What is Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) Adipate

Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate stands out as a unique chemical that fills a special role in modern manufacturing and consumer goods. It all starts with its composition: a clear liquid made from the reaction of adipic acid and bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) alcohol. The molecular formula, C22H42O8, adds up to a substantial 434.57 g/mol. Its structure weaves together adipate, a six-carbon dicarboxylate backbone, with two chains of long ether alcohols, creating a molecule with plenty of flexibility and solubility in organic solvents. Out on the floor, the stuff isn’t flashy. You usually find it in liquid state, though some refined variants set up as waxy flakes or granules. Chems like these don’t show up in headline news, but they do touch nearly every aspect of daily life for anyone who interacts with plastics, rubbers, or specialized coatings.

Physical Properties and Structure

This liquid has a pale tint and a mild but not overwhelming odor. It matches its identity with a low viscosity and feels slick or oily to the touch. Density hovers around 1.01–1.03 g/cm³ at room temperature, slightly above water but below most heavy oils. Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate requires a boiling point above 300°C, though you don’t often see it pushed to that extreme outside of specific industrial applications. At room temperature, it doesn’t solidify, but in colder environments, certain samples do form waxy or pearly solids—still handleable, never brittle. Solubility falls in favor of organic solvents, but water barely gets a grip. The ether and ester functionalities make this molecule lube-friendly, plasticizer-ready, and well-suited for blending in flexible materials.

Common Forms and Specifications

Industries ask for consistency, so suppliers ensure it meets closely monitored purification and handling specs. Purity levels usually stay above 99%, and test results get shared through specifications documentation. You won’t see this material as powder; it behaves more like a heavy liquid, sometimes casting off minor flakes or waxy chunks if stored below 10°C. Pearlized and crystalline forms occur in specialty contexts, but most buyers expect a fluid or semi-viscous form for ease of use in blending and application. It gets sold by the liter or kilogram, sometimes stored in sealed drums or bottles to avoid water contamination, which could kick off hydrolysis.

Products and Applications

Because Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate softens polymers and boosts flexibility, it becomes a backbone ingredient for plasticizer markets, especially those moving beyond phthalates due to toxicity concerns. Film and sheet plastics in the food packaging world lean on this additive for its migration resistance and low volatility. The property profile means finished products last longer before turning brittle. Cable insulation, floor coverings, lacquers, sealants, and even a few tough-to-engineer adhesives make solid use of this compound. Occasionally, it slips into cosmetics and body care products—skin creams, lotions—where chemists want an emollient free of grease and strong odors. In coatings and print inks, performance matches what formulators want: better flow, longer open time, and compatibility with specialty resins.

Material Safety, Hazards, and Compliance

Safety concerns with Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate track closely with other fatty esters. By all published data, it rates as low toxicity when handled properly, which means the risk mainly centers on eye or skin irritation if spilled. Its safety profile allows handling without specialized personal protective equipment, though standard gloves and goggles remain a smart choice. Combustibility stays low compared to light hydrocarbons, and it needs a pretty high temperature before breaking into fumes. Occupational exposure standards rarely call for extra ventilation unless working in a poorly ventilated space or moving large quantities. Important for regulatory compliance, this compound appears under HS Code 29171300, sitting neatly in the chemical tariff schedule as a diester of adipic acid.

Raw Material and Chemical Supply Chain

To get Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate right, manufacturers start with high-quality adipic acid and specialty ether alcohols. Sourcing these with tight purity standards ensures no off-odors, color bodies, or unwanted reactivity. The process—an esterification reaction catalyzed at elevated temperature—demands careful moisture control, since water formation can slow the process or back-convert product to the acid or alcohol. Chemical plants achieving consistent results send samples off for GC-MS and IR validation to guarantee structure and composition. Documentation includes batch analysis and traceability data, meeting demand for international chemical management protocols (like REACH or TSCA).

Importance in Sustainable Chemistry

With the push toward safer, more sustainable plastics, Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate emerges as an important alternative to traditional phthalate-based agents. Its comparatively low toxicity and reliable physical profile bolster its reputation as a next-generation plasticizer and additive. Chemical engineers and formulators who’ve spent decades working through problems of migration, volatility, food contact safety, and process compatibility see genuine value in this molecule. As China, the EU, and North America tighten restrictions on questionable additives, global supply chains look for solutions like this one—effective, tested, and less likely to trigger recalls or negative press after products go to market.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Opportunities

Experience across the specialty chemicals sector shows that products built with Bis(2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl) adipate keep their flexibility longer and operate well in both hot and cold climates. Where some additives yellow and degrade after months of sun or chemical attack, this ester keeps its cool. That being said, it costs more than commodity alternatives, so companies in price-sensitive industries balance performance with budget. Technical teams keep pushing its performance envelope: tuning molecular weight, branching, or using it in blends with other non-phthalate plasticizers to cover a wider range of film, sheet, and molded goods. For anyone managing production lines, this option means less downtime from brittle failures or migration problems—a strong selling point when uptime and longevity matter.

Potential Solutions to Industry Issues

As a chemical worker and end product user, clear value shows up when safer, better-performing additives hit the market. Improved labeling, documentation, and test data make life easier for safety managers and sustainability officers. Down the road, market growth means companies commit resources to improving process efficiency, lowering cost, and shrinking environmental footprint—even developing bio-based raw materials to replace petrochemical feedstocks. The industry’s biggest need revolves around transparency and third-party verification; independent testing, lifecycle analysis, and regulatory disclosure keep everyone honest. Product makers who get ahead by offering more compliant, durable, and greener compounds set themselves up to win contracts as regulatory standards increase and consumer scrutiny grows.