Butyl Glycol
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Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet ether-like odor. It is an organic solvent classified as a glycol ether, with the molecular formula C6H14O2. Butyl Glycol is highly miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in industrial and commercial applications due to its excellent solvent properties, low volatility, and moderate toxicity. Its high solvency and compatibility with both aqueous and organic phases make it valuable in coatings, cleaning products, inks, and adhesives.
Description
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Butyl Glycol
Primary Uses
- Industrial Solvent
- Used as a solvent and coupling agent in paints, coatings, varnishes, and stains to improve flow and leveling.
- Acts as a solvent in printing inks, especially flexographic and gravure inks.
- Cleaning Products
- Commonly found in industrial and household cleaners such as degreasers, glass cleaners, and surface cleaners due to its ability to dissolve oils and greases effectively.
- Chemical Intermediate
- Utilized in the manufacture of glycol ether derivatives and surfactants.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Employed as a solvent in adhesive formulations for better spreadability and drying performance.
Secondary Uses
- Textile Industry
- Used in textile processing and dyeing as a wetting agent and solvent.
- Agricultural Formulations
- Serves as a solvent and carrier in pesticide and herbicide formulations.
- Personal Care Products
- Occasionally used in cosmetics and personal care items as a solvent and viscosity modifier.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Butoxyethanol
- Common/Trade Names: Butyl Glycol, Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Butoxyethanol
- CAS Number: 111-76-2
- HS Code: 2909.49.00
- Molecular Formula: C6H14O2
- Molecular Weight: 118.18 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- 2-Butoxyethanol
- Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
- Butyl cellosolve
- Monobutyl ether of ethylene glycol
- EGBE
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Odor: Mild, ether-like odor
- Boiling Point: 171 °C
- Melting Point: -74 °C
- Density: 0.9 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Flash Point: 63 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents
- Vapor Pressure: 0.4 kPa at 20 °C
- Refractive Index: 1.427–1.429
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable Liquid, Category 4; Skin Irritant, Category 2; Eye Irritant, Category 2A
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 2
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (TWA)
- ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm (TWA)
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; may cause skin and eye irritation; potential for hemolysis at high exposure levels
- Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizing agents
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
- Container Type: Tightly sealed metal or plastic containers resistant to solvents
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years under proper storage
- Special Handling: Use grounding and bonding during transfer; avoid inhalation of vapors and skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Listed under REACH, TSCA, and other major inventories
- Transportation: Classified as a combustible liquid under DOT, IMDG, and IATA
- Waste Disposal: Follow local, state, and federal regulations for disposal of chemical solvents
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; avoid release into the environment
- Persistence: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective clothing
- Respiratory protection if ventilation is insufficient
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of vapors and prolonged skin contact
- Use in well-ventilated areas
- Prevent static electricity buildup by grounding and bonding containers
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Store away from heat, sparks, and incompatible substances
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties persist
- Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes may be produced during combustion
Related products
Butyl Acetate
Butyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant fruity odor similar to pears or bananas. It is an ester formed from butanol and acetic acid. Due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food flavoring, and cosmetic applications. It dissolves many resins and polymers and is prized for improving flow and finish in coatings and inks.
Diethyl Glycol
Diethyl Glycol is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic, and viscous liquid with a mild odor. It is a diol with two hydroxyl groups, making it a versatile chemical intermediate and solvent. DEG is miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in the manufacture of plasticizers, solvents, resins, and as an intermediate in chemical syntheses. Due to its high boiling point and solvent properties, DEG finds broad applications across industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, also known as 2-Ethoxyethanol or Ethyl Cellosolve, is a clear, colorless, and hygroscopic liquid with moderate volatility and excellent solvency. It belongs to the glycol ether family and is widely used as a solvent and coalescing agent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and has a moderate boiling point (~135°C). It finds extensive applications across coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaners, and chemical synthesis industries.
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a less refined form of acetic acid primarily used for industrial and technical applications rather than food or pharmaceutical uses. Typically available in concentrations ranging from 80% to glacial (99-100%), it serves as a crucial chemical reagent, solvent, and intermediate in various industrial processes.
Isopropyl Alcohol Grade Tech
Isopropyl Alcohol Grade Tech is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong, characteristic alcohol odor. It is a solution containing approximately 85% isopropanol by volume, with the remainder primarily water. This technical-grade IPA is widely used as a solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent in industrial, pharmaceutical, and household applications. The 85% concentration balances efficacy with safety and evaporation rate, making it versatile for various uses.
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a clear, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinct alcoholic odor. It is the simplest alcohol and is widely used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and chemical feedstock. Methanol is highly miscible with water and many organic solvents and serves as a precursor to numerous chemicals including formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastic
Methoxy Propanol Glycol Ether
Methoxy Propanol Glycol Ether, commonly known as PM Glycol Ether, is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor. It belongs to the glycol ether family and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, inks, cleaning products, and industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, low volatility, and favorable evaporation rate. PM Glycol Ether is miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it versatile for a broad range of formulations.
Shellsol A
Shellsol A is a high-purity, low-aromatic, hydrocarbon solvent derived from petroleum refining processes. It is a clear, colorless liquid known for its excellent solvency power, low odor, and relatively low toxicity compared to other petroleum solvents. Shellsol A is widely used in coatings, inks, adhesives, and chemical processing where strong but controlled solvency is required. Its balanced evaporation rate and compatibility with various res ins and polymers make it a preferred choice in industrial and commercial applications.

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