Description
Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-butoxyethanol, is a versatile glycol ether widely used across industries for its excellent solvent properties. Butyl glycol, also known as 2-butoxyethanol, is an organic chemical compound with the formula C6H14O2. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet, ether-like odor. It’s classified as a glycol ether and is miscible with both water and various organic solvents.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | 2-Butoxyethanol |
| Chemical formula | C₆H₁₄O₂ |
| Molar mass | 118.17 g/mol |
| CAS number | 111-76-2 |
| Appearance | Clear, oily liquid with mild sweet odor |
| Density | ~0.90 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | ~171 °C |
| Melting point | −70 to −77 °C |
| Flash point | ~67 °C (closed cup) |
Common Uses
Butyl glycol is highly valued as a solvent in a wide range of industrial and consumer products due to its excellent solvency power and low volatility. Its ability to dissolve fats, oils, and other compounds makes it an effective cleaning agent.
- Paints and Coatings: Its primary use (around 75% of all production) is in the paint industry. It acts as a coalescent in water-based paints, improving film formation, and as a solvent to extend drying times and enhance paint flow.
- Cleaning Products: It’s a key ingredient in many household and industrial cleaners, including window cleaners, floor cleaners, degreasers, and disinfectants, because it effectively cuts through grease and grime.
- Printing Inks: Its high boiling point makes it a useful solvent in printing inks for textiles and other materials.
- Adhesives and Sealants: It is used in formulations to improve application properties.
- Agricultural Chemicals: It serves as a solvent and emulsifier in some pesticides and herbicides.
Grades
Technical Grade
This is the most common and widely used grade of butyl glycol. It’s used for industrial applications where a very high level of purity isn’t essential.
- Purity: It generally has a purity of 99.0% or higher. The remaining percentage consists of trace impurities and water, which are acceptable for most industrial applications. This grade is the workhorse for various industries, including:
- Paints and Coatings: As a coalescent and solvent.
- Industrial and Household Cleaners: In degreasers, window cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners.
- Printing Inks
- Adhesives and Sealants
Reagent/Analytical Grade
This grade is a higher purity version of butyl glycol. It’s produced under more stringent conditions to ensure minimal impurities.Purity: Typically boasts a purity of 99.5% or greater.
Applications: This grade is necessary for more sensitive applications where impurities could interfere with the process or results. Examples include:
- Laboratory and Research: As a solvent for specific chemical reactions or analysis.
- Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Manufacturing: In formulations where purity is critical for product quality and safety.
Other Specialized Grades
Some suppliers may offer even more specific grades for particular industries or applications. These are often named based on their function or a specific quality they possess. Examples include:
- Spectrophotometric Grade: A very high-purity grade with minimal UV absorption, making it suitable for spectroscopy applications.
- Certified Reference Material: Used for calibration and quality assurance in analytical testing.
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