Di(propylene glycol) butyl ether belongs to the glycol ether family and serves as a chemical trusted in many industries. As a product born from the reaction of di(propylene glycol) and butyl alcohol, this material stands out for its unique blend of physical and chemical properties. Scientists and production managers rely on its solvency, relatively low odor, and the right balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic tendencies. This balance means it can dissolve greasy, sticky, or oily substances without much fuss, but it will also blend into water-based formulas.
The molecular formula for di(propylene glycol) butyl ether is C10H22O3, and its basic structure features two propylene glycol units linked by an ether bond and finished off with a butyl group. This configuration makes the molecule flexible in various chemical reactions and physical applications. When examining the molecule, the presence of ether linkages supports solvent properties while limiting reactivity. The molecular weight usually falls between 190 and 210 g/mol, due to the mixture of isomers often found in commercial grades.
Most users encounter di(propylene glycol) butyl ether as a clear, colorless liquid, although it can appear slightly yellow if impurities sneak in. The liquid flows freely with a moderate viscosity and never forms flakes, pearls, powder, or crystal structures at room temperature. With a specific gravity hovering around 0.95 to 0.97 g/cm3 at 20°C, it weighs a bit less than water. Pouring a liter yields just slightly less heft compared to the same volume of water. Its boiling point sits between 230 and 250 °C, which discourages easy volatilization, while the flashpoint—always key for safety—registers around 100 °C.
For transportation and trade, authorities categorize di(propylene glycol) butyl ether using the Harmonized System (HS) code 29094990 under ethers. Applied globally, this number helps customs officials, shippers, and buyers identify the material for regulatory and taxation purposes. Packaging always has proper labeling based on this classification, and safety data documentation follows the guidelines set for glycol ethers.
I’ve seen this material pop up in many products: paint thinners, cleaning mixtures, ink formulations, and textile chemicals. Its strong solvency helps strip grease and dissolve pigments, making it valuable in surface preparation or as an ingredient for stubborn stains. Manufacturers of coatings and inks turn to di(propylene glycol) butyl ether because it slows evaporation just enough to allow smooth, even drying. In water-based cleaners, it gives biting power without tearing up the user's nose or leaving behind harsh fumes. Textile workshops use it for dye leveling, which keeps colors even across a bolt of fabric.
Companies that make di(propylene glycol) butyl ether draw on basic supplies of propylene oxide and butyl alcohol, sending these through a controlled addition process. Plant operators need steady hands and sharp attention since purity levels matter for both performance and downstream safety. Sourcing depends on steady petrochemical streams, and this chemical rarely comes from bio-based processes.
Di(propylene glycol) butyl ether wears a mixed badge when it comes to hazards. It isn’t the worst offender in the solvent family, but it deserves respect. Breathing high concentrations can lead to headache or lightheadedness, and skin absorption over long shifts causes irritation. Spills dry slowly, so workers mop up quickly and ensure good ventilation. Storage needs sealed drums away from sparks or open flames due to the modest flashpoint, and spills should not enter drains untreated, as the material can stress aquatic life over time. Always have updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on hand, and train teams to recognize the warning signs of overexposure.
Waste management remains important with this chemical. While it doesn’t rank high for acute toxicity in the environment, even low-level release can harm algae, daphnia, or fish when left unchecked. The breakdown processes rely on natural bacteria, but large leaks overload these systems, especially in closed waters. Users ought to collect waste and send it for licensed incineration or solvent recovery. Advanced water treatment helps catch trace residues in industrial settings, lowering risk for everyone downstream.
Having worked in labs and watched factory teams hustle during production runs, I know transparency and diligence make the biggest difference. Training people to use gloves and goggles, and designing processes to limit spills, leads to fewer injuries and less environmental damage. When chemists and buyers choose materials with a lighter safety burden—like di(propylene glycol) butyl ether for some jobs over tougher, nastier solvents—the workplace gets safer. Clear labeling, up-to-date documentation, and open communication with transport teams reduce mishaps in transit. Advocacy for greener raw materials and recycling programs nudges the supply chain away from waste. None of this comes from theory or checklists; it grows out of years seeing what happens when shortcuts get taken or protections ignored.
Lives improve when companies seek new processing methods that make chemicals safer from the start. Cleaner reactors, automated delivery, and sealed lines limit vapor exposure. Engineers now push for lower-emission glycol ethers made from renewable feedstocks, though those options remain limited for di(propylene glycol) butyl ether. Swapping out hazardous cleaners for biodegradable blends and encouraging solvent recycling can shrink a facility’s environmental impact. Information sharing, between producers, users, and communities, closes the knowledge gaps about chemical risks. Policymakers step up with regulations that support these shifts, but culture change at ground level cements them for good.
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