Synthesis and application of an alternative plasticizer Di(2-Ethylhexyl)-1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate

ABSTRACT Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid esters are environmentally friendly and non‐toxic plasticizers, and have similar performance with phthalates which have potential toxicity to human health. In this article, di(2‐ethylhexyl)‐1,2‐cyclohexane dicarboxylate (DEHCH) was synthesized via esterification between hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) with iso‐octanol by using concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The effects of reaction parameters on esterification were studied by investigating the temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of iso‐octanol‐to‐HHPA, and catalyst content. Conversions of HHPA to esters were determined. Functional group analysis was conducted by using FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. PVC compounds after addition of the synthesized plasticizer DEHCH presented similar plasticizing performance with DEHP and DINCH, as demonstrated by comparisons of the results of mechanical properties, transparency, and volatilization and migration tests obtained for plasticized PVC compounds. DEHCH can also be considered as an alternative plasticizer for DEHP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39763.