dibutyl phthalate

American  

[dahy-byoo-til thal-eyt, ‐-byoot-l, fthal-] / daɪˈbyu tɪl ˈθæl eɪt, ‐ˈbyut l, ˈfθæl- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless oily liquid, C 16 H 22 O 4 , insoluble in water, used especially as a plasticizer and also in solvents and insect repellents: a commercially important phthalate, it modifies polyvinyl chloride into an engineering plastic with widespread applications.

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Etymology

Origin of dibutyl phthalate

First recorded in 1920–25; di- ¹ + butyl

Example Sentences

The lab report shows low levels of the chemical dibutyl phthalate, which is not linked to cancer in humans but can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritation of the eyes and throat, and seizures.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2023

Nail technicians frequently work with harmful chemicals the collaborative calls the “toxic trio” — dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde — all linked to a range of serious health hazards, from cancers to respiratory, neurological and reproductive dangers.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2017

Some nail products are labeled as “3-free”—which, if their labels are accurate, would mean they were free of toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

From Scientific American • May 12, 2015

The substitute - glow sticks - contain a liquid called dibutyl phthalate, which has a very strong chemical taste and odor and can cause irritation to the mouth.

From Washington Times • Jun. 30, 2014