2-Butoxy-1-Propanol shows up as a key player in many formulations, recognized across labs and factories mainly as a solvent or a coalescent aid. The substance stands out by its clear, colorless liquid appearance, often with a mild and somewhat sweet odor—a bit like ethylene glycol but distinctly different once you’ve spent a few years working with it. Structurally, this chemical’s backbone consists of a propanol ring with a butoxy group attached. The molecular formula, C7H16O2, translates to a molar mass of roughly 132.2 g/mol. Its combination of alcohol and ether functionalities lets it dissolve both water and oil-based substances, giving it a broader field of technical uses than many simple glycol ethers. The material’s CAS number, 5137-42-0, and HS Code, typically 29094990, simplify procurement or regulatory reporting.
In day-to-day work, handling 2-Butoxy-1-Propanol in a liquid state is most common. Its density sits at about 0.88 g/cm³ at room temperature, with a boiling point of 190°C and a flash point near 78°C. You pour it and immediately notice its slipperiness—like other glycol ethers, it’s easy to forget how volatile it becomes in a warm warehouse. Its solubility runs high in both water and organic solvents, fueling its use in cleaners, paints, and special ink blends. Over the years, I’ve seen how its low freezing point and high solvency strength benefit coatings that need smooth finish without streaking or bubbles. You rarely find 2-Butoxy-1-Propanol in flakes, powder, pearls, or solid crystal forms; this is a liquid through and through, often measured in liters or drummed up for bulk shipment.
A deeper look at structure pays off in practice: with its molecular setup (butoxy group on the first position of propanol), the compound achieves a good balance between volatility and compatibility. The specific gravity aligns closely with water, which matters in mixing tanks and for blending ratios. In specification sheets, purity usually checks in above 98%, with water content and acidity held to tight limits to avoid surprises in finished batches. In several projects, the consistency of supply and the reliability of the liquid’s basic metrics have meant fewer pauses for recalibration or rework—less waste, less guessing.
Behind its chemical versatility, 2-Butoxy-1-Propanol demands respect for safety. It behaves like other glycol ethers, absorbing through skin or lung tissue, and can cause eye and respiratory irritation. Signs of exposure often appear too late, so I always lean toward gloves, good ventilation, and eye protection. Safety data sheets call out its hazardous status, with risk phrases warning about long-term health concerns if misused or improperly stored. While not acutely toxic, this is not a material you move lightly. In case of spills, soap and water work for decontamination, but dilution and containment should not be left for later. Fire risk grows in poorly ventilated spaces, so grounding containers and monitoring vapor clouds stay high on any safety checklist.
Over the years, I’ve watched 2-Butoxy-1-Propanol show up in batch formulations for surface coatings, especially waterborne paints and varnishes. Its high solvency lifts stains easily and washes residue from metal, glass, and ceramic surfaces. Behind the scenes, this chemical plays a role as a raw material in the synthesis of tougher glycol ethers and custom surfactants, thanks to its stable ether linkage and moderate reactivity. Print shops and ink manufacturers often rely on its presence for flow control and film formation. In terms of logistics: distributors bottle the liquid in drums or carboys, shipping by the ton between plants all over the world, with labeling requirements tracing back to its specific chemical and HS code.
Long experience teaches you never to take shortcuts with volatile solvents, even if a material doesn’t look dangerous at first glance. Good safe practices start with closed transfer systems and splash barriers; regular training keeps people sharp, especially for first-time users. On the regulation side, regular environmental monitoring and clear chemical inventories go further than compliance: they protect workers and neighbors alike. Engineering controls like fume hoods and absorbent spill kits keep risks under control. With increasing pressure to invest in safer alternatives, green chemistry has pushed labs to look at lower-toxicity glycol ethers and new blends that replace some or all of the butoxy-propanol content. That process takes commitment, but the payoff—lower chronic health risk and environmental burden—makes the transition worthwhile in the long run.
