Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, known in the industry as 2-butoxyethanol, earns plenty of attention across manufacturing thanks to its unique balance of solvent power and practical handling characteristics. In plain terms, this clear, nearly colorless liquid brings together a mild, slightly sweet smell and the ability to dissolve both water and oil-based compounds. Many recognize this material under the CAS number 111-76-2, handled under the HS Code 29094300. It stands out among glycol ethers for its widespread use in cleaning, paint, ink, and chemical processing plants. Its molecular formula, C6H14O2, points to a blend of ethylene glycol with a butyl ether chain, which gives the chemical a rare versatility not often seen with other solvents in this price range. The blend of nonpolar and polar character means it can cut through grease, lift pigments, and rescue stubborn residues without much fuss, in ways that more caustic or abrasive agents struggle to match.
Looking at its structure, Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether forms as a single chain composed of a glycol ether backbone coupled to a straight-chain butyl group. This structural design yields a molecular weight of about 118.18 g/mol and an appearance that screams utility—a clear liquid that pours easily, mixing well with common solvents such as alcohol, acetone, and water. Its specific gravity ranges from 0.901 to 0.903 at 20°C, which means a liter tips the scale closer to water than many other glycol ethers. Solubility in water is high, at roughly 149 grams per liter at room temperature, letting it blend smoothly into a wide range of liquid systems. Although most work with it in liquid form, pure Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether doesn’t arrive as flakes, powder, solid beads, pearls, or crystal formations; it keeps things straightforward as a mobile, almost oily liquid. Some formulations may combine this glycol ether with other compounds to form emulsions, gels, or hybrid solids, but the base product itself stays liquid under normal temperature and pressure.
A long list of industries count on Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether as a trusty raw material for everything from surface cleaners to latex paints. Most commercial grades come with assay values above 99% purity, moisture content below 0.1% by weight, and a controlled level of acidity (often measured as acetic acid) to avoid unwanted chemical drift. Thanks to its boiling point at about 171°C and low vapor pressure, this chemical sticks around just long enough under open-air conditions for effective use, but not so long that it lingers or leaves troublesome residues when used in proper ventilation. Manufacturers turn to this material for cleaning products, where its ability to bust up greasy smears without scraping up delicate finishes pays off. In the paint trade, this solvent helps keep pigments suspended and encourages paints to dry with minimal brush marks. It’s also a backbone ingredient in ink manufacturing and certain agricultural chemicals, where its solvency and mildness prove hard to beat.
Work with Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether brings clear benefits but also real hazards that responsible users can’t ignore. Classified as harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with the skin, this solvent can lead to headache, nausea, dizziness, or irritation with sustained exposure. Regulatory rules in many countries now label it as hazardous, sometimes even carcinogenic, prompting strict handling guidelines at large sites and in transport. Spilled liquid can seep into soil and water if not contained, raising the specter of localized contamination—especially in areas where groundwater sits close to the surface. Safety data calls for gloves and goggles, plus well-ventilated workspaces to keep vapor concentrations below critical levels. Storage takes place in steel or fluoropolymer drums, away from acids, bases, and sources of ignition. I’ve watched colleagues treat this solvent with healthy respect, marking all containers with detailed safety labels and double-checking proper waste disposal channels. Having personally studied its effects in occupational settings, risks can be controlled with the right training, signage, and ventilation. Still, it’s not the kind of material that fits into DIY home projects or relaxed safety regimes. The more you interact with it, the more you recognize why strong safety protocols belong in every shipment, transport, and workstation that sees this glycol ether as part of daily operations.
Industry continues to trial safer substitutes and greener chemistry where possible, yet Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether keeps its edge for solvent strength and affordable supply. Facilities tackling recurring exposure issues find better results with enclosed mixing stations, improved sensor arrays for vapor leaks, and step-by-step emergency training. In regulated countries, manufacturers already meet tight reporting and emission targets under frameworks like REACH or OSHA, ensuring that every shipment meets full traceability and hazard communication rules. For companies starting to implement these safety uprades, success comes not just from better gloves and masks, but also regular staff briefings, supporting mental and physical well-being, and keeping local emergency contacts handy for any unexpected incident. The goal is balance: enjoy the cleaning and processing power this raw material brings while minimizing every scrap of undue risk to people and planet. In my days consulting with industrial teams, the standout facilities were those where every person on the floor respected what this solvent could do—both for the product line and for human health. Transparency, accountability, and continued education anchor the best practices for handling Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, nudging both large multinationals and smaller workshops toward safer, smarter use of one of modern chemistry’s most useful yet misunderstood tools.
