Dimethylphthalate

Synonyms

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester; Avolin; DMF (insect repellant); DMP; Dimethyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; Dimethyl benzene-o-dicarboxylate; Dimethyl benzeneorthodicarboxylate; Dimethyl o-phthalate; Dimethyl phthalate; Dimethylester kyseliny ftalove [Czech]; Fermine; Mipax; NTM; Palatinol M; Phtalate de dimethyle [ISO-French]; Phthalic acid dimethyl ester; Phthalsaeuredimethylester [German]; Repeftal; Solvanom; Solvarone; Unimoll DM; [ChemIDplus] UN3082

Category

Phthalate Esters

Description

Colorless, oily liquid with a slight, aromatic odor; Note: A solid below 42 degrees F; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Plasticizer (added to polymers to effect flexibility and/or toughness); also used as a solvent and insect repellant; [ACGIH]

Comments

Ingestion can cause central nervous system depression. Used as a mosquito repellant during World War II, no skin sensitization was reported. DMP is a possible animal teratogen. [ACGIH] In high-dose reproductive studies of rats and mice, DEHP and other phthalates cause testicular damage to males and increased fetal losses and malformations to pregnant females. [Frazier, p. 350-2] The abstract to the article "Occupational contact dermatitis caused by computer mice" can be found in NIOSHTIC # 202472. One worker was patch test positive to dimethylphthalate and one to diethyl phthalate. [Reference #1] Not irritating to the skin based on human and animal information; [CHEMINFO] No listed effects of short-term or long-term exposure; [ICSC]

No longer registered for pesticide use; [HSDB]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

5 mg/m3

5 mg/m3

2000 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

The revised IDLH for dimethylphthalate is 2,000 mg/m3 based on acute inhalation toxicity data in animals [Eller 1937]. [Note: Due to its low volatility, this concentration could only be reached at elevated temperatures or if the liquid droplets become airborne as in a mist.]

0.0031 mm Hg

LCLo (cats) = 9,630 mg/m3/6H

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 146 deg C;

Reference Link #2

must be preheated

Yes

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic