Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether stems from the glycol ethers family, showing up in many industrial and commercial environments. Recognized for its chemical structure—C7H16O3—this substance blends both water and organic solubility in a way that few solvents manage. The molecular weight clocks in around 164.2 g/mol, and its structure features ether bonds and methyl groups that play into its mild yet effective solvency. I’ve held the liquid in hand; it pours as a colorless, transparent solution, carrying a faint, nearly sweet odor. In regular use, this solvent steers clear of heavy residue and doesn’t treat surfaces harshly, making it a familiar staple in paints, inks, and cleaning products.
Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether presents itself as a clear liquid, neither flaky nor capped by any solid forms under normal storage. Its density usually lands between 0.952 to 0.957 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C, so you notice a heft compared to water but none of the weight you’d expect from denser petrochemical materials. The boiling point sits high—about 190 to 195°C—making it suitable for applications where mild and controlled evaporation matters. In my years around paints and coatings, the low vapor pressure meant fewer fumes, which fosters safer working conditions. This solvent dissolves in both water and oil phases, giving it a unique versatility in waterborne formulations and boosting its value in resin systems. Its molecular design contributes to strong compatibility with a wide range of raw material blends, from pigments and dyes to surfactants.
Every bottle or container you encounter will likely contain the liquid state. I have never run across dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether sold as powder, flakes, solid pearls, or crystals. The material’s molecular configuration resists crystallization, and under regular temperatures and atmospheric pressure, it flows with low viscosity – about 5 to 7 mPa·s at 25°C. Solutions prepared with this solvent show no visible residue or change in color, a quality valued in cosmetic and ink manufacturing where clarity matters. If you line up jars of raw glycol ethers, this one stands out by the lack of odor, its almost invisible appearance, and the clean way it mixes without leaving streaks or suspensions behind.
The solvent operates as a moderate polar substance. This quality allows it to interact with a wide spectrum of solutes, from hydrophilic to somewhat hydrophobic compounds. I’ve seen technicians use it to carry dyes into textiles, dissolve tough resins in coatings, and even in household cleaning solutions because of its balance between cleaning power and lower human toxicity. The chemical formula, C7H16O3, features three ether linkages, which means the structure is relatively stable under normal use conditions. It resists breakdown, and I haven’t seen it promote corrosion in most equipment, giving plant managers less to worry about in terms of maintenance. Its refractive index sits between 1.416 to 1.420, giving it optical clarity when needed in specialty applications.
Customs and international trade group Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether under HS Code 29094900, which falls into the glycol-ethers category. For any business moving raw materials across borders, understanding proper labeling and code designation prevents fines and makes compliance checks far smoother. Labels need precise chemical names; ambiguity here can trigger customs inspections or shipment delays. Over the years, I’ve spoken with logistics teams who’ve prevented more than one costly setback simply by keeping an eye on correct HS code usage and up-to-date safety data sheets.
Despite its relatively mild safety profile compared to more volatile or reactive solvents, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether still requires responsible handling. Workers should wear gloves and safety goggles. In poorly ventilated spaces, inhaling excessive vapors may lead to dizziness or headaches. The compound’s LD50 (oral, rat) approaches 5,000 mg/kg, much higher than more toxic glycol ethers, but not benign enough to skip PPE. Governments across North America, Europe, and Asia classify it as a hazardous substance, especially in larger, industrial settings. In my experience, the raw material’s low volatility reduces fire risks, yet proper storage—far from open flames, with good ventilation—is essential. Disposal calls for attention, as glycol ethers can persist in the environment. Waste-water treatment plants are built to handle such effluents, but I’ve seen the headaches caused when companies bypass protocols and face fines.
From paint shops to digital printing plants, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether earns its place as a multipurpose solvent. Its high solubility allows it to carry stubborn binders and fillers, improving flow and finish. In cleaning, especially with electronics, the substance lifts grime without leaving residue or promoting corrosion on exposed contact points. Formulators prize it because it tends to play nice with resins, preservatives, and stabilizers. Its water solubility lets users create clear, stable solutions that rinse out easily. Those working in cosmetics use its mildness and low skin absorption for safer lotions and creams, although discussions about topical exposure still pop up among toxicologists and regulatory teams. End users face decisions relating to air quality, product safety, and raw material sourcing, and I’ve watched companies push for alternatives with even lower emissions and higher biodegradability to meet regulatory shifts.
Any batch headed for pharma, electronics, or food-contact applications must meet tight purity specs. Tighter controls on byproducts—especially propylene oxide traces—form a constant topic in quality audits. Incoming raw materials pass through GC-MS analysis, sometimes more than once, before approval. Years ago, I worked through a root cause analysis after a customer noticed off-odors in a specialty ink; the culprit traced back to poor storage of glycol ethers, letting minor impurities build up. Sourcing from stable suppliers who ship under documented, temperature-controlled protocols makes all the difference. Customers want certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets (SDS), and a track record of responsible stewardship up the supply chain.
Looking ahead, the conversation about safer, greener, and more sustainable solvents keeps growing. Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether sits in the middle: much safer than its predecessors, not quite as green as some new formulations. Improved personal protective equipment, stronger local exhaust systems, and robust recycling initiatives limit waste and cut down on environmental hazards. Companies have moved to closed-loop handling systems to minimize worker exposure and boost recovery rates. Regulatory incentives for lower-emission products drive research into alternative glycol ethers or even bio-based substitutes. Success comes down to transparency—sharing performance data, incident reports, and life-cycle assessments with both users and regulators. The industry benefits, and so do consumers, when chemical stewardship extends beyond the factory gate.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
