Diisopropyl Sebacate, often known by its chemical formula C16H32O4, stands out for its versatility as an organic compound in the world of specialty chemicals. Created by reacting sebacic acid with isopropanol, this ester belongs to the family of sebacate esters and brings unique features to the table. With a molar mass of about 288.43 g/mol, it comes as a clear, water-white liquid at room temperature, offering mild odor profile and low vapor pressure. While some chemicals present as powders, flakes, or pearls, Diisopropyl Sebacate prefers the liquid form, which has helped it gain popularity in sectors like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and industrial lubricants. Its CAS number is 7491-02-3, and industries ship or import it under the HS Code 2917.13, which covers sebacic acid and its salts and esters.
Look at a sample of Diisopropyl Sebacate, and the first thing noticeable is its clarity and low viscosity. This liquid displays a typical density of about 0.916-0.920 g/cm³ at 20°C, which keeps it less dense than water. Its molecular structure — with long, flexible alkyl chains and two isopropyl groups — helps it mix easily with many organic solvents, but not with water. It features a boiling point around 160-170°C at 6 mmHg, allowing for slow evaporation compared to lighter esters. People working in labs value its low freezing point, typically near -40°C, making it suitable even in formulations for extreme cold. This stability under various temperatures gives manufacturers confidence when using it as a material for plasticizer or emollient applications.
This ester makes its way into a surprising range of products. In personal care and cosmetics, Diisopropyl Sebacate proves itself as an emollient, imparting a soft and silky feel in creams, lotions, sunscreens, and makeup. It helps spread formulations evenly without leaving a greasy residue, which finally gets consumers to stick with certain brands. Pharmaceutical companies rely on it to improve the delivery of active compounds through skin or mucous membranes, especially for topical creams and ointments. In plastics and polymers, this material finds life as a plasticizer, making materials more flexible and durable. People working in the engineering industry often add Diisopropyl Sebacate to lubricants, helping machines run smoothly by reducing friction and wear.
On a molecular level, Diisopropyl Sebacate looks like a symmetrical molecule, with sebacic acid (decanedioic acid) as the central backbone and isopropyl groups at each end. The presence of ester bonds gives the molecule flexibility and imparts resistance to hydrolysis under neutral conditions, though strong acids or bases can eventually break it down. Chemists frequently exploit this stability to achieve long shelf life for products containing this ester. In mixtures, this compound won’t react violently with most other ingredients, so it serves as a dependable ingredient for blending, compounding, and formulating, whether in solutions, suspensions, or emulsions.
Manufacturers and suppliers provide Diisopropyl Sebacate with strict parameters to ensure consistent performance. Purity generally stays above 99% by GC, and color (measured in APHA) typically remains under 50 to keep the product clear for end users. Water content lies below 0.10%, as moisture could degrade the ester bond during storage or processing. By keeping acid value below 0.2 mg KOH/g, hydrolytic breakdown is limited, so the product fares better with age. Packaging in drums or containers prevents unwanted contamination or oxidation, maintaining the chemical’s quality during shipping and storage.
The dominant commercial form is liquid, thanks to its melting and boiling points. Still, on rare occasions and for lab use, drying techniques may produce a glassy or semi-solid appearance under controlled environments, although flakes and crystals are highly uncommon for this ester. Unlike bulk commodities such as sodium chloride, it avoids powder and pearl forms. Users looking for a ready-to-use material usually find it in liquid liters, sometimes in solution mixed with other ingredients for manufacturing convenience. Commercial labs seek material safety data sheets before working with any form, as small impurities or physical changes can impact end-product quality and compliance.
Diisopropyl Sebacate, compared to many industrial chemicals, sits on the relatively safer end of the hazard scale but doesn't mean it's risk-free. People working directly with it need gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye exposure, as it can cause mild irritation in some sensitive individuals. Its low volatility keeps risk of inhalation lower, but spills can result in slippery surfaces. Ingestion is not advised, as its metabolism produces sebacic acid and isopropanol, which can burden kidneys or liver if taken in large quantities. This chemical is not on major hazardous substances lists and doesn't pose acute toxicity risks at normal industrial concentrations, but good housekeeping and care are never optional. Storing it in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces reduces chance of degradation or fire. Environmental risks remain low, but any large release or leak should follow local regulations for chemical waste.
Sourcing the precursors matters as much as handling the finished product. Diisopropyl Sebacate comes from sebacic acid, which itself stems from castor oil, a renewable resource. The isopropanol backbone, on the other hand, traditionally comes from petrochemical routes, although efforts in green chemistry are aiming to source it from bio-based feedstocks. The story behind these raw materials matters as industries increasingly look for sustainable and circular supply chains. By pushing for eco-friendly manufacturing practices, product makers can tap into growing demand for lower-impact specialty chemicals without sacrificing performance.
Safety regulations shape how Diisopropyl Sebacate enters the market and ends up in finished products. Countries have their lists of restricted or approved substances, and global harmonization for transport and waste management remains a work in progress. Companies make responsible choices by registering substances with agencies like ECHA under REACH or listing with the EPA in the US. Risk assessments consider both acute and chronic exposure scenarios, and periodic reviews aim to spot any unforeseen environmental or health effects. Innovation in chemical engineering drives constant improvement, finding ways to minimize waste, emissions, and risk from synthesis to disposal.
People ask for better clarity in labeling, improved sourcing, and advances in processing that deliver safer, higher-purity Diisopropyl Sebacate. Technology can help track batches, identify impurities quickly, and optimize storage conditions to extend shelf life. Commitments to sustainable sourcing, from field to final shipment, can reduce dependence on fossil resources and shrink the environmental footprint. Skilled technicians, up-to-date training, and a culture of safety promote incident-free workplaces. Regulations can evolve to safeguard both consumers and the planet, ensuring these specialty chemicals continue to serve industry needs without adding to risks down the road.
