Dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether stands out as a clear, colorless liquid, known for its combination of moderate boiling point and low volatility. This glycol ether blends the properties of dipropylene glycol and butyl ether, giving it practical value in cleaning, coatings, inks, and textiles. Its chemical formula is C10H22O4, with a typical molecular weight close to 206.28 g/mol. The structure includes an ether linkage and two glycol units, ending in a butyl group. This arrangement creates a solvent both water-soluble and strong enough to tackle a wide range of nonpolar ingredients in manufacturing.
Physical data for dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether reveals a density of about 0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C. The liquid flows clear, with a faint, sweet odor, staying stable across various temperatures in standard use. Its boiling point climbs near 230°C, resisting evaporation much longer than other glycol ethers. The product does not show up as flakes, pearls, or powder; its main form remains as clear or slightly yellowish liquid. Solubility in water helps in blending for industrial cleaning agents, while its presence in formulations often reduces surface tension and eases the penetration of solutions into stubborn grease or ink. Dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether rarely crystallizes under typical conditions, seldom forming solid or crystalline structures unless highly purified and cooled. Specifications regularly mention a purity above 98%, with tight controls on water content and acidity, crucial for process consistency.
A closer look at the molecular structure uncovers three oxygen atoms linked through an ether and glycol configuration. The butyl group at one end gives some hydrophobicity, while the glycol units promote water compatibility. This balance lets it function well in both water-based and oil-based systems, a key reason for its popularity across cleaning and surface preparation industries. Each molecule remains large enough to avoid rapid evaporation, yet small enough to penetrate porous materials, breaking down residues that resist ordinary detergents or solvents.
Dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether falls under HS Code 29094900, classifying it with other ether-alcohols. This code serves as a reference point for import, export, and regulatory checks. Producers track this identifier for customs compliance and safety documentation. Its registration as a chemical raw material aligns with industry standards for supply in bulk or drums, rather than consumer-oriented packaging. Chemical buyers and logistics teams reference the HS Code in paperwork from shipment to storage.
This solvent shows lower acute toxicity than many comparable ethers, but proper handling remains crucial. Inhalation of concentrated vapors can cause headache or drowsiness, while direct contact may lead to skin and eye irritation. Workers wear gloves, goggles, and ensure good ventilation. The flash point, generally near 100°C, is high enough to reduce fire risk during normal use, but accidental spills demand careful clean-up to prevent slips or inhalation incidents. Dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether resists oxidation and decomposition at moderate temperatures, but contact with strong acids or bases causes unwanted breakdown. For waste disposal, chemical processors adhere to local environmental requirements to prevent groundwater harm or toxic exposure.
Dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether enters production lines as a raw material, supporting formulations in coatings, printing inks, and adhesives. Paint manufacturers look for its ability to slow drying time, reducing streaks and bubbles on finished walls. In cleaning, its solvent power tackles stains without corroding delicate surfaces. Textile operations rely on it as a carrier for dyes, ensuring level color and smooth finish. As a raw ingredient, it reduces the need for harsher chemicals, opening the door to greener cleaning solutions and coatings with fewer volatile organics.
Real-world experience underscores the importance of consistent quality. A batch with higher moisture often clogs spray nozzles or shifts ink color, making specification checks a routine practice in any responsible operation. Storage calls for sealed containers, away from direct sun and heat sources, as the glycol ether absorbs moisture from the air, altering its physical properties. Maintenance workers and lab staff learn quickly to respect both the convenience and potential hazards: a splash in the eye feels sharp and requires immediate rinsing, but the material's lower vapor pressure keeps air quality complaints to a minimum, a big advantage in crowded workspaces. Over years in chemical handling, the best results came from transparent communication between suppliers and users, sharing precise information on purity, batch testing, and delivery timelines, reducing risk and waste.
Concerns about solvent emissions and environmental persistence guide new uses for dipropylene glycol mono butyl ether. Plant managers consider closed-loop systems for vapor capture, recycling used solvent instead of releasing it. Engineers design automated mixing equipment to minimize spills and direct contact, lowering the risk of skin or respiratory exposure. Chemists investigate blending this ether with renewable materials or surfactants, pushing for improvements in biodegradability and reduced toxicity. Safer labeling, easy-to-read safety data sheets, and mobile training programs help ensure everyone from warehouse staff to lab testers understands proper handling. Advances in analytical testing give faster results on purity, securing high-quality batches with less guesswork. By focusing on process controls, innovations in product formulation, and investing in employee safety, industries tap the full value of this glycol ether while protecting people and the environment.
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