Dibutyl maleate

Dibutyl maleate (DBM) is a colorless, liquid plasticizer used in a range of applications. It is primarily employed as a plasticizer for vinyl resins, particularly in copolymers involving PVC and vinyl acetates. DBM is also utilized as a comonomer in the polymerization of vinyl and acrylic emulsions, which are key ingredients in paints and adhesives. Additionally, DBM serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, notably in the production of succinic acid derivatives.

In practical applications, DBM is significant in improving the ignition characteristics of diesel fuels due to its high oxygen content, which enhances combustion properties and efficiency. Research has shown that adding DBM to diesel fuel affects engine performance and combustion characteristics, such as in-cylinder pressure and ignition delay, leading to a reduction in HC and soot but an increase in CO, CO2, and NOx emissions.

In the field of materials science, DBM is used to modify the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polymer commonly used in prosthetics. By incorporating DBM, the Tg of PMMA can be reduced, which affects the material's mechanical properties, including impact resistance and flexibility. Both experimental and theoretical studies, including Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, confirm the interaction between DBM and PMMA, showing a significant decrease in Tg and validating the impact of DBM as a plasticizer.

InChI:InChI=1/C12H20O4/c1-3-5-9-15-11(13)7-8-12(14)16-10-6-4-2/h7-8H,3-6,9-10H2,1-2H3/b8-7-