Thermal decomposition products of phthalates with poly(vinyl chloride) and their mutagenicity

The thermal decomposition of phthalate alone and with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere in a 4-necked separable flask. The thermal decomposition of phthalate in the presence of PVC began at 150°, about 100°C lower than the decomposition of phthalate alone. The formation of octyl chloride indicated an interaction reaction between phthalate and PVC. From the analysis of the composition of commercially plasticized PVC sheet (film and board), the phthalates (dibutyl phthalate, dihexyl phthalate) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, phthalic anhydride, and 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen phthalate were identified. The mutagenicities of these decomposition products were higher than those of phthalic diesters (phthalates).