邻苯二甲酸酯（Phthalates，PAEs），又称酞酸酯，统称邻苯二甲基酯类，主要做为塑化剂（增塑剂）使用，添加到塑胶中以增强弹性、透明度、耐用性和使用寿命。邻苯二甲酸酯也可用来软化聚氯乙烯（PVC）。邻苯二甲酸酯类是使用最广泛、品种最多、产量最大的增塑剂。当被用作塑料增塑剂时，一般指的是邻苯二甲酸与1～15个碳的醇形成的酯。其中邻苯二甲酸二辛酯（如DEHP）是最重要的品种。

由于邻苯二甲酸酯存在其健康隐患，美国、加拿大、欧盟地区正逐步将其从多种产品中淘汰。

邻苯二甲酸酯在多种产品中使用，例如药丸及营养补品的肠衣、粘度剂、胶凝剂、助膜剂、稳定剂、分散剂、润滑剂、粘结剂、乳化剂及悬浮剂等，其应用领域涵盖粘合剂和胶水、电子业、农业佐剂、建筑材料、个人护理产品、医疗器械、洗涤剂和表面活性剂、包装业、儿童玩具、雕塑土、蜡、油漆、油墨、涂料、药物、食品和纺织业等。

Phthalates (pronounced /ˈθæˌleɪts/ or in British English /ˈ(f)θaleɪts/), or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). Phthalates are manufactured by reacting phthalic anhydride with alcohol(s) that range from methanol and ethanol (C1/C2) up to tridecyl alcohol (C13), either as a straight chain or with some branching. They are divided into two distinct groups, with very different applications, toxicological properties, and classification, based on the number of carbon atoms in their alcohol chain. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Lower-molecular-weight phthalates (3-6 carbon atoms in their backbone) are being gradually replaced in many products in the United States, Canada, and European Union over health concerns. They are replaced by high-molecular-weight phthalates (those with more than 6 carbons in their backbone, which gives them increased permanency and durability). In 2010, the market was still dominated by high-phthalate plasticizers; however, due to legal provisions and growing environmental awareness and pe****tions, producers are increasingly forced to use non-phthalate plasticizers.