Diethyl phthalate (DEP), also known as phthalol or solvanol in the industry, is a diethyl ester of phthalic acid. It is a colorless, oily liquid with slight odor. It is soluble in most common solvents such as acetone and alcohols and partly soluble in cold water. It is not flammable at room temperature, however, releases a mixture of toxic smoke when combusted. It is acutely toxic to humans and can cause damage to the liver and Central Nervous System (CNS). Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is biodegradable but breaks down into toxic chemicals and potentially harmful for the microorganisms in the soil. Phthalic anhydride is manufactured commercially, through the oxo process and/or the ald-ox process involving ethanol and the oxidation of naphthalene or o-xylene. This phthalic anhydride is then utilized for the production of diethyl phthalate (DEP) by reacting it with ethanol in the presence of catalyzing amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. The diethyl phthalate (DEP) produced has a purity higher than 99.7%.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a good solvent suitable for several organic molecules. It finds utility as a binder for cosmetics and fragrances in personal care products. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is also used in the industry as plasticizers, detergent bases and aerosol sprays. The diethyl phthalate (DEP) market is driven by its demand in personal care products, aerosol sprays and plasticizer applications in consumer products. However, easy substitutability and dermal toxicity is the major restraining factor for the diethyl phthalate (DEP) market. New safer formulations could be prospective market opportunities for further demand growth.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is primarily utilized as a plasticizer in several consumer products such as plastic films for packaging, toiletries such as toothbrushes, cosmetic formulations and other personal care products including perfumes. It is also employed in the manufacturing of medical tubing used for treatment and diagnostics. Industrial applications for diethyl phthalate (DEP) include plasticizers for automotive parts and tools among others.
Cosmetic and perfume applications are the major end-use markets for diethyl phthalate (DEP). It is widely used as a base medium and alcohol denaturizer in most perfumes and insecticide aerosol sprays. The increased penetration of the consumer care product marketers along with the rising disposable income and purchase power parity (PPP) of the general population are supporting factors for increased sales of these products. This rise in sales is expected to drive demand for the Diethyl phthalate (DEP) market during the forecast period. However, recently studies have been conducted, which concluded that diethyl phthalate (DEP) along with few other phthalate esters are toxic to the humans. Small doses of Diethyl phthalate (DEP) over extended period of time might cause damage to the liver and the central nervous system (CNS).
In terms of geography, Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of Diethyl phthalate (DEP) with its large population and their rising disposable income adding to the purchase power. Major industrial economies including China, India and Japan are the major consumers. Europe is another major consumer for Diethyl phthalate (DEP) especially in the personal care and aerosol spray segment. In North America, the U.S. is the major market, while in Rest of the World, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa contribute to major demand for the market.
The market is dominated by few global players; however, there are a large number of small and medium sized local players in the Asia Pacific region. Key players include Alfa Aeser of the Johnson Matthey group, Merck Millipore, Thirumalai Chemicals and TCI Chemicals among many others.
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