**2.1. Di(alkyl)cyclohexane‐1,2‐dicarboxylates**

Di(alkyl) esters of 1,2‐benzene dicarboxylic acid of higher molecular weight, such as di(2‐ ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEPH) or di(isononyl)phthalate (DINP), are widely used as plasticizers in the processing of various types of polymers, especially poly(vinyl chloride). These types of compounds are not chemically bound to the polymers, so they are gradually released from them by volatilization from the surface into the air, or by migration due to contact with a solid, or by extraction from the polymer into a liquid also due to direct contact [1]. These compounds are becoming challenging environmental pollutants with a strong impact on the human health. The toxicity effects of these compounds have been intensively investigated, and within the last decade some of those compounds have been classified as endocrine disruptors [2] and potential carcinogens [3–6]. The metabolism of DINP in animals [7] and in humans [8, 9] has been studied. In these studies, where deuterium‐labeled DINP was used, samples of animal and human urine were found to contain monoester of mono‐iso‐nonylphthalate and its oxidized isomers containing hydroxy, oxo, and carboxy functional groups as metabolites of DINP.

The new di(alkyl)cyclohexane 1,2 dicarboxylates (DINCH) plasticizers may be used to im‐ prove the flexibility of some polymers, mainly PVC. They also have less toxic effect on hu‐ man health when compared to di(alkyl)phthalates.
