Diethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate might not sound familiar to most people, but plenty of industries rely on this chemical as a solvent that does some heavy lifting. Known by its formula C12H24O5, this substance shows up in liquid form, clear as water, packing a mild odor you might pick up if you spend time in industrial workplaces. The density comes in around 0.97 g/cm3, making it heavier than water yet still easy to pour and handle. It sits under the CAS number 124-17-4 and falls within the HS Code 2915390090 for customs. Companies often reach for it during processes that demand blending, dissolving resins, or cleaning up tough industrial residues, especially where regular water or alcohol won’t do the trick.
The chemical brings a specific set of features to the table. You won’t find it as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals; manufacturer’s tanks hold it as a liquid from start to finish. Sometimes folks ask about its physical state, and the answer is simple: clear, flowing, and stable across a fairly wide range of temperatures, with no surprises once it’s poured out. The material boils at 260–270 °C and stays put unless the temperature climbs high. The flash point tends to hover above 110 °C, reducing fire risk compared to more volatile solvents. Mix it with water or organic material and it tends to keep other compounds dissolved, so paints and coatings stay workable longer, and inks remain bright and even. The structure comes with two ethylene glycol units hooked up by ether and ester groups, giving the molecule the right shape and reactivity for blending and compatibility. Chemists value this unique backbone for fine-tuning the solvent power while keeping odor and toxicity down to manageable levels.
On the technical front, what you see is a purity above 99% in most barrels, which matters in industries where impurities can turn finished goods into rework. The molecular weight ticks in at 248.31 g/mol. Transporters refer to the material as a transparent liquid that moves and ships without turning into a solid, even in colder climates. Solubility stays decent — it dissolves in water and most organic liquids, avoiding troubles with separation or hard residue. Viscosity sits moderate, easing pumping and mixing days in and out, so operators save time measuring and adjusting ratios. That’s why coatings, printing, textiles, and cleaners put it to work.
Having walked through plants where Diethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate gets loaded into processes, I noticed how safety signs warn of its hazard profile. The chemical won’t explode in your face, but exposure still calls for gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. Inhaling fumes or touching large amounts leaves workers vulnerable to headaches, dizziness, or skin irritation. As the substance isn’t as volatile as acetone or toluene, the risks won’t jump out immediately, though accidents still add up over long shifts. Disposal crews must never pour waste into regular drains; it’s illegal and upsets wastewater systems, leading to fines and environmental headaches. Workers who read the safety sheets understand the need for even basic gear and monitoring, especially in jobs with poor airflow. From an environmental view, spills in waterways could poison aquatic life, so bunded storage and handling protocols really matter. Regulators treat the substance as hazardous, so warehouses tag every drum, and transporters follow the rules for labeling and emergency response.
Chemists produce Diethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate by reacting diethylene glycol monobutyl ether with acetic acid, usually in reactor vessels under controlled temperatures and pressures. Factories need steady supplies of both base ingredients, so any hiccup in the supply chain — like shortages in base chemicals — can hold up paint or resin output down the line. Over the years, this acetate carved out a role in manufacturing processes that can’t settle for one-size-fits-all chemicals. Printer inks, high-gloss coatings, and certain polyurethane plastics all look better, last longer, or spread easier because this solvent helps bind the ingredients together without evaporating too soon or leaving residues behind. My time in the paints industry showed me how a small tweak in solvent ratios, especially swapping in this glycol ether acetate, can shift workability and finish, so the choice isn’t just about chemical compatibility but the final feel and durability of a product.
No one gets a crystal ball for the future, but sustainability questions hover around solvents just like they do with plastics. Managing exposure and searching for replacements stands out as a challenge, especially since many factories still pick these glycol ether acetates for their low cost and performance. While not banned, regulatory eyes watch them pretty closely in regions with strict chemical guidelines, so downstream users should keep records tight, update safety data, and invest in training. Alternative solvents with lower toxicity and better biodegradability do exist, but cost and process changes can stop companies from switching before the regulations catch up. Having worked with both newcomers and seasoned operators, it’s clear that a solid understanding of material safety, the right equipment, and transparency on sourcing add up to fewer accidents and better business, especially as public awareness of chemical hazards grows.
