1. Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₆O₂
Structural Formula:
CH₃(CH₂)₃OCH₂CH(OH)CH₃
A branched glycol ether derived from propylene glycol, featuring a butyl ether group and a hydroxyl group.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor.
Boiling Point: 170–175°C; Density: 0.89–0.91 g/cm³; Vapor Pressure: <0.1 mmHg at 25°C.
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and most organic solvents; moderate solubility in hydrocarbons.
Chemical Properties:
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): ~4.2, balancing polar and non-polar solvency.
Hydrolysis Resistance: Stable under neutral conditions; hydrolyzes slowly in strong acids/bases.
Flammability: Combustible (flash point: ~65°C).
2. Industrial Applications
Coatings & Inks:
High-Boiling Solvent: Enhances flow and leveling in waterborne paints, epoxy coatings, and UV-curable inks.
Coalescing Agent: Improves film formation in latex-based adhesives and industrial finishes.
Cleaning Products:
Heavy-Duty Degreaser: Removes oils, greases, and adhesives in automotive and aerospace maintenance.
Personal Care:
Emollient: Used in lotions and creams for its moisturizing properties and low skin irritation.
Chemical Synthesis:
Intermediate: Produces plasticizers, surfactants, and agrochemical formulations.
3. Safety and Toxicology
Health Hazards:
Acute Exposure:
Skin Contact: Mild irritation (rabbit skin LD₅₀: >2,000 mg/kg); prolonged exposure may cause defatting.
Inhalation: Low volatility minimizes risk (TLV-TWA: 10 ppm recommended); aerosolized mists may irritate the respiratory tract.
Ingestion: Low toxicity (oral LD₅₀ rat: >5,000 mg/kg).
Chronic Effects:
Reproductive Toxicity: No teratogenicity observed in OECD 414 studies.
Organ Toxicity: Negligible hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity in subchronic rodent studies.
Protection Measures:
PPE: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation.
Storage: Stable in HDPE containers; store away from strong oxidizers.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Impact:
Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L; EC₅₀ (daphnia): >50 mg/L.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301F: >60% in 28 days).
Persistence: Low bioaccumulation potential (log Kow: 1.8).
Regulatory Frameworks:
EU: REACH-registered; CLP classification: Not hazardous.
USA: EPA-exempt from VOC regulations (40 CFR 51.100(s)(1)); TSCA-listed.
China: GB 13690-2009: Classified as general chemical (non-hazardous).
Waste Management:
Incinerate in approved facilities; wastewater treatment via biodegradation.
5. Case Studies and Application Insights
Case 1: Sustainable Automotive Coatings (BASF, 2023):
Application: PGBE replaced 15% of ethylene glycol ethers in waterborne automotive primers.
Result: Reduced VOC emissions by 20% while maintaining corrosion resistance (ASTM B117).
Case 2: Aerospace Component Cleaning (Lockheed Martin, 2022):
Process: PGBE-based cleaner removed carbon deposits from turbine blades with 99.9% efficiency.
Cost Savings: Cut solvent consumption by 35% through closed-loop recycling.
Comparative Analysis:
PGBE vs. Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (EGBE):
Pros: Lower toxicity, higher biodegradability, and no reproductive hazard classification.
Cons: Higher viscosity (12 mPa·s vs. 3 mPa·s) limits use in low-viscosity formulations.
Specifications：
Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether (PGBE) is a versatile, high-solvency solvent with low evaporation rate, ideal for use in coatings, cleaners, and industrial applications, available at wholesale prices from China Amines Co.