A Modified 3D-QSAR Model Based on Ideal Point Method and Its Application in the Molecular Modification of Plasticizers with Flame Retardancy and Eco-Friendliness

The addition of plasticizers makes plastics flammable, and thus, poses a potential risk to the environment. In previous researches, plasticizers with flame retardancy had been synthesized, but their eco-friendliness had not been tested or described. Thus, in this paper, eco-friendliness plasticizers with flame retardancy were designed based on phthalic acid esters (PAEs), which are known as common plasticizers and major plastic additives. For a comprehensive analysis, such as flammability, biotoxicity, and enrichment effects, 17 PAEs’ comprehensive evaluation values were calculated based on the ideal point method. Further, a multi-effect three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of PAEs’ flammability, biotoxicity and enrichment effects was constructed. Thus, 18 dimethyl phthalate (DMP) derivatives and 20 diallyl phthalate (DAP) derivatives were designed based on three-dimensional contour maps. Through evaluation of eco-friendliness and flammability, six eco-friendly PAE derivatives with flame retardancy were screened out. Based on contour maps analysis, it was confirmed that the introduction of large groups and hydrophobic groups was beneficial to the simultaneous improvement of PAEs’ comprehensive effects, and multiple effects. In addition, the group properties were correlated significantly with improved degrees of the comprehensive effects of corresponding PAE derivatives, confirming the feasibility of the comprehensive evaluation method and modified scheme.