Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

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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.

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Category: Solvents(paint) Tags: 2-Ethoxyethanol, Adhesives & Sealants, Cleaning Solutions, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Paints & Coatings, Resin & Dye Solvent

Description

Table of Contents

Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Primary Uses

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.
Printing Inks
- Utilized as a solvent in flexographic, gravure, and letterpress inks.
- Enhances pigment dispersion, drying control, and adhesion on paper and plastic substrates.
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.
Cleaning & Degreasing
- Employed in industrial and household degreasers for effective removal of oils, greases, and waxes from metals and glass.
Chemical Intermediate
- Serves as a solvent and reaction medium in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty chemicals.

Secondary Uses

Textile Industry
- Used in dyeing, printing, and finishing processes to improve wetting, penetration, and color fastness.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Incorporated as a solvent and carrier in nail polish removers, perfumes, and skincare products (subject to regulatory limits).
Agriculture
- Acts as a solvent and adjuvant in pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide formulations.
Electronics & Photographic Industry
- Used in photoresist chemicals for circuit board manufacturing and photoimaging.
Fuel Additives & Biofuels
- Employed as a solvent/carrier in fuel additive formulations.

KEY PRODUCT 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

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective clothing
- Respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
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
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Store away from oxidizers, acids, and ignition sources
- Maintain cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
- Clean contaminated surfaces regularly

First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
- Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact:
- Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact:
- Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards:
- Flammable liquid; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
Extinguishing Media:
- Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Special Precautions:
- Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products:
- Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ethylene oxides