Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether Borate stands out in the chemical world as a compound that blends triethylene glycol methyl ether with boric acid, building a borate ester commonly leveraged in diverse industries. Recognized chemically as C10H25BO8, its structure joins a borate core with ether chains that open up possibilities beyond routine solvents. The HS Code for global trade and recognition falls under 2909499090, so shipping and procurement track this identifier for customs and regulatory purposes.
At room temperature, Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether Borate often appears as a clear to slightly hazy liquid with moderate viscosity, though in low-temperatures and depending on its exact mixture, it may settle as a semi-solid or even powdery crystals if exposed to drying. Its density stays just shy of water, hovering around 1.12 g/cm3 to 1.19 g/cm3, so it pours easily but doesn’t evaporate quickly in open air. It dissolves readily in water and most polar solvents, carrying the typical sharp but not overpowering odor found with many glycol-based borates. In beakers or shipped in drums, it resists light and humid conditions better than some alternative borate compounds due to the stability of the ether chain. Lab techs will notice its milky sheen when agitated or its oily pearls if splashed across plastic or metal trays. For those handling flakes, the crystals press together with slight humidity, showing off its hydrophilic side.
Experienced chemists find the dual character of glycols and borates give this material value as a raw ingredient. At its core, the molecule doesn't offer much as an acid or a base; that neutrality means it’s not likely to corrode common metals instantly or break glassware easily, but spills still deserve fast cleanup. Pairing the ether chain of triethylene glycol with borate tacks on a molecular weight of roughly 316.11 g/mol, making it manageable in mid-scale batches but heavy enough to control dusting and inhalation risks. As a raw material for specialty lubricants or fire retardants, its low volatility and stability in solution catch the attention of chemical engineers. Its boron center, highly sought after in agriculture and flame-resistant materials, connects with its trio of ethylene glycol methyl ether groups, giving solid, predictable reactivity for further modification or blending.
The product lands on shelves in various forms—clear liquids in 200-liter drums, colorless or faintly yellow powders in double-sealed bags, or glistening flakes boxed for laboratory use. Most commonly, manufacturers supply it as a solution, usually at around 95% purity, sometimes stabilized to keep it clear and flowing. Surface tension and viscosity mean it's easy to mix but not sticky, and it integrates well with similar organoboron solutions. Lab results peg its refractive index at about 1.450 to 1.462, another hint at its glycol backbone. Each batch ships with a detailed certificate documenting boron content, specific density, and trace residual moisture. Some plants tune the melting point, but, as a rule, it stays above 40°C for solids and below 15°C for concentrated solutions, easing storage. It’s common to see pearls or pellets for factory-scale dosing, where automatic feeders and dosing mechanisms rely on consistent particle geometry. Bulk liquid shipments lean on the material’s flow properties—pump it straight from tankers without special heating.
Working with Triethylene Glycol Methyl Ether Borate means recognizing the balance between useful chemistry and real-world health hazards. Most suppliers rate this material as irritant-level rather than straight-up toxic, but inhalation of fine powder or lengthy skin contact risks irritation, redness, and the dry itch that often comes with glycols. It’s not on most lists of acutely toxic chemicals, yet repeated exposure—especially for workers dealing with open vats or powder handling—can sensitize the skin or lungs, so gloves, goggles, and simple local ventilation become routine rather than just recommended. Most spills mop up quickly with absorbent pads, but like any borate, runoff from large spills should stay out of groundwater. Tribology labs stick with closed systems or sealed glassware to prevent slow evaporation and cross-contamination with other esters. The fire code doesn’t list it under high risk, but contact with strong acids or alkali produces fumes—so open drums only in ventilated areas.
In the world of specialty chemistry, this compound sits comfortably as a backbone for advanced functional materials. Its blend of glycol and borate structure matches well with flame retardants for textiles and plastics—higher boron content means better performance when fire suppression counts. Lubricant manufacturers value the way TRI-Glycol Methyl Ether Borate prevents metal-to-metal contact in engine oils without breaking down at high temperatures or leaving heavy residue. Adhesives and sealants producers mix it into specialty formulations for extra moisture resistance, borrowed from the glycol ether chains that dissolve and coat surfaces smoothly. Some high-tech ceramics and glassmakers experiment with it as a flux, but purity really matters here, so trace metals count. In agriculture, controlled trials use its boron supply for micronutrient blends, but regulations on borates mean close control and documentation of every ton shipped cross-border.
Keeping this substance as safe as possible across its lifecycle lands on labs, storerooms, and plants alike. Storage in cool, dry warehouses with tight lids on all drums stops unwanted thickening and keeps performance steady. Workers with regular exposure get periodic skin and respiratory checks, since years of little contacts can mean big problems for sensitive individuals, and facilities install chemical scrubbers and vent systems wherever powder handling occurs. Some forward-thinking companies turn to closed-loop systems that minimize open transfer or vapor loss, keeping both worker health and the local environment safer. For spillage, established protocols use inert absorbents, never straight water, because of dissolution risk. On the documentation side, clear labeling includes the chemical’s hazard pictograms and all shipping containers carry MSDS sheets updated for each new batch. In shipping, secondary containment in all transport vehicles prevents accidental leakage, protecting not just chemical handlers but the roads and sewers on route.
Producers supply every lot with density, melting point, boron percentage, and residual solvent checks. Third-party labs often cross-examine these numbers to assure consistency and protect downstream users from contamination. Material scientists publish findings in open literature showing improved material properties—higher flame ratings, better lubricity, or stronger membranes—all boosted by triethylene glycol methyl ether borate’s hybrid structure. Research grows every year, with newer tests looking at safer substitutes for some end uses where borates face tougher regulatory scrutiny. More sustainable sourcing also begins at the raw material stage, where manufacturers audit both boric acid and glycol ether origins, moving toward greener, lower-impact chemistry. As demand grows for specialty borates in energy storage and green electronics, downstream innovators keep pushing for better performance, tighter safety tracking, and a full-circle approach from synthesis through safe disposal.
