The rise of Diethyl Adipate blends into the larger arc of chemical innovation that took off in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Fats and oils fed early ester chemistry, but new synthetic pathways made large-scale production possible. DEA, once limited to laboratory benches and early plastics, carved out a wider role in industrial chemistry. Wartime needs and the growth of plastics after World War II placed molecules like DEA in the limelight—and the chemical industry never looked back. Adipate esters hit their stride as demand for flexible plastics, coatings, and specialty lubricants ramped up. Factories learned to scale up, and DEA became a workhorse in more factories than most people realize.
Meet Diethyl Adipate: a colorless, oily liquid, a simple ester created by combining adipic acid and ethanol. Its uncommon odor sets it apart from other plasticizers. Companies often ship it in steel drums, plastic containers, or totes. The chemical balances flexibility and persistence in high-demand settings. For decades this unassuming liquid has pulled weight in tough environments, especially in situations where temperature resilience and plasticity matter. Storage looks straightforward, but attention to sealing and moisture goes a long way in keeping product quality steady.
Diethyl Adipate shines at room temperature, sporting a boiling point near 214°C and a melting point a bit below -30°C. Its density and viscosity shape how it mixes and coats. Solubility feeds into its broad use: it mingles easily with alcohols and ethers, but water balks at mixing. The chemical formula, C10H18O4, packs a punch in stability. Resistances to acids and bases extend shelf life while letting it fit naturally into existing industrial setups. Pure DEA looks clear, sometimes with a slight sheen under lab lights.
Manufacturers print purity targets: most grade specs require DEA content above 99%. Water content drops way below 0.1%; color usually comes in low on APHA scales. Acidity and saponification values get tested batch by batch, with paperwork to match. Safe transport matters—labels spell out hazard statements, UN shipping numbers, and necessary first-aid measures. Businesses rely on this information not just for handling but for follow-up audits and certifications, such as REACH in Europe or TSCA in the US. Consistent lot-to-lot quality supports product safety and repeatable performance.
Factories stick to classic esterification: they charge adipic acid and ethanol into reactors, add a splash of acid catalyst, and drive off water to push the reaction toward DEA. The trick lies in heat control and drying—excess water or heat fouls purity or shifts the reaction. Fractional distillation lends a hand to purify the output. Companies constantly tweak operating conditions to cut costs, up yields, and reduce waste. The process seems simple on paper, but scaling to thousands of liters uncovers challenges that books barely touch. Lab chemists know a steady supply chain of raw materials matters as much as the glassware or stainless piping.
Chemists love how open DEA is to tinkering. Hydrolysis reverses the ester bond; acids and bases break it back into adipic acid and ethanol. Hydrogenation can swap out double bonds in related esters. Researchers sometimes modify DEA to create tailored co-plasticizers or crosslinked polymers. Reactivity with alcohols yields other esters in the adipate family, each with different volatility and flexibility. Chemists also chase greener routes—like biocatalysts and new solvents—that cut energy and environmental impacts. DEA's versatility comes not from complexity, but from a balance of reactive points and chemical stability.
In catalogues and safety data sheets, DEA hides behind names like Adipic Acid Diethyl Ester, Ethyl Adipate, or sometimes simply Diethyl Hexanedioate. Each name points back to the same backbone, but reading beyond labels matters in buying and regulatory workflows. Around the world, translations and product codes change, but chemical structure stitches together these identities. Most major chemical suppliers sell DEA through proprietary brands, and listings track minor formulation tweaks or purity brackets. Savvy sourcing teams dig into specs rather than counting only on trade names.
Working with DEA does not cause much drama, but the rules of chemical safety hold true here. Operators wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothes, just like with other common solvents and esters. Spills clean up with absorbent material and good ventilation. Facilities monitor air quality, since DEA vapors—rare, but possible—hit nose and throat if they build up. Major buyers follow OSHA standards in the US along with extra industry rules for storage: shaded, cool, and away from flames or strong oxidizers. Eye-wash stations and spill kits matter even in routine work, because mistakes in handling liquids can snowball fast. Fire departments and insurers push for clear labels, up-to-date safety data sheets, and proof that old product gets rotated out before breakdown sets in.
Industry leans on DEA in places most consumers never see. It softens plastics for cable coatings, hoses, film wraps, and sealing strips, bringing stretch and bend to rigid polymers like PVC. Paints and coatings pull DEA into formulations for flexibility plus solvent power. Synthetic lubricants swipe a page from DEA’s low volatility and thermal stability, which gives gearboxes smoother performance and lower wear. In cosmetics, DEA shows up in skin creams, perfumes, and lotions—always tested for skin compatibility and held to cosmetic purity standards. Printing inks and adhesives sometimes use DEA as well, valuing its combination of solvency and plasticizer effects. Each new market brings unique regulatory hurdles and new testing requirements, ensuring DEA meets changing demands.
Labs continue to hunt for greener synthesis paths, aiming to swap out fossil-based ethanol or adipic acid for bio-sourced alternatives. Research teams tweak catalysts, reactor designs, and downstream purification to trim costs and cut down waste. Analytical chemists use chromatography, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis to read tiny differences from batch to batch. Surface coatings and biomedical sectors ask for custom-tailored derivatives, sparking patents around functionalized adipates. Universities partner with industry to explore polymer blends, new flexible materials, and improved skin-compatibility profiles for cosmetic blends. The cross-talk between industry and academia helps keep DEA relevant in fast-changing markets.
DEA’s relatively low acute toxicity stands out among plasticizers, but researchers watch for subtle effects in chronic exposure. Long-term animal studies found low organ damage and minimal carcinogenicity, lowering the risk category compared to phthalates or more volatile esters. Regulators keep a close eye on metabolism in skin-contact applications, since even low-toxicity chemicals need testing in consumer products. Wastewater and breakdown products get tracked in environmental studies, which watch for bioaccumulation or aquatic toxicity downstream of factories. Environmental technology keeps improving, so newer data give a clearer picture of risk compared to the past.
As calls mount for safer, more sustainable chemical building blocks, DEA demonstrates how established chemicals can adapt. Pulses in demand for green plastics, eco-friendly coatings, and safer cosmetics drive refiners and formulators to reinvent even old-school esters. Tech advances—both in green chemistry and reactor automation—promise to squeeze more value out of the same molecules. Regulations grow stricter and buyers more informed, nudging producers to clean up processes and offer more granular product traceability. DEA’s fingerprint fits well with trends in flexible electronics, biocompatible devices, and next-generation packaging. My experience says old molecules never retire—they evolve, outliving fads and enduring in new roles built on reliability, performance, and a steady track record of safety. DEA keeps finding its place as chemists, regulators, and industry find new reasons for flexibility, transparency, and trustworthy supply chains.
Diethyl adipate shows up in places not everyone expects. Walk down any aisle with lotions, sunscreens, or makeup, and there’s a good chance this chemical plays a role. DEA helps bring products together and keeps them feeling light on the skin. That smooth spread in a moisturizer or sunscreen owes a bit of credit here. It acts as a plasticizer, which means it makes plastics and coatings more flexible and less brittle. If a product bends instead of cracking, DEA could be on the ingredient list.
Big factories use DEA for more than just cosmetics. This chemical helps plastics perform better. It finds a place in flexible films, cables, and even food packaging, where it keeps things from hardening or becoming fragile. Because it dissolves well in many solutions, DEA fits well in paints and varnishes. Painters know the trouble of streaky or clumpy paint. DEA helps the colors flow better, spread smoother, and stick more evenly. That means furniture, cars, and household surfaces all sometimes look better because of it.
Concerns about harsh solvents or additives send every industry searching for reliable alternatives. DEA’s low toxicity and gentle nature have helped it become popular as a solvent. Unlike heavier-duty solvents, it breaks down some tough substances without turning workplaces into hazardous zones. Research has looked at whether diethyl adipate causes skin irritation. Most studies say it’s safe for skin contact in wash-off products. While safety reviews always keep evolving, DEA holds its spot thanks to this track record and results from tests by groups such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
Personal care products and plastic packaging reach every corner of daily life. Choices about what goes in them affect health, the environment, and product quality. My own experience with skincare highlights this. As someone with sensitive skin, I look for formulations that glide smoothly but don’t set off itching or redness. DEA gives just that — it’s light but effective. This choice means manufacturers have a tool that works for a wide group of people, without ssacrificing product texture or stability.
Like any ingredient, DEA brings challenges. Critics raise concerns over any plasticizer or chemical solvent, tying fears to pollution and waste. Though DEA doesn’t carry the same risks as phthalates, which have been linked to health issues, it can still be a part of single-use plastics or industrial waste. Pressure grows for sustainable solutions. Instead of only looking for replacements, companies can improve handling and recycling of materials where DEA plays a part.
Better research and clearer ingredient labels give consumers the facts they need. In my years working with industrial partners, I’ve seen that changes happen faster when regular people start asking more about what’s in products. Pushing for more research, and supporting responsible companies, keep the focus on safer and smarter chemistry.
Chemicals like DEA don’t just exist in the background. Their impact rolls into skin care, packaging, and industry. Consumers and producers have a shared role asking hard questions and supporting better choices. Diethyl adipate may not be a headline name, but its place in industry and daily use makes it worth understanding.
Diethyl adipate comes as a clear, colorless liquid that slips through your fingers almost like a very light oil. It carries a mild, almost forgettable odor—some describe it as faintly sweet. Folks who handle it in factories or labs usually notice how easily it mixes with most common solvents. Water resists it, but many organic solvents welcome it. That makes this chemical easy to mix into coatings, plastics, or cosmetics, where it disappears without a trace.
A lot of people never consider why a boiling or melting point makes a difference until they see a batch separating or refusing to behave in the middle of a process. Diethyl adipate boils at about 238°C. That means it stays where it's put, even when things get pretty hot in industrial production. Melting happens just below room temperature, around –32°C, so you’re dealing with a steady liquid in normal conditions—no need for heating barrels or worrying about it freezing in storage unless you work somewhere colder than a walk-in freezer.
Its ability to dissolve a lot of solid materials keeps things running in labs and factories. This matters when you’re blending dyes, softening plastics, or thickening lotions. Chemists like this solvent because it won’t cause reactions that change the color, smell, or performance of finished products. The non-reactive nature makes it a safe bet for many sensitive jobs.
Diethyl adipate stands up well against most chemicals, refusing to break down under the pressure of heat, light, and air. Only strong acids or alkalis will cause real trouble, and most workplaces keep those far apart. People who work with it in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals trust it not to mess with fragrances or active ingredients. Colliding with oxidizers or strong bases, on the other hand, leads to breakdown. Experienced handlers know to store it away from those risk factors.
Long exposure or spilling too much on skin might cause mild irritation. Fumes rarely cause trouble, unless workers find themselves in very small or poorly ventilated rooms over long periods. Most safety sheets tell workers to wear gloves and goggles—not because it’s especially dangerous, but out of caution. This chemical doesn't light up easily either, needing a source hotter than most open flames to ignite. That offers peace of mind, especially in crowded spaces where fire risk feels like an ever-present concern.
Talk about any plasticizer today and environmental problems jump into the conversation. Diethyl adipate breaks down naturally in the outside world, but dumping large amounts into waterways still damages fish and insects. Wastewater treatment filters out most of it, but not all. Factories have pushed to reclaim and recycle more solvents in recent years. Closed systems and tighter storage cut down loss, and these steps help manage risk to rivers and soil. It pays off—responsible handling means fewer fines, better community trust, and a place in a more sustainable future.
Diethyl adipate’s track record in manufacturing, lab work, and consumer goods shows it fills a unique set of needs. Limited toxicity, good mixing ability, and stability under tough conditions ensure it won’t get replaced overnight. But strict controls and better cleanup methods can keep its benefits available without piling up trouble for communities or the environment. Direct experience in handling and ongoing dialogue between companies and local regulators go a long way in making sure everyone stays safe and informed.
Diethyl adipate pops up in ingredient lists of lotions, sunscreens, and even deodorants. It’s a clear, colorless liquid that helps products stay smooth and glide easily on the skin. Scientists know it as an ester made from adipic acid and ethanol, but folks usually encounter it in things like sunscreen sprays and hand creams.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission both allow this compound in cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel actually looked at years of data and concluded that it’s safe for use on healthy skin when found in typical concentrations—usually less than 10%. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Database rates it as low hazard with minimal allergy or immunotoxicity potential. Their ratings aren’t perfect, but they offer a peek at broad consensus.
I’ve worked with chemists who appreciate ingredients that don’t cause irritation or disrupt formulas. Diethyl adipate fits the bill; it’s not common to hear stories of burning, redness, or breakouts linked to this material. Even so, some people can react to anything. Researchers often point to patch tests where very few volunteers—less than 1%—report problems even at higher concentrations.
People put their trust in personal care brands every time they buy body wash or hand lotion. If something leads to stinging or allergies, it erodes that trust. In places where safety scares hit the news, consumer confidence takes a nosedive. Companies can’t just rely on regulators—they have to keep an ear to the ground and track new research. Human skin absorbs chemicals differently depending on age, season, or whether the barrier is already damaged.
Though diethyl adipate earns strong marks for safety, nothing should be taken for granted just because it’s allowed. Studies with high doses in animals rarely show harm, but animal data doesn’t always predict what happens in people. If a product user already has sensitive skin, eczema, or damaged skin (bug bites, cuts), irritation could happen. Scientists know enough to say this ingredient isn’t an endocrine disruptor or carcinogen, but long-term effects always deserve attention.
Paying attention to ingredient lists matters most to folks who know they react to fragrances or preservatives. Diethyl adipate isn’t a heavy hitter for sensitivity, but it’s best to use products according to label instructions—no need to overdo it. If any product stings or causes swelling, it’s smart to stop and talk with a dermatologist. For brands, keeping formulas simple and following safety guidelines (often staying below 10% concentration) pays off in the long run.
Researchers and companies could keep running small human studies, especially in people with delicate skin, to check for new reactions. It helps to share all findings publicly and update safety data if anything changes. Digital ingredient transparency apps now make it easier for people to research what’s in their creams and sprays before buying. Sticking with trusted labels and transparent brands remains a good way to avoid bad surprises.
No single ingredient works perfectly for every skin type, but diethyl adipate looks like a safe option for most people today. Anyone with concerns can patch test new products and watch for updates from regulatory agencies or advocacy groups. Honest communication between scientists, brands, and the public keeps safety standards high.
Diethyl adipate doesn’t set off alarms for many reading safety instructions. The reality hits on the job and in the lab, well beyond the textbook warnings. A mild odor and clear appearance can fool anyone into thinking it’s low risk. I’ve seen that attitude before, but trust me, skipping over the details brings regret later.
On a shelf, the wrong plastic container can give out. Vapors might collect if the bottle isn’t sealed tight. Over the years, I’ve learned that a careless moment—storing a chemical near heat, open windows, or incompatible materials—can undo months of safe habits. One summer, a misplaced box of solvents, including diethyl adipate, caught extra sunlight through a skylight. Labels faded, caps loosened, and that cluster of bottles became a headache for the safety officer by fall.
A room dedicated to chemicals serves as a shield. Solid walls and grounded floors, fire extinguishers in reach—that’s the baseline for labs working with organics. Diethyl adipate handles best in temperatures under 25°C, away from sunlight. Even indirect light raises the risks if containers linger for months. Ventilation isn’t just extra credit—it saves headaches and sometimes livelihoods.
Store the containers upright, with plenty of space around them. Never stack heavy boxes on top. Use bottles made from resistant plastics or glass, always with tight-fitting and labeled screw caps. Flimsy containers invite leaks and confusion, putting even experienced technicians at risk.
Water and acids don’t belong near the storage area. Diethyl adipate reacts with those over time, breaking down and forming unwanted chemicals. I once saw a spill turn nasty because a cleaner grabbed the wrong mop bucket, one that had traces of acid in it. The chemical isn’t explosive, but letting it mix with the wrong things causes problems no one wants.
Wear nitrile gloves and splash-proof safety goggles. An old lab coat might feel like overkill, but I remember a colleague who ignored that advice and ended up with a mild skin rash just from a small splash. Short sleeves or open shoes let the liquid through immediately—there’s a reason most lab guidelines sound strict.
Transfer diethyl adipate inside a fume hood. The odor’s mild, but breathing vapors should never become routine. If you don’t have a hood, keep windows open and fans running, but be aware those solutions cut risk, not remove it. Pour slowly, avoid splashing, and never use damaged containers. Wipe up spills straight away with absorbent material and dispose of it in dedicated waste bins, not the regular trash.
Training rarely covers every scenario. People trust instincts and routines, then get surprised when accidents find the gaps. Staying alert and respecting materials, even those that seem mild, means everyone gets home safe at the end of the day. The right habits make all the difference: check containers, label each one, and keep work areas organized. That kind of diligence stands out and sets a solid example for anyone new to handling chemicals like diethyl adipate.
Diethyl adipate shows up in the plastics world as a plasticizer. In plain terms, it helps soften plastics, especially for products made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cellulose-based materials. A flexible garden hose or a kids’ plastic toy owes some of its bendiness to this chemical. Material safety standards require toys and food packaging to be free from harmful additives, so manufacturers often pick diethyl adipate because it has a lower toxicity than some older options. A 2021 report by the European Chemicals Agency pointed to growing use in safe toys and packaging, based on stricter health regulations.
Paint manufacturers add diethyl adipate as a solvent because it dissolves ingredients evenly, helping paint go on smoothly and dry without leaving streaks or bubbles. People working with automotive and industrial finishes value the even spread and strong film formation. A friend in the specialty coatings business once told me he relies on it for high-gloss coatings since it doesn’t evaporate as quickly as some alternatives. This steadiness gives workers more time to apply and adjust their work, and it reduces wasted product during hot weather.
If you check the label on hand creams, sunscreens, or lotions, you might spot diethyl adipate. Cosmetic chemists like how it helps creams soak smoothly into skin without leaving greasy traces. My own experience helping with local outreach about skin health showed me how much consumers care about a pleasant after-feel on the skin, especially for daily products like sunscreen. Its mild scent and low irritation potential win points for sensitive skin products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration listed diethyl adipate as a safe ingredient for topical use, as long as it stays under certain concentration thresholds.
Chemical producers often use diethyl adipate to make more complex molecules, especially in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. In this role, it acts as a building block for making things like herbicides or specialty polymers. In my local town’s small manufacturing sector, there’s always demand for intermediates that deliver predictable reactions and help keep processes simple. According to an American Chemical Society article, diethyl adipate helps streamline production by reacting cleanly and offering good yields.
In machine maintenance, diethyl adipate makes a useful ingredient for lubricants, thanks to its ability to keep parts running smoothly at wide temperature ranges. Gearboxes, compressors, and high-speed machinery run into fewer problems with thermal breakdown when lubricants contain this additive. Manufacturers look for biodegradable options to meet growing environmental rules, and diethyl adipate fits neatly into that shift toward greener lubricants. I’ve seen local equipment shops prefer products listing biodegradable esters, and this ester stands out for both performance and lower impact.
Stricter rules on ingredient safety and a shift to greener chemicals have pushed more companies to choose diethyl adipate. Its use in non-toxic plastics, cleaner solvent formulas, and safer personal care reveals how a simple ingredient can drive large changes in both health and sustainability. Researchers keep working to improve ways to make it from renewable sources, aiming to cut back on petrochemical reliance and greenhouse gas emissions.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Diethyl hexanedioate |
| Other names |
Diethyl Hexanedioate
Adipic acid diethyl ester Diethyl adipic ester Hexanedioic acid diethyl ester |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɛθ.ɪl ˈæd.ɪ.peɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 105-99-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1772104 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:77803 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1405536 |
| ChemSpider | 24503 |
| DrugBank | DB01856 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03cb020b-81c3-46e3-bf2a-8b4839fadb6b |
| EC Number | 204-535-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8787 |
| KEGG | C14422 |
| MeSH | Diethyl Adipate |
| PubChem CID | 7496 |
| RTECS number | AR9100000 |
| UNII | 6F1T410V4E |
| UN number | UN1189 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H18O4 |
| Molar mass | 230.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Faint ester-like odor |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 1.5 g/L (20 °C) |
| log P | 2.47 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.005 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 9.86 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.20 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.74×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4400 |
| Viscosity | 12.1 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.52 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 527.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -936.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3853.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D11AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, Warning, H319, P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 133°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 325°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 6500 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 9,200 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | KR1575000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 25 mg/L |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Adipic acid
Dimethyl adipate Di-n-butyl adipate Diisopropyl adipate Adipoyl chloride |
