Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Whatsapp Order

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.

Description

Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Uses

Primary Uses 

  1. Coatings & Paints

    • Acts as a coalescing solvent to improve film formation, gloss, and leveling in waterborne and solvent-based coatings.

    • Compatible with acrylics, alkyds, polyurethanes, and nitrocellulose resins.

    • Used extensively in automotive, industrial, and architectural paints and varnishes.

  2. Printing Inks

    • Utilized as a solvent in flexographic, gravure, and letterpress inks.

    • Enhances pigment dispersion, drying control, and adhesion on paper and plastic substrates.

  3. Adhesives & Sealants

    • Functions as a solvent and viscosity modifier in pressure-sensitive, contact, acrylic, and urethane adhesives.

    • Improves tack, peel strength, flow properties, and curing efficiency.

    • Common in wood adhesives, laminates, and construction sealants.

  4. Cleaning & Degreasing

    • Employed in industrial and household degreasers for effective removal of oils, greases, and waxes from metals and glass.

  5. Chemical Intermediate

    • Serves as a solvent and reaction medium in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty chemicals.

 

Secondary Uses 

  1. Textile Industry

    • Used in dyeing, printing, and finishing processes to improve wetting, penetration, and color fastness.

  2. Cosmetics & Personal Care

    • Incorporated as a solvent and carrier in nail polish removers, perfumes, and skincare products (subject to regulatory limits).

  3. Agriculture

    • Acts as a solvent and adjuvant in pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide formulations.

  4. Electronics & Photographic Industry

    • Used in photoresist chemicals for circuit board manufacturing and photoimaging.

  5. Fuel Additives & Biofuels

    • Employed as a solvent/carrier in fuel additive formulations.

Tertiary/Exploratory Uses

  1. Plasticizers & Polymer Modifiers

    • Co-solvent and plasticizer during polymer processing.

  2. Laboratory Solvent

    • Used in chromatography and chemical analyses.

  3. Specialty Coatings & Sealants

Found in marine coatings, anti-corrosive formulations, and specialty sealants.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

    • Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Ethoxyethanol

    • Common/Trade Name: Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE)

    • CAS Number: 110-80-5

    • HS Code: 2914.19.90

    • Molecular Formula: C4H10O2

    • Synonyms: Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, Ethyl Cellosolve

  2. Physical & Chemical Properties

    • Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid

    • Odor: Mild ether-like

    • Boiling Point: 135°C

    • Melting Point: -70°C

    • Density: 0.93 g/cm³ at 20°C

    • Viscosity: ~1.3 cP at 20°C

    • Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, ketones, many solvents

    • Vapor Pressure: 3.9 mmHg at 20°C

    • Flash Point: 63°C (closed cup)

    • Refractive Index: 1.426 at 20°C

    • pH: Neutral (~7 in aqueous solution)

    • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; avoid oxidizers

  3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

    • Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable liquid (Category 3), skin and eye irritant

    • Toxicity: Moderate acute toxicity; irritation upon prolonged exposure

    • Exposure Limits:

      • OSHA PEL: 50 ppm

      • ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm

    • Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact

  4. Storage & Handling Attributes

    • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources

    • Container Type: Steel drums or solvent-resistant polyethylene containers

    • Shelf Life: Approximately 12 months when stored properly

    • Handling Precautions: Use adequate ventilation, avoid skin and eye contact, prevent vapor accumulation

  5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

    • REACH Registration: Registered in EU

    • TSCA: Listed on US EPA Inventory

    • FDA Status: Not approved for food or drug use

    • VOC Regulations: Classified as VOC in many jurisdictions

    • Usage Restrictions: Subject to occupational exposure limits and environmental regulations

  6. Environmental & Health Impact

    • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions

    • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic life; avoid environmental release

    • Bioaccumulation: Not expected

Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene)

    • Safety goggles or face shield

    • Protective clothing

    • Respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate

  2. Handling Guidelines:

    • Use in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation

    • Avoid skin and eye contact

    • Avoid inhalation of vapors

    • Prevent spills and vapor buildup

  3. Storage Measures:

    • Keep containers tightly sealed

    • Store away from oxidizers, acids, and ignition sources

    • Maintain cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions

  4. Hygiene Practices:

    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling

    • Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

    • Clean contaminated surfaces regularly

First Aid Measures

  1. Inhalation:

    • Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs

  2. Skin Contact:

    • Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  3. Eye Contact:

    • Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues

  4. Ingestion:

    • Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

  1. Fire Hazards:

    • Flammable liquid; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air

  2. Extinguishing Media:

    • Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray

  3. Special Precautions:

    • Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus

  4. Decomposition Products:

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ethylene oxides