Pentaethylene Glycol Methyl Ether hasn’t always drawn headlines. In chemical circles, the steady growth of the glycol ether family reflects a much broader story, tied to how industries adapt to tighter safety, environmental, and performance demands. Back when solvents meant hard choices between effectiveness and safety, researchers needed something that balanced solvency with less risk to workers and the environment. Lab benches in the mid-20th century saw this molecule emerge as chemists pieced together longer ether chains, building on early victories with diethylene and triethylene glycol ethers. This wider series, including pentaethylene glycol methyl ether, slowly gained favor in large industrial settings. Paint factories, electronics workshops, and cleaning product manufacturers all chased new answers for old problems. Stories like these don’t make the evening news, but behind every reformulated adhesive or thinner you’ll find the tail end of decades-long chemical development.
Anyone dealing with coatings, inks, or electronics cleaning agents has brushed shoulders with pentaethylene glycol methyl ether. This clear, low-odor liquid gets tapped for its unusual solubility powers—somewhere between polar and nonpolar worlds. It dissolves stubborn resins or inks, keeps pigments suspended, or thins photoresist fluids in microchip manufacture. Unlike some of its simpler glycol ether cousins, this molecule’s chain length brings both stronger interactions with difficult substances and a tamer evaporation behavior. When companies call out “PEGME-5” in technical datasheets, they’re betting on this product to fill a gap between harsher, more volatile solvents and gentler, not-always-effective solutions. Its balance helps manufacturers cut down on smells, hazards, or surprise reactions that upend a production line just as easily ruin a batch of specialty paint.
Walk into a warehouse and crack open a drum—pentaethylene glycol methyl ether lays out as a water-clear liquid, just a little thicker than water, almost scentless. It carries a molecular weight just over 236 g/mol. With a boiling point creeping up past 270°C and a flash point edging past many standard organics, this chemical moves more like a careful colleague than a fire risk. The miscibility range stands out: water, ether, alcohols, chlorinated solvents all blend readily. This isn’t the sharp, nostril-flaring kind of solvent. Hydrophilic and organic characters mix in a single chain. These properties make it attractive in jobs needing slow, stable evaporation—either to give coatings time to flow and settle or to control the drying speed in inkjet systems.
Buyers rarely grab this chemical off a shelf. Product labeling highlights purity (often upwards of 99%), water content (typically less than 0.2%), acidity, and trace residual starting materials. You’ll often see GHS hazard symbols, CAS number 31694-55-0, and transport codes such as UN1993 for flammable liquids if concentrations or formulations shift. Industrial supply chains pay close attention to batch documentation, matching lot numbers to both safety data sheets and compliance with REACH or TSCA if the goods ship into the EU or US. Buying from a reputable supplier with clear specifications matters at scale, where one batch with the wrong level of impurities can mean lost productivity or regulatory headaches.
Nobody whips up pentaethylene glycol methyl ether in a home lab. Studios or R&D units usually follow a fairly involved synthetic process. Everything starts with ethylene oxide, a basic building block in the world of chemical manufacturing, strung together to reach five repeating units—hence “penta.” A methyl group gets added at the terminal hydroxyl using a methylating agent, often leveraging an acid or base catalyst to drive the reaction forward. Subtle tweaks to that method affect yields, by-products, or waste profiles, which big companies track closely for both economic and regulatory reasons. Purification steps strip out lower or higher glycol homologues along with unreacted starting materials before anything ships, which matters for performance claims later on.
The chemical’s long ether backbone stands up to plenty of conditions. Manufacturers have learned to extend or cap the chain, replace the methyl end for different functional groups, or tweak solubility by selective oxidation or reduction. In organometallic synthesis, it sometimes serves as a ligand. In industrial purification or separation steps, it helps solubilize or complex certain ions or compounds. Modifying the core molecule lets developers shape the solvent’s hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature, adjusting performance for increasingly picky formulations or tough-to-dissolve resins.
Anyone scanning trade catalogs or SDS forms bumps into a jumble of names: PEGME-5, Polyethylene glycol (5) methyl ether, Methoxy-PEG5, and a parade of numbers or manufacturer abbreviations. Chemists might jot down its IUPAC name—methoxy(polyethylene glycol), or sometimes shorthand as MPEG-5. These aliases matter in regulatory filings, customs documents, and safety data sheets, especially since naming quirks vary country by country and between suppliers. Tracking down technical specifics sometimes turns into a detective job thanks to this wild field of synonyms.
Even chemicals with good safety profiles need respect. Most workplace exposure comes from skin contact or inhalation of small droplets during large-scale blending or cleaning. PPE like gloves and goggles remains standard. Compared to lighter ethers, toxic effects from short-term exposure stay relatively minor: mild skin or eye irritation if mishandled, not the intense central nervous system impact associated with older glycol ethers. Long-term effects rarely crop up in routine use but companies still watch for reproductive or developmental toxicity—a persistent concern across glycol ethers—by routinely monitoring air exposure or job-site concentrations. Environmental controls funnel waste for proper disposal rather than draining solvents into water systems.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether carves out niche territory. Paints and coatings, particularly waterborne types, improve leveling and film quality by stretching out the drying curve. In electronics, the chemical helps remove stubborn residues or stabilize microemulsions in cleaning baths. Printing inks and inkjet formulations tap into its ability to keep nozzles from clogging and fluid from drying too fast. Some adhesives—especially those aiming for both speed and strength—feature it in the wet stage for better open times. Developers in these areas often rush to test new blends, trying to squeeze more performance from each tweak. This chemical’s not the only reason modern paints go on smoothly or circuit boards come out spotless, but it sure helps.
Labs keep pushing pentaethylene glycol methyl ether beyond what it handled ten years ago. As manufacturers chase greener solvents, this molecule sits in the running thanks to high performance and less risk than older options. Researchers swap end groups, stretch the chain, or blend it with new surfactant systems, each tweak driven by stricter VOC rules and customer demands for high-quality, low-odor, or easy-to-clean products. Analytical chemists test its behavior in new polymer matrices, looking for interactions that play nice in everything from flexible electronics to specialty films. Academic groups track toxicity, endocrine disruption, and environmental fate, since regulators stay on the hunt for trace risks in materials—especially where food packaging, touch surfaces, or children’s products come into play. Even small changes in solubility or evaporation rates can open markets for newer products or improve safety profiles in stubborn formulations.
Glycol ethers draw scrutiny. Some older generations landed on “restricted” or “phase-out” lists across the US and EU because of reproductive toxicity or air emissions. Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether fares better: acute toxicity stays low, with animal studies pointing to high LD50 values. Still, occupational health groups keep a close watch, since even “safer” options sometimes display subtle, slow-acting risk after decades of use. Most hazard comes from improper handling, accidental spills, or working in poorly ventilated labs. Responsible companies share toxicology data on new blends before shipping. Safety officers use findings to design better air filtration, spill containment, and training programs: experience with chemical handling beats overconfidence every time.
No specialty chemical gets a lifetime guarantee. End users want more performance, less smell, lower toxicity, and ever-tighter regulatory compliance. As demand for safer, greener solvents rises, pentaethylene glycol methyl ether faces pressure—from both its glycol ether cousins and from emerging alternatives such as bio-based or CO2-derived solvents. Its success depends on ongoing research, better handling tech, responsive product stewardship, and transparent risk communication. Buyers increasingly want independent proof of sustainability, from life cycle assessments to cradle-to-grave impact data. Patents hint at new uses in biomedical research and advanced microfabrication. The race won’t slow down: whoever can adapt this chemical for tomorrow’s standards, in paint shops or cleanrooms alike, will lead the way.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether doesn’t pop up in daily conversations, but it shows up behind the scenes in a surprising number of products. My first introduction came from a friend involved in specialty coatings. She explained how these types of compounds help blend ingredients that wouldn’t mix well otherwise, like oil and water. In the paint business, this translates into smoother applicators, less streaking, and quicker cleanup after the last coat goes on. It helps solvents dissolve, spread, and dry evenly.
Most people think about what’s inside products like cleaners or inks, but few ask how those ingredients even get to work together. Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether acts as the silent partner, helping raw materials mix smoothly without chunks or separation. Anyone who has tried to make homemade cleaners knows how tough it can be to stop soap or oils from floating off on their own. Companies pick this glycol ether for cleaning formulas that need to attack greasy messes but not eat away metal or plastic.
Its gentle touch means electronics and circuit boards can be cleaned without damage. It’s also present in inks for inkjet printers and industrial presses. The compound lets colors stay sharp and prevents nozzles from clogging. Printers run longer and maintenance drops. I’ve seen print shops where changing just one solvent in their ink mix made all the difference in how long their machines could go before breaking down.
Walk through any home improvement store, and paint aisles hold dozens of cans promising smooth coverage. What the labels won’t tell you: glycol ethers inside help paint glide onto surfaces and cure without bubbles or rough patches. For water-based coatings, pentaethylene glycol methyl ether balances how quickly the paint dries. This matters to homeowners painting in humid or cold conditions, where sloppy drying ruins a weekend’s work.
Manufacturers making glues or adhesives face similar problems. Too runny, and glue won’t hold. Too thick, and the application becomes a fight. This glycol ether keeps adhesives consistent, letting people squeeze out the right amount for tiny electronics or big panels without constant adjustment. It also reduces odors, making workspaces safer.
With chemical helpers like this, health and the environment shouldn’t be afterthoughts. Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether doesn’t act as aggressively as some older solvents. Reports show lower rates of skin and lung irritation. That’s good for workers on factory floors or printing shops, who spend hours around open containers. But like any solvent, it still needs proper handling. Spills or careless storage can lead the compound into waterways, where it can break down into smaller pieces that might build up over time.
A lot of progress rests with engineers and product designers finding ways to use less solvent per product, or swapping in greener alternatives as they develop. My experience tells me most industries want to cut both costs and hazards. Companies that keep up with safety training and invest in recycling systems see fewer workplace accidents, save on raw materials, and keep regulators off their backs. Changes like these take time, but every step makes a difference.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether finds its way into paint booths, labs, even behind the scenes in certain electronics processes. It looks like just another liquid—clear, mild-smelling, easy to forget. That’s the danger with chemicals like this: familiarity breeds carelessness, and a moment’s lapse can bring lasting problems, both personal and environmental.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether doesn’t attack you like an acid. What happens is slower, quieter. It seeps into skin or gets inhaled as a mist. After handling this chemical without gloves, I've seen red, chapped skin show up at the end of a long shift. Ignore a spill, and you’ll slip, or the stuff will track home on the bottom of a work boot. No one wants their pet or kid to come into contact with that residue.
Breathe in the vapor over a stretch of hours, and your nose and throat start telling you “enough’s enough”—dryness, irritation, maybe even a dizzy spell if the air in your space isn’t circulating. And you don’t want this near open flames, heaters, or high-powered machinery. It’s not gunpowder, but it’ll burn fast enough.
Here’s how I figure it: treat every step with care, not showmanship. Start with gloves—nitrile or neoprene, not the thin plastic ones from the grocery store. Lab goggles won’t win fashion points, but I’ve had droplets bounce when pouring from drum to beaker. After one close call, safety glasses became non-negotiable for me.
Spend a few dollars on a decent apron or lab coat. Clothes alone soak up chemical splashes faster than you'd think, and washing them with the family load spells trouble. Ventilation keeps the air clear. Even a cheap exhaust fan pulls the vapor out of the work area, so headaches and that odd taste in your mouth don’t creep up.
A half-full drum needs tight sealing. Keep the drum in a dry spot with a clearly marked label. I keep the original safety data sheet in a folder nearby—takes a minute, pays off huge when someone new’s on the team.
Mopping up a spill isn’t about dumping buckets of water. That spreads the problem. I grab absorbent pads and a scoop, and dispose of the mess as hazardous waste. Regular trash pickup can’t handle it. My rule: respect the journey from cabinet to waste bin.
Training counts more than tough talk. Every few months, I run through emergency shower and eyewash drills with the crew—just like a fire drill, but for chemicals. Knowing what to do keeps panic low if a splash really happens.
I urge folks to scan over the safety data sheet fully—not just the bits management circles in red. It explains hidden risks, symptoms to watch for, what kind of doctor visit to expect if things go south. Real stories stick better than jargon, so I pass around “what went wrong” moments.
Some outfits swap this ether for gentler substitutes, but cost and performance sometimes get in the way. I keep pressing for regular air quality checks and supply upgrades, because downgrading safety gear bites productivity much quicker than companies expect.
Keeping sharp around pentaethylene glycol methyl ether isn’t rocket science, but it asks for respect, steady habits, and putting folks’ health ahead of shortcuts. That’s how we cut down risk and avoid repeating old mistakes.
Working with chemicals tends to bring technical questions. I’ve had my fair share of confusion just reading the labels on lab bottles. If you see “Pentaethylene Glycol Methyl Ether” on a data sheet, you’re probably trying to pin down what those long words even mean. Let’s break it down: The chemical formula for this compound is C11H24O6. Its molecular weight clocks in at about 252.31 g/mol. Naming conventions usually trip people up, but this one’s pretty straightforward after some practice. “Pentaethylene glycol” means there are five ethylene glycol units chained together. Adding “methyl ether” tells you there’s a methyl group attached to one of the oxygens, capping off the molecule.
I’ve seen this chemical in industrial and research labs, often listed among solvents and specialty additives. It’s not running your local pharmacy, but it quietly keeps the wheels of certain industries turning, especially in surface coatings, cleaning fluids, and inks. The appeal comes from its ability to mix with both water and oils. That flexibility makes it valuable for creating even, stable mixtures. Years ago, working with water-based coatings, I noticed how switching one glycol ether to another even changed drying times. These tweaks might save energy, reduce fumes, or help certain dyes dissolve better.
Memorizing formulas used to feel pointless in school. The older I get, the more I realize those numbers decide real things—like how much to weigh out for a reaction or whether a substance is flammable. The molecular formula lays out the count of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, and that’s everything for predicting how a substance might react with others. For pentaethylene glycol methyl ether, the balance of atoms means a strong ability to “bridge” between watery and oily substances, helping solutions stay mixed. The molecular weight points to how much of the chemical is needed for a certain process or reaction, making calculations easier for anyone working behind the scenes in a lab or plant.
Chemicals with ether groups usually bring some flammability and health risks. Just because one glycol ether seems friendly doesn’t mean it’s safe in every use. Plenty of news articles pop up about solvent spills and their effect on air quality, and glycol ethers have sometimes come under regulation in the EU and US. People working with these chemicals indoors shouldn’t ignore the Material Safety Data Sheet. Gloves, eye protection, and proper ventilation matter. Some organizations have started searching for alternatives that break down more easily or do less harm if spilled, hoping to shrink their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
Safe chemical handling gets overlooked in fast-paced settings. Training sessions help, but I’ve learned the hard way that labeling and storage can slip through the cracks. One solution involves regular reviews of stocks to weed out old or similar-looking chemicals before mistakes happen. On the environmental side, researchers keep testing biodegradable versions of these solvents. Some companies collect and recycle their glycol ethers after use. Smart labeling and better tracking cut down on hazardous waste and prevent confusion among employees, especially those new to the field. Staying sharp about what’s actually on the shelf pays off in real-life safety, not just paperwork.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether might sound obscure, but it’s a key ingredient in how many products are mixed and finished. Understanding its formula and mass isn’t just textbook trivia; these details shape daily work, safety routines, and how responsible companies operate. Handling and disposing of solvents responsibly—especially as new regulations roll out—will only matter more over time. Keeping tabs on these basics stands as a practical step toward safer labs and a cleaner environment.
People often ask about the solubility of chemicals, especially unfamiliar ones like pentaethylene glycol methyl ether. At first glance, the name alone can make your eyes glaze over, but the story is a simple one. Toss this compound into water and the two mix. And not just a little. They blend together well, like how a spoonful of sugar disappears in your coffee. This comes down to chemistry, sure—but some practical observations tell a strong story too.
Plenty of everyday tasks rely on knowing whether two things dissolve together. Cleaning products, paints, and medicines get designed around this sort of knowledge. Years ago, in a small laboratory project, I saw how solvents shaped the direction of research. Using a solvent that wouldn’t mix wasted not just money, but also time and effort. Here, pentaethylene glycol methyl ether stands out for water solubility. That means if you’re formulating a cleaner or some kind of solution and reach for this solvent, you aren’t left with blobs and layers floating around. Mixing stays smooth, which saves headaches.
This isn’t magic. The molecule has several “-O-” links—otherwise known as ether groups—and each of those can grab onto water molecules. This sort of chemical structure encourages strong interaction. Back when I learned about solvents from an experienced chemist, she explained that the more these ether groups a molecule holds, the better it behaves in water. You see the same effect in polyethylene glycol, just with different chain lengths. Various peers over the years would point out how the methyl ether “cap” on the end doesn’t block the water-friendliness at all. If anything, the structure still invites water in.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether crops up in coatings, electronic cleaners, and chemical processing. If it wouldn’t dissolve in water, it wouldn’t work in those spots. For industries working with delicate electronics or precise coatings, chasing after a solvent that refuses to mix right creates defects and more bills to pay. I once watched a technician struggle with a formula swap, going from something water-soluble to a more stubborn option. The workflow slowed, safety concerns showed up, and the company decided not to try that experiment again. Everything clicked back into place with a reliable, compatible solvent.
While pentaethylene glycol methyl ether works great in water, there’s always the other side—the risks. Any time you toss chemicals together, especially in a high-use environment, safety goggles and gloves lean from “nice-to-have” over to “don’t skip.” Labels and safety sheets, not just lore from coworkers, tell you how much you can use, what to do if it spills, and how to protect yourself. Water solubility makes cleanup a breeze in most cases—a little soap, plenty of water, and you’re set. For anyone experimenting outside of the plant or lab, double-check regulations and keep an eye on disposal.
People who create and build things need options. Water-soluble solvents offer that, and pentaethylene glycol methyl ether stacks up well on that list. You get flexibility for all sorts of blending and mixing jobs. If something demands quick, reliable dissolving power in water, this option won’t disappoint. Getting results in science or manufacturing isn’t about chasing the trendiest ingredient—it’s about predictability, safety, and quality in every batch.
Storing chemicals isn’t just ticking a box for safety regulations. It’s about keeping people and the workplace safe, making sure the product stays useful, and avoiding unnecessary costs down the road. Years ago, I watched a storage room become a chaos of half-opened drums because someone ignored simple storage basics. The mistake led to ruined stock and headaches for everyone involved. That experience showed me how easy prevention can be.
Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether has a way of giving trouble if left to fend for itself. Think about rooms without climate control: hot summers can speed up product breakdown, and damp areas invite unpredictable reactions. Even a few weeks of humidity can turn a good batch into a headache. Temperature control makes a difference. An indoor spot, protected from direct sunlight, does the trick. If a place feels comfortable enough for a person to spend an hour in, it’s usually good for most chemicals like this one.
Letting a drum or container stay unsealed is just asking for contamination. Someone once left a lid loose, thinking it wouldn’t matter overnight. The vapor ended up irritating everyone passing by, and the exposure also lessened the product’s effectiveness. Always check that the seal is snug, and that containers are kept far from incompatible materials like strong acids or oxidizers. A simple habit like tightening a cap and labeling every vessel can save hundreds in disposal and replacement costs.
The best storage routines I’ve seen always start with clear labeling and orderly placement. I’ve seen facilities where every container wore a faded label, and no one knew what belonged where. That confusion led to a few near-misses, as folks almost mixed incompatible chemicals. Keep every container marked with the name, purchase date, and hazard information. Shelving at a reasonable height means no one struggles to grab what they need, reducing risk when moving containers.
Nobody volunteers for cleaning up accidental spills. Crisis hits hardest when no one checked for leaks or corrosion. Regular inspections help spot small leaks and bulging containers before things go wrong. In one workplace, we caught a slight crack in time—stopping an expensive mess. A monthly walkthrough, clipboard in hand, searching for sticky spots or weird odors offers protection for everyone.
No storage practice works if only one person knows the routine. New hires, visitors, and even old-timers benefit from reminders about safe handling and emergency plans. Regular training sessions pay off—not just for Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether, but for every chemical on the shelves. If someone sees something odd, they should feel confident enough to speak up or call for help.
Companies juggle cost, convenience, and culture. It’s tempting to cut corners if the risk seems low. The stories I’ve collected show the opposite: a little planning keeps both people and profits safer. Good signage, better ventilation, and solid routines beat shortcuts every time. Sharing mistakes and improvements with others builds a healthier workplace—making sure Pentaethylene glycol methyl ether does its job without causing more trouble than it’s worth.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-Methoxy-2-(2-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethane |
| Other names |
3,6,9,12,15-Pentaoxaoctadecane, 18-methoxy- 1-Methoxy-2,5,8,11,14-pentaoxapentadecane Methyl pentaethylene glycol ether Methyl pentaglyme |
| Pronunciation | /ˌpɛn.təˈɛθ.ɪ.liːn ɡlaɪˈkɒl ˈmiːθ.əl ˈiː.θər/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [10017-56-8] |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CO[CH2CH2O]5H` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1721391 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:81874 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL410054 |
| ChemSpider | 84188 |
| DrugBank | DB13919 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.147.257 |
| EC Number | 500-232-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 77849 |
| KEGG | C14324 |
| MeSH | D017235 |
| PubChem CID | 82244 |
| RTECS number | KL5950000 |
| UNII | TY212VC26W |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID9044363 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C11H26O6 |
| Molar mass | 222.28 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.069 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | -0.54 |
| Vapor pressure | <0.01 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 15.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.89 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | χ = -52.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.438 |
| Viscosity | 6 cP (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.21 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 377.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -830.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4185.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | **GHS labelling**: `"GHS07, GHS08, Warning, H302, H373, P260, P314, P501"` |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. – No smoking. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. If on skin: Wash with plenty of soap and water. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 143 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 215°C (419°F) |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,660 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | UB1286000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Polyethylene glycol Methoxy polyethylene glycol Tetraethylene glycol methyl ether Triethylene glycol methyl ether Diethylene glycol methyl ether |
