Butyl Glycol / 2-Butoxyethanol / butyl cellosolve / Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether

ETHYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER

Technical grade

2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent which is a clear, colourless liquid with a mild, sweet. ether-like odour. Butyl glycol is a polar aprotic solvent, which allows it to dissolve both water-based and oil-based substances. as well as most organic solvents making it very versatile as an ingredient in cleaners, degreasers, paints, varnishes etc. Butyl glycol has a slower evaporation rate than many other solvents, which helps in applications where a controlled evaporation time is needed, such as in paints or cleaning agents that require more time to break down dirt or grease.

Specification

• Formula: C₆H₁₄O₂
• CAS No: 111-76-2
• EINECS No: 203-908-0
• Appearance: colourless to light yellow liquid
• Molar mass: 118.17 g mol-1
• Density: 0.90 g/cm³ liquid
• Melting Point: -77^oC
• Boiling Point: 171^oC
• Flash Point: 67^oC
• Autoignition temperature: 245^oC
• Flammability limits: Upper 12.7% Lower 1.1%
• Viscosity: 2.9 cP at 25 C
• Vapour pressure: 1.17 hPa at 25C
• Refractive index: 1.419
• Vapor Density (Air=1): 4.07
• Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): 0.8 @ 20C
• Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1): 0.07
• Solubility: completely miscible with water
• Other Names: butyl cellosolve, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, monobutyl ether, Dowanol, Eastman EB solvent, 1-Hydroxy-2-butoxyethane;

Butyl glycol shows the reactions typical of an alcohol, such as esterification, etherification, oxidation and the formation of acetates and alcoholates. Like most ethers, it forms peroxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.

USES FOR 2-BUTOXY ETHANOL

2-Butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in protective surface coatings such as spray lacquers, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints. It is also used as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers, agricultural chemicals, herbicides, silicon caulks, cutting oils, and hydraulic fluids. It has other uses in metal cleaners, fabric dyes and inks, industrial and household cleaners (as a degreaser), and dry-cleaning compounds.

Common Uses:

1. Household and Industrial Cleaning Products:

• Surface Cleaners: 2-Butoxyethanol is commonly used in household cleaning products such as glass cleaners, all-purpose surface cleaners, and degreasers. Its ability to dissolve both water-soluble and oil-soluble substances makes it effective in removing dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces like countertops, floors, and windows.
• Degreasers: In industrial cleaning, 2-butoxyethanol is used in degreasing formulations for removing oil, grease, and dirt from machinery, tools, and equipment. It is effective in cutting through tough grease deposits while being miscible with water, making it easy to rinse off.
• Heavy-duty Cleaners: It is often found in cleaning solutions designed for hard-to-clean surfaces, such as ovens and grills, due to its strong solvency properties.

2. Paints and Coatings:

• Solvent in Paints and Varnishes: Butyl glycol is used in the formulation of water-based paints, lacquers, and varnishes. It helps to dissolve resins and pigments, improving the consistency of the paint and ensuring smooth application. Its slow evaporation rate also helps in leveling and extending drying times.
• Coatings and Inks: In the coatings industry, 2-butoxyethanol is used as a solvent in printing inks, wood varnishes, and other surface treatments. It enhances the fluidity and workability of the coatings, allowing for better penetration and adhesion to surfaces.

3. Automotive and Industrial Applications:

• Brake Fluids: It is used in automotive brake fluids as part of the solvent system that helps maintain the right viscosity and fluidity under various temperature conditions.
• Metal Cleaners and Rust Removers: 2-Butoxyethanol is a component in metal cleaning products, including rust removers, where it aids in dissolving oils, grease, and rust, making metal surfaces easier to clean or prepare for further treatments such as painting or welding.

4. Textile Industry:

• Textile Dyeing and Finishing: In the textile industry, butyl glycol is used as a solvent in processes like dyeing and finishing. It helps to penetrate fabric fibers more efficiently, ensuring better absorption of dyes and chemicals, which improves the quality of the final product.

5. Adhesives and Sealants:

• Solvent for Adhesives: It is used in certain adhesives and sealants, particularly those that are water-based. Its solvency helps keep adhesive components in solution, ensuring even application and proper adhesion during the bonding process.

6. Pesticides and Herbicides:

• Carrier and Solvent in Agrochemicals: 2-Butoxyethanol is sometimes used in pesticide and herbicide formulations as a carrier solvent, helping to dissolve active ingredients and ensuring they spread evenly over plant surfaces for effective application.

Key Areas of use:

• A solvent in paints, acrylic resin formulations, varnishes, lacquer and inks
• It reduces the viscosity of alkyd resin paints.
• A flow improver for urea, melamine or phenolic stoving finishes.
• Used in water soluble solvent degreasers and cleaning products.
• An oil spill dispersant.
• Used in hydraulic fluids.
• Asphalt release agent
• Photographic strip solution
• Used in Firefighting foam.
• In herbicides.
• In the production of butyl glycol acetate.

Health & Safety

R-phrase(s): R20/21/22 Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. R36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.

S-phrase(s): S36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. S46 If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.