Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether goes by the chemical formula C10H22O3. It takes the structure commonly expected of glycol ethers, showing a mixture of ether and alcohol groups along with a butyl chain. This glycol ether sits in liquid form under normal conditions, ranging from colorless to a faint yellow tone, and it carries a slight odor. Produced as a byproduct of propylene oxide’s reaction with butanol, this compound has become valuable across several industries. The HS Code generally applied for Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether is 29094990, under the classification for other ethers and their derivatives. Not everyone sees this number, but it controls the flow of chemicals across borders, links regulatory data, and impacts how companies handle logistics. Anyone sourcing raw materials for manufacturing jobs ends up brushing against these codes, whether for domestic invoices, customs filings, or safety compliance packages.
Molecular weight clocks in at about 190.3 g/mol. There’s no crystallization at room temperature, and the boiling point usually reaches around 230°C, so this solvent resists evaporation better than fast-flashing ethers. Its specific gravity usually hovers between 0.95 and 0.96 at 25°C, which keeps it just below the density of water. Viscosity, a key factor for people who need to measure and pump it, tends toward 5.6 mPa·s at 25°C. Despite being part of the glycol ether family, it doesn’t turn into solid flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals—liquid reigns here. The chemical brings a reasonable vapor pressure, typically under 0.1 mmHg at 20°C. This makes it less volatile than many raw solvent bases, and its flash point measures up near 105°C on the closed-cup scale, lowering fire hazards during use or storage. A big plus in warehouses and labs, especially if flammability rules matter to insurance or neighborhood safety boards.
Solvents play a behind-the-scenes role in making paint, inks, cleaning fluids, and cosmetics do what we expect: lift dirt, spread evenly, or keep pigment suspended. Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether rubs shoulders with esters, alcohols, and lighter glycols in water-based and solvent-based product lines. Its signature property—high solvency—lets it dissolve greases, oils, resins, and many types of dye. Cleaning products tap its strength for streak-free results on glass or other hard surfaces. Paints and inks turn to this glycol ether for smoother flow and slower drying, especially when quick flashing leads to brush marks or unevenness on wood or metal. Professional floor waxes and polishes get more even distribution with the help of this chemical, and some people add it to metalworking fluids or degreasers for stubborn organic soils. On the flip side, professional cosmetics rely on Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether to carry fragrances and blend ingredients that might otherwise separate, keeping lotions and creams stable in the heat of summer or the chill of storage rooms.
Safety always pushes to the front when chemicals fill up drums, barrels, or tankers. According to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data, Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether doesn’t land on the most hazardous lists—yet it needs respect. This glycol ether can irritate eyes and skin, and inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces can irritate airways. Short-term exposure is usually mild, though the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) calls for gloves and goggles. Prolonged skin contact, splashes, or spills just shouldn’t become routine. Beyond personal protective equipment, proper storage means sealed containers, cool temperatures, and keeping away from ignition sources. Many companies turn to local environmental health rules for advice on ventilation, containment, or spill response. While this chemical does not carry a particular carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic rating, it still counts as harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin in large doses. People in supply chains tend to remember: even safe-rated solvents take up space on EPA and REACH tracking lists, and safe disposal means working with certified hazardous waste partners when large batches reach expiration or cleaning needs step up.
Not everyone walking a warehouse floor or supervising a blend tank has the luxury of time for deep research on replacement solvents. Regulations steadily move toward less hazardous, less toxic chemical options, especially where there’s workplace exposure or downstream pollution. The challenge comes down to missing a single “one size fits all” answer in the glycol ethers family. Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether remains popular thanks to a sound mix of solvency, mild hazard profile, and high boiling point. Desirable, yes, but suppliers and users alike look for greener alternatives, bio-based ethers, or new blends that avoid tough air or water pollution controls. Solutions in the next wave might come from advanced purification, use of renewable feedstocks, or tighter closed-loop systems in factories. Public demand for cleaner air, water, and less chemical runoff keeps pushing companies to retool processes, invest in new research, and set up in-house environmental controls tailored to solvent use and final product needs.
Clear, fact-based labeling ties into safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Every manufacturer—from flooring to pharmaceuticals—depends on supplier statements for property sheets, proper storage guidelines, and accurate exposure limits. Problems crop up in supply chains when misinformation or guessing slips through material declarations. One incorrect density, flash point, or safety label means hazards turn real—be it in a shipping warehouse, during transit to export customers, or sitting in a school science lab. Accurate chemical and hazard information isn’t just a legal check-box: real families, workers, and neighbors live with the results. Whether you’re a purchasing clerk, a warehouse foreman, a small-batch formulator, or run regulatory affairs, honest information empowers people to keep work sites safe, products effective, and the local environment clean and healthy for the long haul.
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