Butyl glycol properties
The physical and chemical properties of 2-butoxyethanol are as follows:
Butyl glycol’s molecular structure has a molecular weight of 118.176 g/mol, one hydrogen donor bond, two hydrogen acceptor bonds, and 5 rotational bonds, and 8 heavy atoms. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether or ethylene glycol is a thin (mild) liquid with a pleasant (sweet) odor that is less dense than water.
The flash point of this liquid is 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.11 degrees Celsius) and its boiling point is 171 degrees Celsius. This liquid will also melt at -77°C. Butyl glycol is basic due to the presence of hydroxyl groups and has a vapor pressure of 0.8 mmHg. Butyl glycol has a viscosity close to that of water but slightly higher (2.9 cP).
It is irritating to the skin and eyes if it comes into contact with them and should be washed with plenty of water to prevent further damage. Also, butyl glycol should not be ingested because it is toxic. This glycol will dissolve in mineral oils and many organic solvents. Its solubility is 100 mg/mL at 22°C.
Butyl glycol is completely soluble in acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl ether, n-heptane, water, and is also soluble in many ketones, ethers, alcohols, aromatic paraffins, and halogenated hydrocarbons. The density of this solvent at 20°C is 0.902 g/cm3 and it will spontaneously ignite at 244°C.
Butyl glycol will produce pungent smoke and irritating vapor when heated to decompose. Its ionization potential is 10 eV.
Physical and chemical properties of butyl glycol
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor |
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| Other names | Butyl glycol, hydroxyethyl ester, polyethylene glycol myristate, butoxyethanol |
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| Chemical formula | BuOC2H4OH (Bu = CH3CH2CH2CH2) |
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| Chemical family | Glycol ether (butyl ether of ethylene glycol) |
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| Dehumidifier | To the extent Low |
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| Solubility | Solubility in water and organic solvents such as ketones, alcohols, ethers, paraffins and aromatic hydrocarbons |
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| Boiling point | High |
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| Ferrarity | Low |
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| Applications | Solvent, starting material for syntheses |
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| Uses in products | Household and industrial products due to surfactant properties |
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| Solvent aid | Aquatic coating systems (base paints Water) |
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Butyl Glycol Safety Tips
Butyl glycol has a low toxicity level, but laboratory tests by the U.S. National Toxicology Program have shown that it is safe to use. It has been shown that exposure to it at high concentrations (100 to 500 ppm) can cause tumors in animals.
Many sources have emphasized the carcinogenicity of this compound for rodents. Therefore, it is essential to read the MSDS of butyl glycol before starting work.
Other uses of butyl glycol
In 2006, European production of butyl glycol ethers reached 181 kilotonnes, of which approximately 50% was 2-butyl glycol. Global production is estimated to be 200–500 kt/a, with 75% used in paints and coatings. Another 18% is used in metal cleaners and household cleaners.
In the United States, butyl glycol is known as a high-volume chemical; Because more than 100 million pounds of this chemical are produced annually. Butyl glycol is widely used in the paint industry, with approximately 75% of the total production of this substance being used in this industry.
The reason for the use of butyl glycol in the paint industry is the low volatility of this solvent, which improves the properties of the paint by improving the drying time of painted coatings and the fluidity of the liquid movement. Butyl glycol is also used in the printing industry on fabrics and leather products, as well as for their dyeing.
It is used as a component of oil drilling fluids, hydraulic fluids, surface cleaners, and in some industrial and commercial cleaners. Butyl glycol is present in the formulation of many household cleaning products.
In addition to providing cleaning power, this substance Very good for household cleaning materials, gives a characteristic smell to many of these products. It is a starting material in the production of plastics by the reaction of phthalic anhydride and a starting material for the production of butyl glycol acetate, which is an organic solvent.
