Di(propylene glycol) butyl ether, often found as a mixture of structural isomers, brings a collection of physical and chemical traits that make it a solid choice in many industrial spaces. Its molecular formula stands as C10H22O3, with a molecular weight around 190.3 g/mol. The structure combines propylene glycol units attached to a butyl group through ether bonds, and small tweaks in the connection points produce the isomer mixture. These differences in molecular structure slightly impact solubility and boiling range, offering users a product that fits well in applications needing balanced evaporation and moderate solvency.
Clear and almost colorless, liquid at room temperature, di(propylene glycol) butyl ether offers a mild odor. Its specific gravity sits near 0.95–0.97 g/cm³ at 20°C, providing a dense yet pourable material. With a boiling point stretch in the 228–235°C range, it fits well in processes where moderate heat stability matters. Flash points hover above 100°C, lowering risks in storage and handling compared to lighter solvents. The mixture also shows low vapor pressure and has good miscibility with common organic solvents, useful in coatings, inks, cleaning fluids, and hydraulic fluids. Most suppliers deliver this product as a bulk liquid, but you might see smaller quantities for specialty blending or laboratory use. No crystals, powders, flakes, or pearls — it stays a liquid, keeping things simple for pumping or mixing. High purity grades can approach 98% isomer content, with water and acid content held below 0.1%.
Customs authorities use HS Code 290949 for di(propylene glycol) butyl ether and related glycol ether mixtures. This designation helps track international movement and sets up duties and restrictions. Regulations surrounding VOC (volatile organic compound) limits keep some users on their toes, especially in Europe, the US, and parts of Asia. Each market expects clear documentation for SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and REACH registrations, and large chemical buyers look for full traceability of raw materials and production records.
Although not as hazardous as many other glycol ethers, di(propylene glycol) butyl ether calls for mindful handling. It shows low to moderate oral and dermal toxicity but can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs under certain exposures. The material's vapor, though low, still deserves good ventilation in workplaces, especially in drum or IBC filling areas. I have learned from accident reports that workers have reported headaches and mild dizziness in poorly ventilated spaces, even at low concentrations. Adequate eye protection goes a long way, and gloves rated for chemical resistance (like neoprene or nitrile) keep skin irritation at bay. No known chronic or reproductive health effects exist for this chemical, but precautions extend to labeling and storage conditions. Spills need prompt clean-up with absorbent pads—never with open flames nearby. While it does not hold a UN hazardous material designation for road transport, chemical warehouses treat it with basic respect: proper secondary containment, temperature controls, and away from oxidizers.
My experience shows that di(propylene glycol) butyl ether often plays an invisible yet central role in product formulations. It serves as a coupling agent, helping oily and watery phases mix in cleaners or industrial detergents. Surface coatings – especially waterborne types – benefit from its controlled evaporation rate. Coatings stay workable for longer, avoiding defects in final appearance. Printers count on its solvency in ink bases, where pigment dispersion and drying balance affect print clarity and speed. It also pops up in hydraulic and brake fluids, granting both lubrication and solvency power to additives. Customer feedback highlights the challenge of balancing function against regulatory pushback around VOCs. Some users keep an eye open for biobased or lower-emission alternatives, yet so far, the unique blend of solvent strength and mildness wins over many formulators.
Many companies want to squeeze better safety and lower environmental impact out of their chemical choices. For di(propylene glycol) butyl ether, engineering controls such as closed transfer systems and tank vapor recovery cut down fugitive emissions and worker exposure. Automated blending lines can minimize spillage while keeping cleaning and maintenance faster and less hazardous. Global manufacturers increasingly seek greener certifications and full ingredient transparency, which means suppliers can stand out by offering lower-impurity, responsibly produced versions of this material. Sector experts who experiment with reformulations or lower-mass alternatives often make headway in paint, cleaning, and specialty chemical sectors. In a market spinning between regulatory tightening and customer demand for high performance, di(propylene glycol) butyl ether stays relevant by performing reliably — yet the hunt for improvements and safer work practices never stops.
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