Polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether usually appears as a colorless, clear liquid at room temperature, with a mild odor and moderate viscosity. Chemically, it belongs to the class of polypropylene glycol ethers, where polypropylene glycol chains, averaging five repeating units, link to a terminal butyl group. This compound often goes by its molecular formula C13H28O6, with a molecular weight hovering near 292.36 g/mol. Industry uses it in hydraulic fluids, textiles, coatings, coatings, and cleaning applications because of its solvent and carrier properties. Even though it sounds highly technical, in practical terms, it acts as a surfactant—helping blend and dissolve substances that don’t usually mix.
Polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether falls between solid and crystal, mostly showing up as a low-viscous, oily liquid. It remains stable under normal conditions and tends to resist crystallization or settling into a solid mass, unlike some shorter-chain ethers. Its density measures around 1.0 g/cm³ at 20°C, a figure that puts it close to water but with a slightly heavier feel during handling. Viscosity impacts its performance in every application, from flow in industrial processes to wetting in chemical formulations. Its chemical structure features polypropylene glycol chains—essentially repeating propylene oxide units—with termination at a butyl ether, which adds flexibility in solvents and modifies surface activity. That’s what gives it a place in specific cleaning, lubrication, and polymer preparation roles.
You won’t find polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether marketed as flakes, pearls, powder, or crystal; this compound’s main commercial forms come as a clear, uniform liquid, sometimes with a hint of yellow if impurities sneak in from production. Packs usually contain 200-liter drums for bulk consumption, though smaller quantities and sample sizes show up in research labs. Users care about factors such as water content (below 0.1%), acid number, and the percentage of propylene oxide units, which ties into consistency and predictability in performance. Laboratories often look at refractive index and flash point, with a value often found above 170°C. Specific gravity matters when mixing large batches—one slip in measurement can change a whole formulation.
Globally traded, Polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether takes the HS Code 29094900, sitting with other ether-alcohols. This detail helps companies meet documentation standards and clear customs without hiccups. Its manufacturing springs from controlled polymerization of propylene oxide, followed by capping with butanol. Sourcing matters because margins for error get slim if low-grade propylene oxide enters the batch—impurities can create unexpected reactions or off-colors, sending product right back to the supplier.
Solubility tells its own story; this glycol ether blends with water and a wide range of organic solvents, making it a go-to for paints, coatings, and detergents. Water solubility decreases with longer chains, but PPG (5) holds a middle ground, dissolving just enough for emulsifiers and dispersant systems. In my own work in industrial soap formulation, the ability to reliably dissolve both polar and non-polar substances meant fewer clogged pumps and less downtime during batch making. It doesn’t crystallize out at room temperature, avoiding operational headaches for personnel in colder regions where temperature swings can turn some chemicals to slush.
Safety sets the tone for anyone handling polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether. It’s not classified as highly hazardous or acutely toxic, but direct contact can irritate eyes and skin, so gloves and standard lab glasses keep risks low. Regulatory frameworks such as GHS flag it for specific safety measures, particularly in bulk handling or manufacturing. Inhalation of vapors might provoke mild respiratory symptoms if ventilation proves inadequate—shops with good airflow rarely see those issues. Spills need immediate cleaning, though—spilled ether can create slippery spots, inviting falls or accidents around equipment. The product must stay away from open flames and oxidizers, not just from a legal standpoint, but from experience learned the hard way by maintenance crews worldwide. Used responsibly, with consideration of exposure and safe storage, it maintains a strong safety track record compared with more aggressive industrial chemicals.
Environmental impact comes under more scrutiny every year. As a raw material in chemical manufacture, this glycol ether does break down slowly in the environment, so large releases get regulators’ attention. Waste management means segregation, neutralization, or incineration at approved facilities—sending leftovers down standard drains is a recipe for regulatory fines and public relations messes. Companies improve sustainability by using closed-loop processes and monitoring for leaks, which helps with compliance and lowers exposure to employees and the surrounding community.
Powder and solid aren’t in this product’s story, but versatility, solvency, and stability make polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether a behind-the-scenes workhorse. Essential in formulations for industrial cleaners, coatings, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids, it helps companies innovate safer, more durable products. For those working on the shop floor, accurate labeling, careful storage, and timely communication with suppliers head off supply chain and safety problems before they start. Improvements in raw material quality, operator training, and transparency keep performance up and risks down. From engineering to compliance, understanding the properties of products like polypropylene glycol (5) butyl ether saves time, cuts waste, and supports responsible growth in industries that rely on it for daily operations.
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