Dibutyl Phthalate
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Dibutyl phthalate (C16H22O4), or DBP, is an odorless and colorless to faint yellow oily liquid; the molecular weight is 278.35 g/mol. Dibutyl phthalate is also known as di-n-butyl phthalate. Dibutyl phthalate has various industrial uses; it is used to make flexible plastics that are found in a variety of consumer products. It appears to have relatively low acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) toxicity. Due to concerns for toxicity, it is banned in children's toys in concentrations of 1000 ppm or greater.
[1] [1]US EPA. Dibutyl phthalate. Accessed March 30, 2014. http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/di-n-but.html[]
[2] [2]FoodFacts.com Ingredient Glossary - Dibutyl Phthalate. Accessed March 30, 2014.http://www.foodfacts.com/food-ingredients/Dibutyl-Phthalate/19476
