Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether is a clear, colorless liquid found in many industrial and commercial settings. Its chemical formula, C7H16O2, shows a structure built from ethylene glycol and a propyl ether group, giving it a good balance of solubility and volatility. This material comes up quite a bit in workplaces where cleaning, degreasing, and chemical synthesis call for strong yet flexible solvents. Some might know it by alternative names, but one thing remains the same—its mix of solvent strength and manageable evaporation rate.
Looking at the numbers, Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether weighs in with a molecular weight of 132.20 g/mol. The density lands at about 0.879 g/cm3 at 20°C, which feels a bit lighter than water in the hand, and the liquid flows easily, never sticky or viscous like some heavier glycol ethers. The boiling point stands at roughly 170°C, so it sticks around longer than acetone or common alcohols under heat. It mixes freely with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents, making it flexible for all sorts of blending and application. No strong odor jumps out, which matters for anyone working with it at scale.
Inside a bottle or a drum, you never see flakes, powder, or pearls, only liquid, though it's easy to imagine the kind of crystal structure the molecules might form if frozen. This material melts at -80°C, so unless you store it in the arctic or inside specialized equipment, you only deal with the liquid form. At room temperature, it looks a lot like water but don't let the appearance fool you—this isn't something to take lightly or treat like a simple household chemical.
Breaking down the molecule, Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether features an ethylene glycol backbone with a propyl group at the ether position. The structure delivers flexibility for reactions and applications—it’s passed over time and again in organic synthesis labs for its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. Whenever someone needs a material that works both in water-based and oil-based products, this glycol ether routinely beats out single-purpose solvents. With a chemical structure that avoids heavy branching or bulky rings, the molecule moves into mixtures easily, rarely separating or settling out when used correctly.
On the datasheet, Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether lists essential technical details such as purity (often 99% or higher for industrial use), appearance (colorless liquid), boiling point (170°C), melting point (-80°C), density (0.879 g/cm3), refractive index, and flash point (56°C). The Harmonized System (HS) Code for trade and shipping falls under 29094990, a label assigned to ethers and their derivatives. Anyone handling logistics or import/export paperwork should know this code; it smooths the process and avoids headaches at the border.
Factories count on Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether as a raw material for surface cleaners, paint thinners, inks, and resins. Its compatibility helps formulators design products that work across temperatures and surfaces. Printing shops lean on it for water-based inks, while auto factories bring it in for degreasing engines and parts. Compared with heavier glycol ethers, this one delivers solvent action without tipping into harshness or rapid evaporation, so people working with delicate surfaces or extended drying windows can get the benefits without constant touch-ups.
Working with Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether takes some care. Spilled on skin, it can pass through and enter the bloodstream, so gloves are more than optional—they're necessary. Even though the liquid might look harmless, its ability to move through membranes raises exposure risks. Safe storage means keeping containers tightly closed, away from sparks, flames, or high heat, as vapors can catch fire at temperatures most folks see in an average summer garage. Always store it in well-labeled chemical drums with secondary containment—no open buckets or makeshift barrels.
This chemical brings both utility and hazard. Breathing vapors over extended periods can leave workers with headaches, dizziness, or even nausea. Spills can lead to skin and eye irritation, and the impact of repeated exposure—especially in unventilated spaces—calls for strict adherence to safety guidelines. For anyone pouring or mixing by hand, local ventilation and personal protective equipment make more sense than shortcuts. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should always sit nearby, detailing emergency steps if contact or inhalation occurs. Fire risk joins the list of concerns; the liquid ignites above 56°C, and vapors can spread low to the ground, making proper ventilation more than a suggestion.
To lessen risks, workplaces benefit from closed systems with automated delivery and mixing, cutting down on spills or puffs of vapor. Regular safety drills and quick-reference spill kits keep accidents contained before they spread. I’ve seen teams succeed with simple changes like regular glove replacement, real-time air quality monitoring, and strict PPE compliance, all driving down incidents across a busy shift. Adding better labeling and hazard signage also helps new workers pick up safe habits faster, trimming down on costly mistakes and injuries.
People interacting with Ethylene Glycol N-Propyl Ether—whether as a chemist, factory worker, or maintenance technician—know its value as a cleaner, solvent, and synthesis material. It stands out among raw materials for its versatile application and manageable physical properties, but safety demands respect. Learning about its hazards, keeping an eye on storage, and using solid protective equipment all go a long way in keeping workplaces productive and safe.
