIVE