Material Safety Data Sheet: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (Mixture of Isomers)

1. Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
Other Names: 1-Butoxy-2-propanol, PGBE, Glycol Ether EP
Recommended Use: Used in cleaning products, paints, coatings, inks, and as a solvent
Supplier Details: Contact information for manufacturer or supplier, including address and emergency contact number
Chemical Formula: C7H16O2
CAS Number: 5131-66-8 / mixture includes isomers

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (Category 4, oral), Skin and eye irritation (Category 2)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if swallowed; Causes skin and eye irritation
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat and ignition sources; Wear protective gloves and eye protection; Wash hands after handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Target Organs: Central nervous system, eyes, skin

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
Concentration: 98–100%
Isomers Included: 1-butoxy-2-propanol, 2-butoxy-1-propanol
Impurities: Water (<0.1%), secondary glycol ethers (<1%)
CAS Number: 5131-66-8 (mixture of isomers)

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes; seek medical advice if rash or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes lifting eyelids occasionally; remove contacts if present and continue rinsing; get medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; seek medical attention immediately
Most Important Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, skin and eye irritation
Special Advice to Physicians: Treat symptomatically and supportively

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO₂, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Vapor can form explosive mixtures with air; combustion may produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water; contain contaminated fire-fighting water; evacuate area if necessary

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes; provide adequate ventilation; wear appropriate protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, or waterways
Containment: Stop leak if safe to do so; dike spilled material with inert absorbents (sand, earth)
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spill with suitable material; collect and place in proper waste container; clean area with water and detergent; ventilate space

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid breathing vapors or mists; avoid contact with skin or eyes; keep away from heat, sparks, open flame
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances; keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Safe Practices: Take precautionary measures against static discharge; use grounded equipment; ensure proper labeling and signage
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents

8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: None established; OSHA PEL: None established; Supplier recommendation: 25 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and general ventilation to minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, lab coat or apron, if ventilation inadequate wear NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work; remove contaminated clothing promptly

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Mild ether-like odor
Odor Threshold: 0.5–1 ppm (estimated)
pH: 6–8 (at 10% solution)
Melting Point: Less than -80°C
Boiling Point: 170–177°C
Flash Point: 66°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.1 (n-butyl acetate=1)
Flammability: Combustible
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: 0.95%–13% (v/v in air)
Vapor Pressure: 0.3 hPa @ 20°C
Vapor Density: 4.6 (air=1)
Relative Density: 0.88–0.90 @ 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.56–0.75
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 240°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 250°C
Viscosity: 3 mPa·s @ 20°C

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature under normal handling and storage
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reaction known under normal conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing materials
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, electrostatic discharge, direct sunlight
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly other toxic fumes in fire

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 Oral – rat – 3300–4000 mg/kg
Inhalation Toxicity: May cause respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, or headache at high vapor concentrations
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate irritation on prolonged or repeated contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes irritation, possible corneal injury on direct contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect central nervous system, liver, kidneys
Sensitization: No information available on sensitization
Carcinogenicity: No evidence from animal studies, not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No relevant studies suggest reproductive harm at typical exposure levels

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic life; LC50 (fish, 96h): >1000 mg/L, EC50 (daphnia, 48h): 1000 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in water and soil
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation; log Kow < 1
Mobility in Soil: High mobility; likely to migrate to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases can cause oxygen depletion in water, affecting aquatic organisms

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of according to local, regional, national, and international regulations; incineration or chemical treatment in a licensed facility
Container Disposal: Triple rinse empty containers; dispose as hazardous waste
Precautions: Never dump into drains, surface water, or soil

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, N.O.S. (Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether mixture)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: III
Hazard Label: Flammable liquid
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Transport in compliance with local, national and international regulations; keep containers tightly closed and upright

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication Status: Classified as hazardous
TSCA (US): Listed
DSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Fire hazard, Acute health hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: EINECS/ELINCS (EU): Listed; AICS (Australia): Listed; ENCS (Japan): Listed
Labeling Requirements: According to OSHA, GHS, EU CLP regulations, including hazard pictogram, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements