Dimethylphthalate
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is an organic compound with the formula (C6H4(CO2CH3)2). It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in organic solvents. DMP is used as a plasticizer to increase the flexibility of plastics and as an insect repellent in some personal care products. It is a member of the phthalate family, which are esters of phthalic acid.
Production[edit | edit source]
Dimethyl phthalate is produced by the esterification of phthalic acid with methanol in the presence of a strong acid such as sulfuric acid.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The primary use of DMP is as a plasticizer in the manufacture of flexible vinyl plastics. It is also used in cosmetics, insect repellents, and other personal care products. In addition, DMP is utilized in the production of safety glass, and as a solvent in some laboratory applications.
Health and Environmental Concerns[edit | edit source]
There are health and environmental concerns associated with the use of dimethyl phthalate. It has been shown to have endocrine disruptor properties, which can interfere with the body's hormone systems. Exposure to DMP can occur through direct contact with products containing it or through environmental exposure. The compound can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
Environmental concerns focus on the persistence of DMP in the environment and its potential to bioaccumulate. It has been detected in water, soil, and air, raising concerns about its effects on wildlife and human health.
Regulation[edit | edit source]
Due to health and environmental concerns, the use of dimethyl phthalate is regulated in many countries. Regulations may limit the concentrations of DMP in consumer products and mandate the disclosure of its presence in products where it is used.
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
In response to health and environmental concerns, there has been a push to find safer alternatives to DMP. These alternatives include other plasticizers that do not have the same endocrine-disrupting effects or pose less risk to the environment.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
