Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate or DEHA or DOA is an

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with the formula (CH₂CH₂CO₂C₈H₁₇)₂. It is the diester of 2-ethylhexanol and

adipic acid Adipic acid or hexanedioic acid is the organic compound with the formula C6H10O4. It a white crystalline powder at standard temperature and pressure. From an industrial perspective, it is the most important dicarboxylic acid at about 2.5 billion ...

. It is a colorless oily liquid. DEHA is sometimes called " dioctyl adipate", incorrectly. Another name is di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate. The abbreviation DOA has been used for both bis(-2-ethylhexyl)-adipate and dioctyl adipate

Use

As well as related diesters derived from octanol, decanol, isodecanol, etc., it is used as a plasticizer. DEHA is used as a

hydraulic fluid A hydraulic fluid or hydraulic liquid is the medium by which power is transferred in hydraulic machinery. Common hydraulic fluids are based on mineral oil or water. Examples of equipment that might use hydraulic fluids are excavators and backho ...

, and a component of aircraft

lubricant A lubricant (sometimes shortened to lube) is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, ...

s. It is sometimes also used as an ingredient in PVC-based plastic wrap.

Toxicity

DEHA has very low toxicity. The LD₅₀ is estimated at 900 mg/kg (rat, i.v.). According to the

International Agency for Research on Cancer The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC; ) is an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organization of the United Nations. Its role is to conduct and coordinate research into the causes of cancer. It also cance ...

(IARC), it is "not classifiable as to its

carcinogenicity A carcinogen () is any agent that promotes the development of cancer. Carcinogens can include synthetic chemicals, naturally occurring substances, physical agents such as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and Biological agent, biologic agent ...

to humans (Group 3)."

References

{{HealthIssuesOfPlastics Adipate esters Plasticizers Ester solvents 2-Ethylhexyl esters