Bis(2-ethylhexyl)azelate
- Benchmark: Benchmark 0
- Assessed: 2012-10-08
Key Functions: Plasticizers & Polymer
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) azelate (DOZ) is a plasticizer for cellulosics, polystyrene, and vinyl plastics, including use as a
low-temperature plasticizer (HSDB 2002). DOZ is produced from azelaic acid and 2-ethylhexanol as starting
materials. DOZ production is carried out in a closed and batch system. Initial product mixtures are subject to
distillation under reduced pressure in order to purify DOZ. A typical commercial DOZ product contains normally
up to 2% of bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (CAS No. 103-23-1) in addition to numerous azelate isomers having similar
boiling points/ranges, which are hard to remove. Residual non-reacted raw materials and by-products are recovered
from the reactor tank after distillation and are applied for re-distillation and/or incineration (UNEP 2006).
The primary use (up to 95%) of DOZ produced in the United States or imported into the United States is as a
plasticizer for cellulosics, polystyrene, and vinyl plastics in order to improve a plastic’s resistance and to minimize
plastic cracking at low temperatures. DOZ is also used as a lubricant at a small number of industrial sites (UNEP
2006).