Dibasic Esters Overview The dibasic esters are a mixture of methyl esters of adipic, glutaric,and succinic acid. DBE is commonly used as a paint stripper. DBE may be used at 100 percent strength or may be mixed with other chemicals, such as n-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). DBE is also found as a solvent in semiaqueous processes. Pure DBE has a threshold limit value (TLV) of about 1 ppm. It also has a very low vapor pressure. Thus, it is possible to mix DBE with other chemicals so that the actual air emissions are very low. DBE is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and may be regulated in your area. DBE is considered biodegradable and may be recycled using a vacuum still. State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 14 March 1995 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=dbe&cat=ov