Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate shows up in labs, factories, and workshops as a clear, colorless liquid. Its chemical formula, C10H20O4, pins down a structure made up of an ethylene glycol backbone with a butyl group and an acetate group attached. This composition unlocks its use across multiple industries, especially because the substance handles greasy stains and tough paint residues that water would hardly dent.
This chemical shows up mainly as a fluid. No flakes, solid granules, or pearls—just a low-viscosity liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. Pour it into a beaker, it flows like water but carries a heavier feel due to its density, which hovers between 0.95–0.97 g/cm³ at room temperature. Many paints, cleaners, and coatings depend on this. Worksites choose this chemical for its strength as a solvent and its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. Crystallization doesn’t occur at room temperature; you don’t see it in crystal or powder form under regular storage and use.
Inside every drop lies a chain of atoms: the molecule builds from an ethylene glycol base, capped on both ends with groups that influence how it interacts with other molecules. The butyl group adds a flexible, oil-friendly tail. The acetate group introduces a reactive spot that pulls this molecule into mixing with many organic compounds. This unique structure means paint thinners, cleaning formulas, and specialty inks can harness its punch while staying relatively easy to handle.
Standard purity lands above 98%, which matters for manufacturers balancing reliable performance and user safety. Every shipment, whether a drum or a tanker, follows regulatory expectations. The Harmonized System (HS) Code marked for this compound is 29153990, a key reference for customs and international transport. These numbers track each barrel across borders for anyone involved in purchasing or regulation.
Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate feels heavier than water. Its density keeps volatile compounds in check during blending and prevents it from evaporating too quickly in manufacturing settings. In solution, it dissolves oil, resin, ink—where fast, complete mixing matters. Adding water will not create layers, as often seen with classic solvents. Every time it enters a batch formula, its liquid state lets it mix thoroughly without leaving undissolved residue.
Factories usually derive this chemical by reacting butyl glycol with acetic anhydride. Raw materials feed into high-temperature reactors, monitored for purity and yield. Production lines vent vapors and neutralize waste to avoid harm. Every worker handling drums must know the danger symbols: flammable, harmful by inhalation, and hazardous to aquatic systems. Direct skin or eye exposure draws irritation—workers need gloves, goggles, and reliable ventilation. Storage tanks must stay away from sparks, flames, or poorly sealed electric wiring. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) call for quick rinsing during spills, as absorbed liquid can trigger nausea and headaches before long.
In day-to-day factory life, Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether Acetate earns respect by making tough paint jobs simpler, grease removal easier, and ink formulations more stable. As a raw material, it reacts with others to build more complex molecules or adjust product textures. Paint booths rely on it for its quick evaporation and streak-free finish. Press operators use it to clean machinery parts where ink and residue pose challenges. Electronics workers find it in coatings that keep circuit boards safe from moisture. With steady demand across sectors, this chemical holds a secure spot on ingredient lists.
Every handling decision weighs efficiency against risk. Inhaling high amounts can strain the lungs or trigger headaches; spills leach into water and disrupt aquatic life; heating the liquid can release harmful vapors. Companies keep fire extinguishers and spill kits nearby for peace of mind. Over the years, improved filtration, vapor capture, and safer packaging help limit these hazards. Some makers explore greener solvents, but performance and cost still set the pace. Adopting closed handling systems or automating drum transfers reduces the chance for accidental exposure among workers.
