Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate, often listed under the abbreviation EGEEA or a long-winded chemical name, shows up as a clear liquid that brings a mild, fruity odor along with it. In everyday labs and factories, people use its chemical formula C6H12O3. So, what sits behind those letters and numbers? Imagine hydrocarbons, oxygen atoms, and a chain that links glycol, an ether, and an acetate group. This small molecule packs a punch, carrying solvent properties with a reliable consistency many industries rely on. If someone checks a container's label, they'll find the CAS number 111-15-9 and the HS Code 2915390090, helping customs folks keep track and chemicals stay regulated across borders.
People pouring Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate into a beaker meet a colorless liquid. It spreads out easily and doesn't build up much vapor under normal conditions. With a density of around 0.975 g/cm³ at 20°C, it weighs less than water but packs more punch than most simple solvents. Its melting point sits near -50°C, so it rarely freezes under storage, and its boiling point hovers at about 156°C. In the lab, the molecular weight—132.16 g/mol—gives chemists a concrete value for handling and mixing. A glance at its molecular structure shows an ester linkage between an acetic acid group and monoethyl ether, giving flexibility in reactivity and compatibility with other chemicals. Whether used straight or as a solution, this material dissolves resins, plastics, dyes, and inks without fuss.
On the market, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate only shows up as a liquid. No flakes, powders, pearls, crystals, or solid chunks to scoop. This makes storage and transport less tricky, but operators always keep it in tightly sealed drums because the vapor can build up if left unchecked. It blends into coatings, thinners, lacquers, and printing inks. Companies handling electronics, furniture finishes, and leather products use it for degreasing, cleaning, or as a carrier solvent. Each liter carries a specific set of physical features, letting it cut through grease, mix with water, and work alongside other polar and nonpolar solvents.
Manufacturers turn to petrochemical feedstocks to create Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate. Through careful procedures, they take Ethylene Oxide and Ethanol, run them through a chain of reactions, then add acetic acid to build the ester. Each batch gets checked for purity, usually topping 99% on certificates. Specifications cover appearance, water content, acidity, and the presence of any free acids. In chemical supply channels, customers request bulk drums or tankers, each labeled with the molecule’s name, formula, and associated hazard markings.
Every handler working with Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate knows health risks come with the job. Breathing in the vapor can irritate eyes, throat, and lungs, sometimes leading to headaches or nausea if concentrations get high. Spills on the skin cause dryness or redness. Over time, folks exposed at work may face risk to blood, kidney, or even reproductive health. Because of that, national safety agencies require gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation in any workplace where this chemical shows up. People who’ve seen or experienced a chemical splash know how important eyewash stations and spill kits are. Safety Data Sheets stress fire hazards too—the liquid catches fire at around 49°C, so fire extinguishers and grounding for electrical equipment never get ignored. The label's hazard pictograms don’t just fill a box for compliance—they remind everyone to stay alert.
Years of chemical work have taught me the real fixes don’t come from banning useful solvents outright but from taking smarter steps on the floor. Substituting protective clothing for short sleeves, skipping test runs for vapor containment—these lead to accidents. Air monitoring, fume hoods, and leak-proof packaging help keep risk low and peace of mind high. After spills, absorbents and secure waste disposal routes prevent contamination of soil and drains. In production, manufacturers keep searching for alternative formulations that cut down on human risk without losing the good dissolving power the industry relies on. Following regulations means workers face fewer long-term exposures, and careful waste treatment keeps Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate out of streams and rivers. Everyone breathing easier in a plant owes it to the strict routines set down for storing, moving, and using this chemical—backed by constant training and attention to the human side of chemical safety.
