Dipropylene Glycol Butoxy Ether, better known in chemical circles as DPNB, finds itself used everywhere from commercial cleaners to sensitive coatings. The material brings a familiar chemical backbone: a combination of dipropylene glycol’s dual ether linkages with a butoxy group at one end. That structure gives it a blend of water solubility and organic compatibility, which turns out to be crucial for mixing tough stains with solvent action. The clear, almost colorless liquid form makes dosing and measuring direct, and the distinct but relatively mild odor helps people recognize it on the workbench long before handling safety comes into play. DPNB slips into chemist’s hands as a raw material, ready for more complex blends, or works as an active solvent straight out of the barrel.
This compound’s molecular formula, C10H22O4, draws the map for understanding how it fits into chemical families. Its molar mass calculates at 206.28 g/mol, revealing a middleweight size among glycol ethers. The molecule lines up with a backbone of propylene units, an ether bridge, and a terminal butoxy chain that grants compatible solubility in both water and organic phases. Structure-wise, the O-CH2 linkage brings the kind of polarity seen in many glycol ethers, encouraging easy dissolution and spreading in solutions—a key trait for any industrial solvent. These functional groups align with a long-standing tradition of glycol ether surfactant action, one reason DPNB turns up wherever grease meets water on factory floors.
DPNB flows as a liquid at room temperature, with specific gravity between 0.95 and 0.98 at 20°C. Its density reads roughly 0.96 g/cm³, lining up with many glycol ethers and beating common organic solvents by packing a lot of solvency into each liter. The melting point doesn’t make this chemical form any obvious flakes, pearls, powder, or crystalline material; it stays a smooth liquid through a wide temperature band—freezing only near -80°C. Boiling sits comfortably above 220°C, which keeps volatility in check during industrial use. Don’t expect any dramatic color shifts or cloudy precipitate: this material holds to its clear, low-viscosity profile, encouraging storage and transfer with a simple pump.
Manufacturers list DPNB under different trade names, but the product ends up marked by the common HS Code 2909499090 for global commerce, ensuring traceability from refinery to blender. Solution concentrations range. In concentrated raw material form, it serves as a fraction of blends for advanced cleaning solutions or paint formulas. Water and many organics both dissolve it easily, sidestepping layering or settling issues. Users working with liters, drums, or bulk totes appreciate that handling and mixing takes little more than a sealed tank and basic safety precautions. Instead of unpredictability, DPNB offers reproducibility—every batch delivers the same smooth solvency, the same clear pour.
Anyone pouring this glycol ether owes their attention to two things: skin sensitivity and vapor safety. NIOSH and OSHA name it as an irritant. It won’t attack like caustics or acids, but repeated skin contact, especially in liquid form, brings dryness and redness. Splashing into eyes stings much stronger than plain water, prompting immediate rinse protocols. Inhaling high vapor concentrations in poorly ventilated rooms can cause headaches and nausea. Material Safety Data Sheets call for gloves, goggles, and good air flow. On the spectrum of hazardous chemicals, it weighs in far milder than volatile aromatics or concentrated acids, but skipping proper care opens the door for problems. Storage in steel drums or HDPE containers with a tight seal maintains stability for more than a year if kept away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Fire risk shows up only under persistent flame, with a flashpoint measured above 90°C for most grades.
People might ask why this material crops up again and again in industries chasing both cleaning power and environmental compliance. DPNB cleans, dissolves, and softens grime without aggressive fumes or flammability dangers seen in other solvents. The unique molecular bridge lets it slip between aqueous and oily layers, making it the base of choice for water-based products. That difference pays off inside latex paint for smoother application, inside degreasers that wash away sticky residues, or in printing inks that need viscosity control. Not every glycol ether matches this solvent strength at such low toxicity. Environmental regulations around the world push for reduced volatile organic compounds; DPNB’s midrange evaporation profile often means it gets the green light where faster solvents lose approval.
Every chemical brings a responsibility to use it safely, and DPNB stands as no exception. Few accidents with this glycol ether make headlines, but everyday exposure does add up—especially for workers refilling solutions, running mixers, or maintaining storage tanks. Facilities need ongoing training that covers both splash hazards and vapor management, and making sure every drum has a clear, legible label. Monitoring vapor exposure keeps air quality where it should be. Local exhaust ventilation or full-room air changes move vapors up and out, not swirling around workers. Gloves matter—nitrile or neoprene options block permeation much better than bare skin, which breaks down over time. Long sleeves and eye protection fill in the safety picture and help workers finish shifts without that “chemical hands” feeling. Beyond personal safety, disposal and spills enter the story. This glycol ether won’t persist in the same way as heavy aromatics, but down-the-drain dumping never serves people or water supplies. Used solutions and rinse water head to proper waste treatment, not the sewer. DPNB won’t build up in the environment at the rate of more persistent organic pollutants, but that only stays true when people choose correct disposal every time.
Chemistry doesn’t hand out one-size-fits-all solutions, and DPNB fills a space other agents can’t. Industrial demand for versatile, safe, and affordable solvents drives the ongoing use of glycol ethers. The structure and characteristics described here come from years of continual improvement—tinkering with chemical backbones, balancing solvency and toxicity, and working within evolving safety standards. This material’s wide liquid range, strong solvency, moderate density, and manageable hazards keep it at the top of procurement lists for everything from janitorial supply houses to multinational coatings producers. Users know they’re working with a chemical that threads the needle between performance and safety. Honesty about risks, sharp training protocols, airtight packaging, and proper ventilation all stack up to meaningful, daily safety on any floor where this glycol ether flows. Responsible handling, thoughtful application, and ongoing innovation help DPNB earn its place as a quiet workhorse in formulas touched by many hands but noticed by few outside the chemical world. Those particulars, rooted in real experience and hard-won chemical understanding, mean it keeps delivering where other options fall short—not by accident, but by careful, continuous effort.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
