Dibutyl 2,2'-Oxybisacetate: Properties, Uses & Safety Guide

dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate is a bifunctional ether diester compound widely employed in organic synthesis, materials research, and formulation chemistry as a versatile synthetic intermediate and plasticizing agent.

IUPAC Name

Dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate (also known as dibutyl diglycollate)

Molecular Formula

C12H22O5

Functional Groups

Two ester groups flanking a central ether oxygen

Physical State

Colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature

Primary Applications

Organic synthesis intermediate, plasticizer research, solvent studies

Aladdin SKU

D693778

Chemical Identity and Structure

Dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate, commonly referred to as dibutyl diglycollate, belongs to the class of ether diesters. Its molecular framework consists of two acetic acid units bridged by an ether oxygen atom, with both carboxylic acid termini esterified by n-butyl groups. This arrangement confers the molecule with a balanced combination of hydrophobicity from the butyl chains and polarity from the ester and ether functionalities.

The molecular formula is C₁₂H₂₂O₅, giving a molecular weight of approximately 246.30 g/mol. The presence of the central ether linkage alongside two ester groups makes this compound a useful bifunctional building block in organic chemistry, capable of participating in transesterification, hydrolysis, and coordination reactions.

Laboratory Applications and Research Uses

Dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate serves multiple roles in laboratory and industrial research settings. As a synthetic intermediate, it provides a flexible scaffold for constructing more complex ether-ester frameworks used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty polymer research.

In materials science, diglycollate esters have been investigated as plasticizers and coalescent agents owing to their ability to interact with polymer matrices and modify mechanical and thermal properties. The ether oxygen introduces additional flexibility relative to simple dicarboxylate esters, potentially improving compatibility with polar polymer systems.

The compound may also find utility as a specialty solvent or co-solvent in formulation studies, where its moderate polarity and relatively low volatility compared to short-chain esters can be advantageous. Researchers exploring ligand design and metal coordination chemistry may leverage the bifunctional ether-ester motif for chelation studies.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

As with all ester and ether-containing compounds, dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate should be handled in accordance with standard laboratory safety practices. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat. Operations generating aerosols or vapors should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume hood.

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases, which could hydrolyze the ester linkages. Storage at room temperature in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight is generally recommended. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with product D693778 for comprehensive hazard information, first-aid measures, and disposal guidance specific to this material.

Waste disposal must comply with local, regional, and national environmental regulations. Incineration by a licensed waste contractor is typically appropriate for ester-ether compounds of this type.

Procurement and Quality Specifications

Aladdin Scientific supplies dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate under catalog number D693778. Researchers and procurement managers are encouraged to request the current certificate of analysis (CoA) and safety data sheet prior to placing an order to confirm that the purity, physical form, and packaging meet their experimental requirements.

When ordering, specify the required quantity and any purity grade requirements relevant to your application. For high-sensitivity analytical work or reference standard applications, please contact Aladdin Scientific technical support to discuss available grades and custom packaging options. Bulk quantities may be available upon request; lead times may vary depending on stock levels.

Aladdin Scientific is committed to providing research-grade reagents with consistent lot-to-lot quality. All products undergo internal quality checks, and documentation is available to support GLP and regulated research environments.

Frequently asked questions

What is dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate used for in research?

Dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate is used primarily as an organic synthesis intermediate for building ether-ester frameworks, as a candidate plasticizer in polymer research, and as a specialty co-solvent or ligand precursor in formulation and coordination chemistry studies.

How should dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing agents, all of which can hydrolyze the ester bonds. Refer to the product SDS for specific storage temperature recommendations.

What is the Aladdin Scientific catalog number for dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate?

Dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate is available from Aladdin Scientific under catalog number D693778. Contact our technical support team for information on purity grades, available quantities, and documentation such as CoA and SDS.

Is dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate the same as dibutyl diglycollate?

Yes, dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate and dibutyl diglycollate refer to the same compound. The IUPAC name dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate describes its systematic structure, while dibutyl diglycollate is a commonly used synonym derived from the trivial name for the parent diacid, diglycollic acid.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product page for dibutyl 2,2'-oxybisacetate, catalog number D693778. Aladdin Scientific.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. (General reference for ester and ether chemistry.)
3. Wypych, G. Handbook of Plasticizers. ChemTec Publishing. (Reference for plasticizer compound classes including ether esters.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.