Chemical Name: Dioctyl Sebacate
Common Synonyms: Di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, DOS
Molecular Formula: C26H50O4
Description: DOS appears as a colorless, oily liquid with little to no odor. The chemical finds constant use in making plasticizers for flexible plastics like PVC. The CAS number often associated with it is 122-62-3. Laboratories, manufacturing plants, and raw materials handlers working with flexible applications will spot DOS in outputs that need both flexibility and cold resistance.
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under many global chemical regulations, but exposure can cause irritation to eyes or skin. Prolonged contact sometimes leads to mild discomfort. DOS is not volatile, so inhalation risk stays low in most conditions. There’s a risk of slippery surfaces after a spill, which creates a safety hazard for falls.
Main Ingredient: Dioctyl Sebacate, concentration usually exceeds 98 percent.
Purity: Technical grade carries slight impurities, but not in amounts considered significant for toxicity or handling risk.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water to remove the oily residue. Remove soiled clothing. Extended exposure is unlikely to cause lasting harm but cleaning skin avoids potential irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of clean water for several minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if any discomfort arises, though vapor inhalation rarely poses a problem at room temperature.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if swallowed, and drink water. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop. There’s little information showing significant acute toxicity from ingestion in small amounts, but swallowing chemicals shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide for fires. Water spray can help cool surfaces, but DOS doesn't mix with water.
Fire Hazards: DOS burns, giving off smoke and irritating fumes in a fire. Heated containers may rupture because oil-based vapors can ignite.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and standard protective clothing.
Personal Precautions: Clean up spills to avoid slipping. Use gloves and protective eyewear. Ensure good ventilation.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with sand, earth, or inert material. Shovel into a marked container for disposal. Wash down spills with detergent and water.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering water systems or drains, as large quantities could cause contamination.
Safe Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize buildup of mist. Wear gloves when transferring or pouring.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place with containers tightly closed. Store away from strong oxidizers. Keep drums upright to prevent leaks.
Engineering Controls: Work with adequate ventilation, such as a fume hood in a lab or exhaust ventilation in larger facilities.
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and work clothing to avoid skin and eye contact. PPE reduces the chance of direct exposure.
Workplace Exposure Limits: No official occupational exposure limits for DOS have been widely published, thanks to its low acute toxicity.
Appearance: Clear or pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Mild, sometimes undetectable
Boiling Point: About 214°C at reduced pressure
Flash Point: Typically over 221°C, so fire risk stays relatively low.
Density: Around 0.91-0.92 g/cm³
Viscosity: Flows easily at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water; mixes with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions. DOS doesn’t evaporate quickly.
Chemical Stability: DOS holds up well under normal storage and handling. Under extreme heat or exposure to acids and oxidizers, it can decompose, releasing harsh fumes.
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, strong oxidizing agents, prolonged heat.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, maybe other organic compounds when burning or breaking down in fire conditions.
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion in available animal studies.
Skin & Eye Irritation: Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation. Uncommon to see allergic reactions.
Chronic Effects: Repeated or long-term exposure hasn’t shown major risks in standard testing.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a known or suspected carcinogen based on current regulatory agency resources.
Other Effects: Swallowing large amounts could cause upset stomach, but not life-threatening in most scenarios.
Ecotoxicity: Not known for high toxicity to water life, but spillage in large amounts could have local environmental impacts.
Persistence & Degradability: DOS breaks down gradually. It doesn’t bioaccumulate in animal tissues significantly, but its chemical structure means some persistence in soil or water is possible.
Mobility: As an oily liquid that doesn’t dissolve in water, DOS floats and doesn’t migrate through soil quickly if spilled on land.
Waste Disposal: Collect waste in sealed containers. Send to an approved chemical waste facility.
Safe Practices: Avoid pouring DOS down the drain or releasing it into open water or sewers. Absorb spills with inert material before disposal.
Container Disposal: Empty drums should be triple-rinsed and recycled or disposed of following legal requirements.
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for shipping by road, air, or sea in most regions.
Proper Shipping Name: Dioctyl Sebacate (not classified as dangerous for transport)
Packing Group: Not assigned due to low hazard level
Special Transport Requirements: Seal containers tightly. Prevent leaks. Keep away from incompatible cargo like strong oxidizers or acids during transit.
Inventory Listings: Appears in international chemical inventories such as TSCA (United States) and EINECS (Europe).
Regulations: Not subject to special restrictions in most jurisdictions. No specific labeling required for transport in many regions.
Worker Safety Rules: Facilities handling DOS should meet guidelines for chemical hygiene, personal protection, and safe storage. Regular training helps keep safe handling practices up to date.