Phthalates-Molecular Structure and Formula
Phthalates are derivatives of ortho hydroxy benzoic acid (structure on the left). The middle structure is devoid of two hydrogen ions and called phthalate (pronounced as thal-ate) anion or Phthalate with two negative charges.
The final structure on the series is the dimethyl ester of phthalate acid which is generated by the reaction of phthalic acid or derivativatized phthalic acid with methyl alcohol.
While the methyl alcohol is used as an example, any other suitable alcohol or activated alcohols could be used to make other esters.
Phthalate Esters
Typically the reaction of phthalic acid with alcohols forms esters of Phthalic acid. They are called phthalates. While the methyl alcohol is used as an example, any other suitable alcohol or activated alcohols could be used to make other esters.
Structure of Poly Vinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride (colloquial: polyvinyl, vinyl;[6] abbreviated: PVC) is the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer (after polyethylene and polypropylene[7]). About 40 million tons of PVC are produced each year.
Role of Phthalate in Plasticizing Plastics
Phthalates are used as additives to modify the physical properties of PVC. It makes the PVC malleable. So plastics of different tensile strength and different shapes could be prepared.
Are Phthalates a ban or boon? Continue on the next post
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