DEHA

DEHA stands for di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, an ester-based plasticizer commonly used to increase the flexibility of polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and some resins. It is a colorless to pale liquid with relatively low volatility and good compatibility with PVC, allowing the manufacture of soft films and coatings.

DEHA is produced by esterifying adipic acid with 2-ethylhexanol, yielding a mixture of isomeric diesters. The product typically contains several isomer forms and may include trace impurities. Its physical properties, including moderate polarity and solvency in organic solvents, influence how it migrates from plastic materials into surrounding media.

Uses of DEHA span a range of consumer and industrial products. It is employed in vinyl flooring, coatings and laminates, films that may come into contact with foods in regulated contexts, wire and cable insulation, and various sealants and adhesives. In some applications, DEHA is used as an alternative to other plasticizers, including certain phthalates.

Health and safety considerations are central to its regulation. Studies have explored potential endocrine-disrupting effects in laboratory settings, contributing to cautious regulatory assessments. Regulatory bodies evaluate consumer exposure from product use and migration into food or skin contact, with many assessments concluding that exposure levels are typically within acceptable ranges for the general population, while certain uses or populations may require tighter controls. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and application, with some regions imposing limits on migration from food contact materials or restricting use in specific products.

Regulatory and market status: DEHA remains approved for many uses under chemical safety frameworks, but public concern and regulatory scrutiny have driven supplier exploration of alternatives and the development of migration limits or labeling requirements in certain applications.