Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether goes by the chemical formula C6H14O3 and carries the CAS number 111-90-0. Its HS Code sits at 29094990, which puts it in the category of ether-alcohols with industrial significance. You may spot this chemical under the name ethoxydiglycol in a wide range of contexts, from coatings to inks, cleaning solutions to textiles. The substance enters most facilities as a water-white, slightly viscous liquid. It gives off a mild, pleasant odor, nothing overpowering. Its molecular structure features a chain with two ethylene glycol units capped with an ethyl group. That arrangement lets it pull off a balancing act: enough polarity for water miscibility, enough flexibility to mix with oils, dyes, and other solvents.
Walking through a chemical lab, you will often find a drum or two of Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether. Density comes in around 0.990 grams per milliliter at 20°C, which means it's just a touch less dense than water. Its boiling point lands at 195°C, with a freezing point close to -68°C, so the liquid keeps flowing in climates that freeze other solvents solid. Solubility is another strong suit: it mixes with water in all proportions and blends easily with many organic solvents — think ketones, alcohols, and glycols. The vapor pressure at room temperature remains low, reducing evaporation losses during handling, storage, or mixing. This liquid does not show up as flakes, powder, pearls, or solid; its role almost always stays in the liquid phase.
Thanks to its special molecular backbone, Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether proves valuable in both industrial and consumer settings. The chemical resists hydrolysis and tends to keep its form in harsh alkaline or mildly acidic mixtures. In practice, the ether linkages shine in paints and printing inks by slowing evaporation, giving surfaces more time to level out before drying. Cleaning formulas borrow its solvency power for dissolving stubborn grease or dye stains. Textile processing depends on this ether for uniform dye penetration, producing lively colors when others leave a faded result. It shows up as a raw material in the making of more complex molecules for pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Many people in manufacturing appreciate this molecule’s performance as a coupling agent, mixing things that otherwise separate, and smoothing out production bottlenecks.
Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether does not pack a volatile punch when compared to lighter ethers, but calling it harmless would miss the mark. Prolonged or repeated skin contact draws away skin oils, leading to dryness or irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause dizziness or headache. The liquid can be absorbed by the skin, so gloves and goggles belong in any workspace using this chemical. The substance rarely ignites at room temperature, with a flash point around 96°C, but storing it away from flames and strong oxidizers keeps people and property much safer. Spills clean up with absorbent material and proper chemical waste containers, not by rinsing down the drain. Shipping containers display clear hazardous material labels, as required for all solvents with potential health risks. Even with decades of industrial experience and many established safety routines, regular training and solid ventilation make a real difference, preventing long-term health problems.
Facilities using Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether have reason to keep waste streams under control, as the chemical leeches into water and soil if allowed. Local regulations usually house requirements for treating wastewater and ensuring containment against leaks. Most areas restrict direct disposal and often require capture for incineration or chemical treatment. Workers expect management to invest in fume hoods and closed-system pumps, which cut down on exposure and reduce unpleasant symptoms. Honest, up-to-date Safety Data Sheets hold a special place in daily operations, giving everyone a clear playbook on what to do if something goes wrong. Never assuming a liquid is benign saves thousands from disaster, and real-world experience proves this substance is no exception.
In real lab setups and production lines, Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether arrives with purity specs often above 99 percent. Color should read clear to very slightly yellow, and water content stays tightly limited to avoid contamination in sensitive applications. Some industries demand even tighter controls on trace metals, acidity, or peroxides, since small impurities affect outcomes for pharmaceuticals or specialty coatings. Refineries and chemical suppliers ship this material in steel drums, IBCs, or tank trucks, each batch accompanied by full certificates of analysis. In most cases, quality checks run before and after receiving shipments, using refractometry, gas chromatography, and density measurements as main tools. Every missed spec or shortcut in the supply chain risks headaches down the line, so skilled technicians treat each sample with attention.
People interested in lowering hazards at work can put energy into safer engineering controls, like redundant ventilation and better closed handling systems. Switches to reusable chemical-resistant gloves and improved emergency washing stations help prevent health issues reported in old records. Education stands out—regular briefings mean new staff learn from those who have handled chemical spills, not just reading procedures off a wall. Waste can be minimized using precision dosing pumps, reducing overuse and leaks. On the environmental side, investing in modern wastewater treatment equipment captures the ether before it escapes. Across the industry, suppliers that offer lower-emission packaging and clearer hazard information win trust. Regulations may change as studies on low-level exposure and chronic health effects continue, so building flexibility into handling and reporting practices proves practical in the long run.
