Before Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, or DEGBE, became a staple in factories and labs, chemists followed a winding road to understand its purpose. Early developments in glycol ethers trace back to the boom in synthetic chemistry in the twentieth century when industries pushed for better solvents, more stable emulsions, and fine-tuned cleaning agents. In my experience, talking to longtime engineers, you get the sense that DEGBE wasn’t an overnight breakthrough, but it almost quietly slipped into daily use due to a mix of easy production, dependable performance, and growing need for glycol ethers in everything from paint stripping to ink formulations. DEGBE’s introduction opened doors for more reliable industrial processes and created a new standard for balancing solvency against worker safety.
DEGBE stands out within the glycol ether family for its unique blend of moderate evaporation rate, good solvency, and low odor. Nearly colorless, with a mild scent, it delivers a solid performance for cleaning, degreasing, and formulation purposes. Unlike more volatile or toxic solvents, DEGBE’s appeal rests on its ability to handle grease and oils without stripping or over-drying surfaces. Industry folks often appreciate that balance between strong performance and a milder touch, one reason why it pops up in products you might not expect — like water-based coatings, degreasers, and some niche herbicides. The product's utility stretches beyond mere cleaning; it finds a home wherever precision and safety intersect.
A look at its numbers tells the story. DEGBE has a boiling point of about 231°C and a flash point near 94°C, placing it safely above many riskier solvents. It’s a clear, oily liquid, miscible with water and many organic solvents. Its molecular weight comes in at roughly 162 g/mol. My chemistry days taught me that this kind of molecular structure — a long, flexible glycol chain with a butyl group at the end — gives DEGBE the knack for dissolving both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances. This dual compatibility marks it as particularly useful for challenging cleaning jobs. Its low vapor pressure also means lower inhalation risk, a practical point for folks working long shifts around chemical vats or spray booths.
Responding to regulatory oversight, manufacturers label DEGBE containers with clear hazard pictograms and precautionary advice. The Material Safety Data Sheet covers important details: purity thresholds, hazard codes, storage advice, and emergency guidelines. Commercial DEGBE grades typically boast purity of over 98%, with water and other glycol ethers as minor impurities. Labels show the CAS number (112-34-5) and various batch-related specifications. Years in a plant taught me that certification labels and batch numbers are not bureaucratic add-ons — they mean a company stands behind product integrity and traceability. Many buyers, especially in regulated industries, look for REACH or EPA compliance for peace of mind.
Industrial production usually runs through reaction of ethylene oxide with butanol under controlled alkaline conditions. Plants keep a close eye on temperature and pH to encourage formation of the desired ether rather than over-alkoxylation or unwanted side products. Scale-up engineers know the devil’s in the details here, since side-reactions eat into yield and complicate purification. Production lines rely on continuous distillation setups, stripping off water and unreacted alcohol. From my recollection of site visits, preparation often comes with a focus on capturing process emissions and controlling waste streams, connecting directly to worker safety and environmental impact.
DEGBE holds steady under moderate acids and bases, but reacts with strong oxidizers. In formulations, chemists sometimes tweak the ether group or substitute other side chains to tailor boiling points or compatibility. On the bench, I’ve seen DEGBE turn into esters or polymers for specialty coatings or adhesives. Modifications rarely happen on their own — most changes come from targeted needs in paints, electronic fluids, or agrochemicals. This flexibility highlights the underlying value of glycol ether chemistry: a single backbone, countless branches for application.
DEGBE wears several hats in commerce; it’s known as Butyl Carbitol, Butyl Diglycol, or 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol, all referencing variations on its molecular family tree. These trade names often reveal the context of use: in paints you see Butyl Carbitol; in cleaning, just Butyl Diglycol; and the more complex IUPAC name pops up in regulatory matters. Miscommunication over synonyms happens, especially between purchasing and lab teams, so it pays to double-check product codes and CAS numbers before ordering.
Despite a smoother toxicity profile compared to older solvents, DEGBE isn’t risk-free. Direct skin or eye contact irritates, and inhaling high concentrations over time can upset the nervous system. Regulatory bodies set worker exposure limits — for example, OSHA suggests a ceiling of 10 ppm over an 8-hour work shift. Factory operators favor gloves of nitrile or neoprene and full-face shields during transfers or spills. Storage calls for cool, vented spaces away from oxidizers. From safety trainings, I recall the emphasis on secondary containment; a simple spill tray or drum bunding saves hours of cleanup and reduces accident risk. Focusing on operational discipline makes all the difference in busy facilities where one moment’s distraction can spiral quickly.
Everyday life touches DEGBE more than most folks suspect. In the paint aisle, water-based coatings rely on it for smooth flow and brushability. Printing houses turn to it for inkjet fluids, where it keeps pigments suspended and prevents clogging. In the home, glass cleaners remove fingerprints with DEGBE acting behind the scenes as the active solvent. Industrial cleaners, textile dyeing, electronics manufacturing, and even select agricultural sprays all use it in tailored blends. Some companies turn to DEGBE as a safer swap for more volatile or toxic alternatives, considering worker turnover and stricter environmental codes.
Researchers study DEGBE not just for new applications, but also for routes to greener chemistry. Projects chase renewable feedstocks, lower-waste synthesis methods, or ways to build in biodegradability. Analytical chemists probe its breakdown in water and soil, with an eye toward minimizing long-term contamination. These efforts often feel like an arms race with regulation: labs try to stay half a step ahead of shifting limits while holding onto reliable solvent performance. A number of startups leverage the basic molecule as a launchpad for novel surfactants or hybrid cleaners, betting on DEGBE’s well-understood behavior to smooth the road for regulatory approvals.
Toxicologists dive deep into repeated exposure risks and metabolic pathways. Studies confirm that, taken in small doses, DEGBE clears the human system with little drama, largely through urine as hydrated metabolites. Chugging a beaker brings far worse news — animal models show negative central nervous system effects and organ stress at high doses. Public focus sharpened after historical glycol ether incidents, even if DEGBE itself compares favorably to nastier cousins like ethylene glycol. Drug development teams keep DEGBE off the menu for pharmaceuticals but don’t flag it as a high concern for consumer products, provided exposures stay controlled. Governments review toxicity data in light of new science, keeping manufacturers on their toes for any sign that workplace exposure guidelines need updates.
Demand isn’t going away. As industries phase out older, more hazardous solvents, DEGBE looks better by comparison, given its lower volatility and well-mapped toxicity profile. Some labs explore new blends with other green chemicals, pushing for all-around safer products. In coatings and inks, rising pressure from both consumers and regulators pushes manufacturers toward waterborne and less hazardous formulations, spaces where DEGBE fits comfortably. Environmental innovation calls for scalable recycling or alternative synthesis using lower-carbon inputs. Conversations with formulators suggest that, while no single solvent solves every problem, the combination of familiarity and flexibility keeps DEGBE near the top of the list for next-generation cleaners, coatings, and specialty fluids. Research pushes the boundaries for safer, greener production while business pressures favor what works and won’t endanger workers or final customers.
Someone once told me the best cleaners don’t make a fuss about how they work — they just cut through grime and let you get on with your life. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (let’s call it DEGBE to save some breath) fits right into this concept. Most folks never see it on a label, but you’d be surprised at where this clear, sticky liquid pops up. Paints that go on smooth, window sprays that don’t streak, household degreasers that wipe away last night’s dinner disaster — chances are, DEGBE has played a part. I used to help my uncle with painting jobs, and more than once, we joked that half our buckets seemed to be full of tongue-twisting chemicals doing jobs we never stopped to appreciate. DEGBE stands out as one of those helpers.
DEGBE has a knack for blending oil and water, which doesn't sound like magic until you try scrubbing oil paint off your hands with plain soap. It’s what chemists call a “solvent,” but I just think of it as the stuff that lets strong cleaners cut through stubborn grease. At home, my wife has complained about glass cleaners leaving streaks. Until you’ve tried the ones that keep windows crystal clear after the first swipe, you don’t realize how much chemistry changes daily annoyances. Manufacturers add DEGBE to help cleaners work better, so you actually notice the results instead of the effort.
This chemical shows up behind the scenes in a lot of places. Factories use it in textile dyes to make sure colors grab on and actually stay through the wash. In inks and coatings, DEGBE helps things spread evenly and dry slower, so you don’t end up with flaky patches or smears. I once talked to a printer friend who explained how little tweaks in ink formulas fix problems with fading, blotches, or drying too fast on paper — and yes, DEGBE plays a quiet role there, too. It crops up in hydraulic fluids, and in some car antifreezes, you’ll find it mixed in to boost performance.
Here’s the thing that gets my attention: DEGBE works well, but like a lot of solvents, it can cause problems if you handle it wrong. People working in cleaning or industrial jobs might not know why they’re supposed to use gloves or keep the workshop doors open, but breathing in too much of this chemical or letting it sit on bare skin can lead to headaches, nausea, or worse. Back in my painting days, we’d finish a shift with sore hands and tired lungs until someone pointed out that not wearing protection all the time wasn’t just careless — it’s risky. Even at home, just because a bottle says “safe for household use” doesn’t mean you should take big breaths or skip reading the label.
Companies rely on DEGBE to get products working the way customers expect. But there’s no reason we can’t make it safer. Manufacturers can keep reworking formulas to lower vapor levels or combine it with safer alternatives. As buyers, we should get in the habit of asking what’s inside the stuff we use — not out of fear, but to make sure we’re treating both our families and ourselves with some respect. At work or at home, a pair of gloves and a cracked window never goes out of style.
Folks who work in cleaning, paints, or even some coatings might have come across a material called diethylene glycol monobutyl ether—often simply called DEGMBE. You can find it in window cleaners, some degreasers, ink, and even fabric treatment products. It acts as a solvent, helping break down dirt or keep pigments spread out, so industry keeps buying, mixing, and shipping the stuff by the ton.
Growing up in a household where my parents ran a small janitorial business, we spent hours reading every cleaner’s label. But names like diethylene glycol monobutyl ether rarely jump out. Instead, you just see “solvent” or an intimidating scientific term, and most people wipe down tables or mop floors without gloves. That everyday use makes safety more important than folks realize.
Researchers and regulatory agencies flag DEGMBE because it absorbs well through the skin and by breathing it in. Once inside the body, the chemical can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Plenty of studies highlight reactions like headaches, dizziness, or even nausea after longer exposure. The World Health Organization and agencies like the CDC highlight that, in big enough doses or with regular contact, chemicals like DEGMBE can actually damage the liver and kidneys over months or years.
In places where laws set workplace limits, OSHA says you shouldn’t go over 10 parts per million in the air during an eight-hour day. That’s a tiny amount—enough to show it’s not just another soap ingredient. In one local factory, we all knew the chemical smell that hung in the air after certain solvents hit the floor. We got told to keep extra fans running, but you never knew if someone got a headache just from the smell or from breathing it in all day.
The tough part is, some folks don’t have the training or the gear to protect themselves. Just handing out gloves and safety glasses only solves part of the problem. Some gloves just fall apart against strong solvents. Chemical splash goggles stay on shelves while workers use sunglasses or cheap plastic lenses by mistake.
Working around DEGMBE, the basics work best: nitrile gloves instead of cheap latex, face shields for splashes, and a habit of keeping windows open or fans blowing air out. These simple steps mattered in our shop, and folks talked each other into wearing them. Good habits stick when people look out for each other. So does the knowledge that skipping small steps—like washing hands after cleaning—can build up over time.
Company heads and small business owners need to spend money on two things: real, clear hazard labels and regular talks about what’s in the bottles. Training isn’t just a video you watch once—it's talking through what you’re spraying or pouring, especially for new hires who think it’s “just cleaner.”
No one wants more rules for the sake of having rules. Still, after years around cleaning supplies, I see difference between safe chemicals and those that need extra respect. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether sits in the group where you don’t play around. It does the job, but safety matters most. For those who use it, common sense works best: learn what you’re handling, treat it with care, and never skip the gear. These are lessons you remember long after the job is done.
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether sounds technical, but it shows up in daily life more often than most of us expect. Paint thinners, degreasers, cleaners—chances are, at least one warehouse in any industrial park has a few blue drums stacked in a corner, quietly sweating out their contents. This solvent packs a punch with its cleaning power, but its hidden dangers call for attention beyond glancing at an SDS sheet and walking away with a checklist.
From experience, working with this solvent in a garage that doubles as an oven during summer afternoons brings one lesson: temperature control isn’t a luxury. Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether won’t flash like gasoline, but its vapors can drift in warm air. Room temperature stays safest—anything above 30°C can mean heavier vapors and more pressure in containers. I’ve seen sweating drums turn sticky, almost as if the liquid inside fought to seep out. That’s not something you want mixing with an electrical outlet or flame.
Forget about storing these solvents next to air conditioning units or overstuffed tool rooms. Airflow keeps fumes from building up, but cracked windows in a closed garage fill the nose with chemical smells. A good vent system—nothing fancy, just a working exhaust drawing air out—makes the difference between a headache-free shift and worrying about exposure. At the same time, closed containers—securely fastened—outsmart accidental spills and air humidity invading the mixture, changing its composition or strength over time.
Pallets stacked too high bring trouble: one accidental bump and there’s a puddle of solvent inching towards your boots. Always go for single or double stacking, with drip trays and solid shelving. Label every container, not for the inspectors, but for the folks starting their shifts—mistaken identity between lookalike drums leads straight to disaster. Keeping the area swept and dry avoids slips and awkward phone calls to the safety department.
In facilities with poor planning, solvents often share shelving with boxes of nitrile gloves or cardboard rags. It seems harmless—until static electricity or a minor fire turns a storage issue into a chemical incident. Separating chemicals from flammable supplies isn’t just a best practice, it’s how you prevent fires before fumbling for the extinguisher. Speaking of those, a well-placed CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher, checked and ready, goes hand-in-hand with solvent storage. Regular fire drills covering the proper use of extinguishers don’t only check a box—they help muscle memory kick in when adrenaline scrambles your thoughts in an emergency.
Many headaches disappear with simple locker upgrades: dense polyethylene shelving stands up to the slow drips and heavy loads better than powder-coated metal. Electronic monitoring tools, like vapor sensors, sniff out leaks before a worker does. Restocking spill kits, swapping damaged gloves, and updating safety posters helps the veteran and the new hire work from the same playbook. Team discussions after a near-miss lead to more improvements than any memo. Solvent work isn’t glamorous, but treating storage and handling with respect can mean everyone goes home healthy, every time.
Mixing chemicals can sound like straight chemistry class talk, but a lot of these questions pop up in daily life or the workplace. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether—some folks call it DEGBE, others just nod and walk away—is one of those colorless liquids most don’t notice until it causes a problem. Spill it, store it wrong, try to clean with it, and then it grabs your attention. The big thing people ask: does this stuff mix well with water?
I’ve spent my fair share of hours around industrial settings. You hear about DEGBE in places where cleaning products and paints get made. It’s used for breaking down grime, helping with coatings, and thinning all sorts of commercial mixtures. These businesses need to know if DEGBE can pull its weight as a solvent with things like water, or if it clumps up and causes issues.
DEGBE is completely at home in water. Pour it in, and it slips right in without forming layers or cloudy messes. This trait makes it popular in cleaners and polishes where water is a common partner. I’ve watched workers handle it without fighting stubborn separation, which saves headaches in factories and labs. Not every chemical is so easy—try mixing certain oils with water and you’ll see beads form, sticking to everything but what you want.
It’s not just chemical trivia. Factories count on this property. Imagine you run a line spraying liquid cleaners over machinery. If the solvent separated, you’d see streaks, poor results, or even equipment failure. DEGBE’s willingness to dissolve into water cuts down on maintenance, lets solutions clean evenly, and means fewer jams in automated sprayers. I’ve heard from cleaning crews that they trust the stuff to deliver real results, not just market promises.
Another angle: safety. Workers who know DEGBE blends right into water have a fighting chance if there’s a small spill. Flood the spot with water and it dilutes, which lowers harm. If you deal with solvents that don’t play nice with water, the cleanup scene gets a whole lot more harrowing. One mistake, and suddenly you’re dealing with slick, greasy spots that just spread further with water.
No product comes without headaches. It’s a chemical after all. DEGBE can be tough on skin and lungs with long exposure. I’ve watched old-timers shrug and reach for gloves or skip a mask, but the risks hang around, especially in poorly ventilated places. Mixing easily with water doesn’t mean it’s safe to throw down the drain. Local rules step in fast, especially near waterways, because even diluted chemicals stack up if enough people get careless.
Proper training helps. Every job site runs smoother when workers know which chemicals play nice with water, how to store them, and what gear is worth the five-minute hassle to put on. Manufacturers keep pushing out alternatives—less toxic solvents, water-based formulas that clean almost as well, greener options for folks pushing for sustainability.
From cleaning paintbrushes to keeping factory equipment running, knowing how DEGBE behaves means fewer mistakes. Simple knowledge makes a difference. Once you’ve seen how a good solvent handles water, you’re less likely to choose the wrong bottle, make a costly spill worse, or end up with a half-finished job and ruined tools. Plenty of chemicals have quirks, but with DEGBE, at least you know water is a friend, not a foe.
It’s easy to hear the name “Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether” and feel lost in the jargon, but underneath that heavy label is a simple reality. The chemical formula for Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is C8H18O3. Its CAS number, which acts like a unique fingerprint to track it in databases and labs, is 112-34-5. That identity tag matters a lot in supply chains and regulatory paperwork—it saves people from confusing one solvent with another that might look similar but behaves totally differently.
I’ve watched labs turn to this solvent when speed and reliability matter. It cuts through oil, grease, and dirt in cleaning products, and helps paints and inks dry smoother and more evenly. Folks working on coatings or cleaning products want results that don’t clump, streak, or fail them under pressure. Having worked with lab techs and folks on factory floors, seeing a smooth application or an effective cleaner isn’t just about looking good—it’s about safety and efficiency in the workspace and in homes. Products that leave behind residues or fumes can lead to headaches, ruin a project, or even hurt people’s health. Using the right solvent keeps things ticking along smoothly.
Mix-ups in chemical use often stem from casual attitudes toward labeling or not paying attention to “what’s what” on storage shelves. Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether isn’t interchangeable with every other glycol ether out there, even though it sounds similar. The CAS number 112-34-5 keeps everyone—scientists, regulators, purchasing managers—on the same page. In my time talking to safety managers at plants, I’ve heard stories where a simple swap led to failed batches or safety scares just because someone relied on a nickname instead of checking the number or formula. Serious problems can start from shortcuts like that.
People who handle large amounts of any chemical deserve all the facts about what’s in their bottles. Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether can irritate skin and eyes. Long hours in a poorly ventilated area, without proper gloves or eye protection, will catch up with even the most seasoned worker. This reality calls for good habits: reading labels closely, keeping Material Safety Data Sheets handy, and not taking shortcuts just because something “looks right.” Reusing old bottles or ignoring the CAS number has tripped up even careful crews in the past. Responsible action starts with honoring that chemical fingerprint—no guesswork involved.
People need better reminders and easier access to reliable information about every chemical they touch. Digital databases make finding the right CAS number easier than ever. Factories and labs can set up barcode scanning at storage points, eliminating cases of mistaken identity and protecting both workers and end consumers. Chemical engineers and buyers can also push suppliers for detailed data sheets and commit to standards that support health-focused decisions. No job should ask folks to act “on faith” alone; having C8H18O3 and 112-34-5 front and center helps everyone deliver safer, smarter work.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | **2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethan-1-ol** |
| Other names |
Butyl carbitol Butyl di glycol 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol DEGBE Diethylene glycol butyl ether |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɛθɪliːn ˈɡlaɪˌkɒl ˌmɒnəˈbjuːtɪl ˈiːθər/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 112-34-5 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether**: ``` CCOCCOCCCO ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 873838 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:31508 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1350 |
| ChemSpider | 8071 |
| DrugBank | DB06798 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e9ed84-086c-4e48-bd5c-cdd8b1c91b7c |
| EC Number | 203-961-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 84122 |
| KEGG | C19547 |
| MeSH | D003814 |
| PubChem CID | 8177 |
| RTECS number | KL8575000 |
| UNII | 6T8XW6UM6A |
| UN number | UN2735 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H18O3 |
| Molar mass | 162.23 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.953 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | 0.56 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg at 20°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.78 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.86 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -77.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.420 |
| Viscosity | 3.9 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 4.31 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 356.15 J/mol·K |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -626.5 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4565 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE12 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, Warning |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P264, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 83°C (181°F) |
| Autoignition temperature | 230 °C (446 °F) |
| Explosive limits | Not explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 3,560 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 2,530 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | K150 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: 10 ppm (Skin) |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 ppm (40 mg/m3) |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 500 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Diethylene glycol methyl ether Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether Triethylene glycol monobutyl ether |
