Phthalates (PAE)

Phthalic Acid Esters

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Chemical composition

PAEs are compounds synthesized through double esterification of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid) with linear or branched alcohols¹.

Classifications

PAEs are categorized into two categories based on the length of the side chains¹.

1. Low molecular weight PAEs (LMW PAEs)
2. High molecular weight PAEs (HMW PAEs)

Low molecular weight PAEs

LMW PAEs are characterized by 3 to 6 carbon atoms in the side chain¹. LMW PAEs are used in polyvinylchloride (PVC) products, medical devices, adhesives, paints, and printing inks¹

High Molecular Weight PAEs

Examples of HMW PAEs are diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP)¹. HMW PAEs are primarily used to increase plastic softness, flexibility, and durability¹.

Toxicology

When ingested, phthalates can have toxic effects. Upon breakdown into primary and secondary metabolites, phthalates can act as “endocrine-disrupting compounds” that negatively modulate hormone function and hormonal pathways¹.

References

1.

Arena A, Zoccali M, Mondello L, Tranchida PQ. Direct analysis of phthalate esters in vegetable oils by means of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Food Chemistry. 2022;396:133721. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133721