Question

Explain why diester A is now often used as a plasticizer in place of dibutyl phthalate.

Short answer

Answer

Diester A is often used as a plasticizer in place of dibutyl phthalate because it has higher molecular weight, giving it a higher boiling point. A will therefore be less volatile than dibutylphthalate, as a result, it will evaporate from a polymer less readily.

Step-by-step solution

Plasticizer

Rigid and brittle substances can be converted into soft, elastic material by adding a chemical called plasticizer. It should be low volatile.

Explanation

Diester A is often used as a plasticizer in place of dibutyl phthalate because it has a higher molecular weight, giving it a higher boiling point.

A will therefore be less volatile than dibutylphthalate, as a result, it will evaporate from a polymer less readily.