Diethyl adipate
Description
Diethyl adipate (CAS 141-28-6), commonly abbreviated as DEA, is a diester ester used across cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations as a solvent, plasticizer, and emollient carrier.
Ethyl adipate is a recognized alternative name in flavor and fragrance sourcing contexts. Its low viscosity and good solvency make it a practical base for formulations requiring skin-compatible fluids.
In personal care, DEA functions as an emollient and solvent carrier in skin creams, hair oils, and color cosmetics, improving spreadability without leaving a heavy or greasy residue on the skin.
The food industry uses it as a flavoring agent and solvent for flavor concentrates, particularly in applications requiring an ester with a mild, fruity character for specific aromatic profiles.
In lubricant formulations, it serves as a synthetic base fluid or co-solvent in metalworking fluids and light-duty lubricants where biodegradability is a primary formulation requirement for the user.
It also acts as a plasticizer solvent in specialty coatings and polymer processing where low-temperature flexibility is needed. This versatility makes it a staple in modern chemical manufacturing.
Diethyl adipate is supplied as a clear liquid in drum and IBC quantities. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly traded, with technical-grade material available for use.
Purity levels of 99%+ are standard across commercial supply chains. Our material meets rigorous quality benchmarks to ensure consistency and performance across all diverse industrial applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -19.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 245 °C |
| Density | 1.0076 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | CLEAR COLORLESS LIQUID |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Pleasant, rather powerful odor of vinousoily-slightly fruity character |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble in water. |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.427(lit.) |
| Log P | 2.370 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29171290 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
Diethyl hexanedioate|Ethyl adipate|1,6-Diethyl hexanedioate|Hexanedioic acid, diethyl ester|Adipic acid, diethyl ester|Hexanedioic acid, 1,6-diethyl ester|Hexanedioic acid, diethyl-|Diethylester kyseliny adipove|DEA
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