2-Ethylhexyl Diphenyl Phosphate is an organophosphate ester compound with the chemical formula C22H27O4P. At room temperature, it is a colorless to pale yellow transparent oily liquid with extremely low volatility and good thermal stability. Its molecular structure is composed of two benzene rings and one isooctyl connected by phosphate ester bonds. This unique hydrophobic – lipophilic balance property enables it to maintain chemical stability under high temperature and high shear force conditions. From the perspective of physical parameters, the boiling point of this substance exceeds 300°C, its density is approximately 1.08 g/cm³ at 25°C, and its viscosity range is 60-80 mPa·s at 20° C. These characteristics make it exhibit significant advantages in high-temperature processing scenarios, such as maintaining functional effectiveness for a long time in engineering plastic modification or high-temperature lubricating oil systems.

In industrial production, the synthesis of 2-Ethylhexyl Diphenyl Phosphate mainly adopts the transesterification process. Using phosphorus oxychloride, phenol and isooctanol as raw materials, the step-by-step reaction was carried out in the presence of an alkaline catalyst (such as pyridine or triethylamine), and the selective generation of the target product was achieved by controlling the reaction temperature and molar ratio. In recent years, with the increasing environmental protection requirements, some enterprises have begun to use solid acid catalysts (such as molecular sieves or supported metal oxides) to replace traditional homogeneous catalysts in order to reduce wastewater discharge and improve atomic economy.

As a kind of multifunctional fine chemical, the chemical properties of 2-Ethylhexyl Diphenyl Phosphate determine its wide application potential. The benzene ring structure in its molecule endows it with excellent anti-ultraviolet aging performance, while the branched alkane structure of isooctyl enhances its compatibility with hydrocarbon substances. This dual characteristic enables it to be used not only as a flame-retardant plasticizer for polymer materials but also as an extreme pressure and anti-wear additive for lubricating oil. In terms of storage and transportation, this substance should be kept away from light in stainless steel or fiberglass reinforced plastic containers. At the same time, the storage temperature should be strictly controlled (it is recommended to be below 40°C) to prevent performance deterioration caused by hydrolysis reactions.

From the perspective of market development, the global production capacity of 2-Ethylhexyl Diphenyl Phosphate is mainly concentrated in China, Germany and Japan. Among them, China, with its complete petrochemical industrial chain and cost advantages, occupies more than 60% of the global market share. With the escalation of restrictions on traditional plasticizers under the EU REACH regulation and the North American TSCA Act, the demand for this compound as an alternative to phthalates continues to grow.