Diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (also known as diethyl cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate, Fructalate, CAS: 72903-27-6) is a cycloaliphatic diester with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₀O₄ and a molecular weight of 228.29 g/mol. It appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fruity, berry-like odor. The compound features a rigid cyclohexane ring core with two ethyl ester groups at the 1 and 4 positions, which is available as a mixture of cis/trans isomers. Key physical properties include a density of 1.1±0.1 g/cm³, a boiling point of 285.8±15.0 °C at 760 mmHg, and a vapor pressure of 0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C.
As a versatile cycloaliphatic diester, diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate is valued across multiple industrial sectors. It serves as a key precursor for phthalate-free plasticizer systems, a monomer or building block in high-performance polymer synthesis, a coalescing agent in waterborne coatings and adhesives, and a specialty fragrance ingredient (Fructalate) for fine perfumery and personal care products. Market demand is closely linked to the global shift toward phthalate-free plasticizers, the expansion of high-performance coatings and polymer industries, and the growing appetite for unique fruity fragrance notes in specialty perfumery. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate is concentrated in three major sectors: phthalate-free plasticizer precursors and polymer synthesis (≈40-45% of global consumption), coatings, adhesives, and industrial formulations (≈30-35%), and fragrances and specialty chemicals (≈15-20%), with additional demand from pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates (≈5-10%).
In the phthalate-free plasticizer and polymer synthesis sector, this compound serves as a crucial building block for producing non-phthalate plasticizers, which are increasingly preferred due to regulatory pressure on traditional phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DINP) in food-contact, medical, and children‘s products. The rigid cyclohexane ring structure imparts excellent thermal stability, low volatility, and good compatibility with a wide range of polymers, making it ideal for flexible PVC, polyurethanes, and engineering plastics. The compound also acts as a key monomer in the synthesis of novel fluorinated polymers and specialty polyesters, where it contributes to enhanced solubility, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. In polymer science, diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate is used to prepare polymers with tailored molecular weight distributions and workable viscosities for spray applications.
In the coatings, adhesives, and industrial formulations sector, the compound functions as an effective coalescing agent in waterborne latex coatings, helping to lower the minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) and improve film formation without compromising hardness or durability. Resins incorporating the 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate structure are also used in stabilized exterior coil coatings, where they provide excellent weatherability and chemical resistance. Additionally, the compound serves as a solvent and softener in industrial applications such as coatings, dyes, rubber, and plastics. Its ability to improve the flexibility and processability of plastics, rubbers, and coatings enhances the softness and impact resistance of these materials.
In the fragrances and specialty chemicals sector, diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate is marketed under the trade name Fructalate (or Fructatlate), where it is valued for its unique fruity, berry-like, elegant odor profile. The fragrance is described as having a fresh, fruity raspberry and apple character with good substantivity and odor intensity. It is particularly suitable for fruit and citrus fragrance formulations, where it can be added in very high proportions. At low concentrations, its effect is remarkably similar to that of hydroxy phenyl butanone, imparting an “incredible fragrance” to the composition. It is also used as a fixative in the flavor and fragrance industry, with purity grades of ≥99.5% available for high-end perfumery applications. The compound can undergo hydrolysis, transesterification, and other typical ester reactions, making it a versatile intermediate for producing various derivatives and functionalized compounds.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate follows a pattern of specialized fine chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers, with production concentrated in China, Europe, and North America. The compound is generally supplied as a clear liquid with purity ranging from 95% to ≥99.5% (verified by GC analysis).
Major international suppliers and manufacturers include Alfa Chemistry (FFC72903276), BenchChem (research compound, purity usually 95%), CymitQuimica (CAS 72903-27-6, offering isomer mixtures and trans-isomer), EvitaChem (CAS 72903-27-6), Aladdin (trans-isomer), Shanghai Aladdin Biochemical Technology (isomer mixture, 2-8°C storage), Macklin (95% purity, 1g packaging), and Shanghai HANSI Chemical (CAS 72903-27-6).
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable, quality-controlled supply chain for high-purity diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (CAS 72903-27-6). Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity (≥98-99%) with low impurity profiles, fully complying with global plasticizer, polymer, coating, and fragrance standards. It is an ideal cycloaliphatic diester building block for phthalate-free plasticizer formulations, high-performance polymer synthesis, waterborne coating systems, and specialty fragrance compositions.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production, North America and Europe lead in high-purity plasticizer, polymer, and fragrance applications, and Latin America & Middle East/Africa are emerging growth markets.”
Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is the world‘s largest producer and fastest-growing region for cycloaliphatic diesters. Chinese manufacturers, including XinChem, offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches, serving both domestic demand for plasticizer intermediates, polymer building blocks, and fragrance ingredients, and exports to Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. The region‘s rapidly expanding coatings and polymer industries further drive demand.
North America (United States and Canada) and Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherlands) together account for the largest share of high-purity R&D and commercial consumption (≥98-99%), driven by the highest concentration of phthalate-free plasticizer research, high-performance coating development, and specialty fragrance formulation. Customer requirements in these regions are stringent: purity ≥98%, full traceability, compliance with REACH and EPA regulations for plasticizer applications, and full impurity profiling.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (CAS 72903-27-6) is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for plasticizer, food-contact, and fragrance applications. As a cycloaliphatic diester, it is considered a safer alternative to traditional phthalate plasticizers and is not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as DEHP, DINP, or DBP under REACH or EPA regulations.
In the European Union, the compound is registered under REACH (EC Number 242-016-2); importers and manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). For fragrance applications, the compound (Fructalate) is used in compliance with IFRA guidelines. RIFM has conducted a fragrance ingredient safety assessment for diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, confirming its safety profile for use in perfumery. In the United States, the compound is regulated under TSCA. In China, the compound is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and requires safety production licenses for manufacturing facilities.
Recommended storage conditions: store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at 2-8°C, away from heat, sparks, and open flames. The compound is stable under recommended storage conditions but incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids. Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection — is recommended during handling.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate is tied to four core drivers: (1) the global regulatory shift away from phthalate plasticizers toward safer alternatives, with the compound serving as a key precursor for non-phthalate plasticizer systems; (2) the expansion of high-performance coatings, adhesives, and polymer industries, where cycloaliphatic diesters provide superior thermal stability and weatherability; (3) the growing demand for unique fruity fragrance notes in specialty perfumery and personal care products; and (4) the increasing adoption of sustainable, low-VOC waterborne coating systems requiring effective coalescing agents.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility for cyclohexane and ethanol derivatives, competition from alternative cycloaliphatic diesters (e.g., dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, DMCD) and bio-based plasticizers, and the need for continued investment in high-purity production and regulatory compliance. Enterprises should focus on securing high-purity (≥99%) production capabilities, maintaining rigorous impurity documentation for global regulatory filings, and building long-term supply partnerships with plasticizer manufacturers, polymer producers, coating formulators, and fragrance compounders.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals, diester intermediates, and specialty building blocks, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the plasticizer, polymer, coating, and fragrance industries. Relying on core advantages in sourcing, quality assurance, and global logistics, we provide high-quality Diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (CAS 72903-27-6) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent specifications for industrial, polymer, and fragrance grades. Fully compliant with REACH and international quality standards, it is an ideal cycloaliphatic diester building block for phthalate-free plasticizer formulations, high-performance polymer synthesis, waterborne coating systems, and specialty fragrance compositions.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our diethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate achieves purity levels of ≥98-99% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, molecular weight 228.29 g/mol, density 1.1±0.1 g/cm³, boiling point 285.8±15.0 °C at 760 mmHg.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents, heavy metals, and related substances ensures high performance for plasticizer, polymer, coating, and fragrance applications.
Industrial & Fragrance Grade Quality: The compound is tested for compliance with REACH and industry-specific quality standards, with full traceability to primary analytical standards.
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (GC, GC-MS, density, refractive index) guarantees consistent quality and reproducible performance across all production lots.
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Cycloaliphatic Diester Building Block: Directly used in phthalate-free plasticizer formulations (flexible PVC, polyurethanes, engineering plastics), high-performance polymer synthesis (fluorinated polymers, specialty polyesters), coalescing agents in waterborne latex coatings, and specialty fragrance compositions (Fructalate).
Unique Fragrance Profile: Delivers a fresh, fruity raspberry and apple character with elegant berry notes and good substantivity; suitable for fruit and citrus fragrance formulations at very high proportions.
Phthalate-Free Alternative: Provides excellent thermal stability, low volatility, and good polymer compatibility without the regulatory restrictions associated with traditional phthalates.
Flexible Packaging: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and 200L drums; custom packaging for R&D and industrial orders.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity in the multi-ton range, with dedicated temperature-controlled warehousing (2-8°C, cool, dry, light-protected, sealed containers) and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
- Phthalate-Free Plasticizers: Precursor for non-phthalate plasticizer systems for flexible PVC, polyurethanes, and engineering plastics; improves flexibility, processability, and impact resistance.
- High-Performance Polymers: Monomer or building block for fluorinated polymers, specialty polyesters, and advanced materials with enhanced solubility, thermal stability, and mechanical properties.
- Coatings & Adhesives: Coalescing agent for waterborne latex coatings; component in stabilized exterior coil coatings, industrial paints, and adhesives; solvent and softener for coatings, dyes, rubber, and plastics.
- Fragrances & Specialty Chemicals: Fructalate fragrance ingredient for fine perfumery, personal care products, and fruit/citrus fragrance formulations; fixative for flavor and fragrance compositions.
- Pharmaceutical & Agrochemical Intermediates: Building block for drug and agrochemical synthesis via hydrolysis, transesterification, and other ester reactions.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides impurity profiling, application-specific formulation guidance, and regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, REACH compliance, TSCA certification). We offer custom packaging and just-in-time delivery.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the chemical, polymer, and fragrance ingredient industries.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive industrial pricing.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Jul-12-2026