Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
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Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
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Explosives and Blasting Agents
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Antioxidants(plastic)
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Fillers and Reinforcements
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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
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Solvents(pharmaceutical)
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microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
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Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
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Dyes and Pigments
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Finishing Agents
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Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
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Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
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Solvents (Cleaning)
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Electronic Chemicals
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Pigments
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Fresh Herbs
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Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders
BUTYL GLYCOL: THE VERSATILE SOLVENT POWERING INDUSTRIES FROM PAINTS TO PHARMACEUTICALS
Butyl glycol (also known as 2-butoxyethanol or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) is a colorless, mild-smelling liquid solvent with remarkable versatility. As both a glycol ether and an alcohol, it dissolves substances that water can’t while remaining miscible with water itself—a rare and valuable combination. This makes it indispensable in coatings, cleaning products, and industrial processes worldwide.
Key Properties & Production
Chemical Profile
- Formula: C₆H₁₄O₂
- Boiling Point: 171°C (340°F)
- Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
- Evaporation Rate: Slower than ethanol, making it ideal for formulations requiring extended workability
How Is It Made?
Butyl glycol is produced via the reaction of ethylene oxide with butanol, a process that creates a stable, mid-polarity solvent with balanced hydrophilic/lipophilic properties.
Top Industrial & Commercial Uses
1. Paints & Coatings
- Primary Use: Key ingredient in water-based paints (acts as a coalescing agent, helping polymer particles fuse into a smooth film).
- Why It’s Preferred:
- Reduces surface tension for better brushability.
- Slower evaporation prevents lap marks in large paint jobs.
- Enhances gloss and flow in automotive finishes.
2. Cleaners & Degreasers
- Household & Industrial Cleaners: Effective against oils, greases, and resins without damaging surfaces.
- Printing Industry: Removes ink residues from machinery.
- Aerospace: Used in aviation fuel system cleaners.
3. Metalworking & Electronics
- Metal Degreasing: Prepares surfaces for painting or plating.
- Flux Remover in Soldering: Cleans circuit boards after assembly.
4. Textile & Leather Processing
- Dye Solvent: Helps disperse pigments evenly in fabrics.
- Leather Treatment: Softens hides and improves dye penetration.
5. Agricultural & Chemical Formulations
- Herbicide & Pesticide Carrier: Improves absorption into plant tissues.
- Chemical Intermediate: Used to synthesize plasticizers and other derivatives.
Safety & Environmental Considerations
Handling Precautions
- Ventilation Required: Prolonged inhalation of vapors may cause dizziness.
- Skin Contact: Can cause mild irritation; nitrile gloves recommended.
- Flammability: Combustible (flash point: 60°C/140°F)—store away from sparks.
Environmental Impact
- Biodegradability: Moderate (~60% degradation in 28 days).
- Regulations: Monitored under REACH (EU) and EPA (US) due to potential reproductive toxicity at high exposures.
Future Trends & Alternatives
- Bio-Based Butyl Glycol: Emerging production from renewable feedstocks.
- Low-VOC Alternatives: Formulators are testing alternatives for eco-friendly paints.
Conclusion
Butyl glycol’s unique balance of water compatibility and solvent strength ensures its continued dominance in coatings, cleaning, and manufacturing. While safer handling practices and greener alternatives evolve, its versatility keeps it relevant across industries.
