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.

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Categories: Solvents (Cleaning), Solvents(paint) Tags: Adhesive solvent, Butyl glycol, Cleaning products ingredient, Clear liquid solvent, Degreasing Agent, Industrial solvent, Paints and coatings solvent, Textile industry solvent

Description

Table of Contents

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.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

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