Dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a commonly used plasticizer. It is also used as an additive to adhesives or printing inks. It is soulble in various organic solvents, e.g. in alcohol, ether and benzene.

DBP was added to the California Proposition 65 (1986) List of suspected teratogens in November of 2006. It is a suspected endocrine disrupter. It was used in some nail polishes; all major producers began eliminating this chemical from nail polishes in the Fall of 2006.

Production
Production of DBP by direct esterification of n-butanol and phthalic anhydride