Dibutyl phthalate (CED0000036)

Dibutyl phthalate (C16H22O4) is an exogenous organic compound with an average molecular weight of 278.34 g/mol. It exists as a solid at room temperature. Dibutyl phthalate belongs to the benzoic acids and derivatives, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. It functions as a plasticizer, solvent, deodorizer, fragrance, and industrial additive (PMC8909371). It is utilized in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and is present in polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene. It is released from polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polypropylene. As an environmental contaminant (PMC7150435), it is found in 41 recorded sources, including household cleaning and consumer products such as soap detergents, bleaching agents, and perfumes within detergents and soaps. Other sources include building and construction materials like tents, canopies, and ceilings, as well as food contact materials and electrical equipment including amplifiers, antennas, and adjustable resistors. Recorded exposure routes include touch, oral, and inhalation (PMC12337040). Biologically, the compound acts as a teratogenic agent and an endocrine disruptor (PMC8357475, PMC8692859). It is associated with asthma increase (PMC7708520, PMC7786300), obesity (PMC4473834), and male infertility (PMC13085495). It targets 24 proteins, including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and COL3A1. It inhibits succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD), causing toxic effects in liver mitochondria by uncoupling energy-linked processes. Additionally, it activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARA, PPARG), causing peroxisome proliferation which may lead to carcinogenic effects.