1. Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄O₂
Structural Formula: CH₃(CH₂)₃OCH₂CH₂OH — A glycol ether combining a butyl group with an ethylene glycol moiety.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor.
Boiling Point: 171°C; Density: 0.90 g/cm³; Vapor Pressure: 0.76 mmHg at 25°C.
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and most organic solvents.
Chemical Properties:
Polarity: Balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties (HLB ~4.2).
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong oxidizers.
Flammability: Combustible liquid (flash point: 61°C).
2. Industrial Applications
Paints & Coatings:
Solvent: Used in water-based paints, varnishes, and lacquers to improve film formation.
Cleaning Agents: Effective in removing grease and resins in automotive and industrial cleaners.
Printing Inks:
Coalescing Agent: Enhances pigment dispersion in flexographic and gravure inks.
Electronics:
Photoresist Stripper: Removes hardened photoresist in semiconductor fabrication.
Textiles:
Dye Carrier: Facilitates dye penetration in synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester).
3. Safety and Toxicology
Health Hazards:
Inhalation (≥25 ppm): Respiratory irritation, dizziness (TLV-TWA: 25 ppm).
Skin Contact: Defats skin, causing dermatitis (rabbit skin LD50: 1,200 mg/kg).
Ingestion: Moderately toxic (oral LD50 rat: 1,500 mg/kg).
Chronic Effects:
Reproductive Toxicity: Linked to testicular atrophy in animal studies (EU CLP: H361fd).
Hematotoxicity: May cause hemolytic anemia with prolonged exposure.
Protection Measures:
PPE: Nitrile gloves, vapor respirators, chemical goggles.
Storage: Store in inert containers away from oxidizers and heat sources.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Impact:
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): 50–100 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia): 10–50 mg/L.
Biodegradability: Slow (OECD 301F:<40% in 28 days).
Persistence: Moderate bioaccumulation potential (log Kow: 0.8).
Regulatory Frameworks:
EU: CLP Regulation: Classified as Repro. Tox. 2 (H361fd), Skin Irrit. 2 (H315).
REACH: Restricted in consumer products (Annex XVII).
USA:
OSHA PEL: 25 ppm (8-hour TWA); EPA: Listed on Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).
China:
GB 13690-2009: Classified as Hazardous Chemical (Class 3.3).
Transport:
UN Number: UN 2369; Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group III.
5. Case Studies and Application Insights
Case 1: Automotive Paint Formulation:
Application: PPG Industries uses Butyl Cellosolve in waterborne automotive primers for enhanced adhesion.
Performance: Reduced drying time by 20% vs. traditional solvents.
Case 2: Semiconductor Manufacturing:
Process: TSMC employs Butyl Cellosolve-based strippers for EUV photoresist removal in 3nm node chips.
Efficiency: Achieves 99.9% residue-free surfaces without substrate damage.
Comparative Analysis:
Butyl Cellosolve vs. Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether (PM):
Pros: Superior solvency for resins; lower viscosity.
Cons: Higher reproductive toxicity vs. PM’s milder profile.
Specifications
Our high-purity Butyl Cellosolve (2-Butoxyethanol, CAS 111-76-2) is a clear, colorless solvent (≥99% purity) with a mild ether-like odor, a boiling point of 171–173 °C, flash point of 63 °C (CC), and full miscibility with water and most organic solvents—ideal as a coalescing agent in waterborne coatings and adhesives, retarder solvent in printing inks and high-bake enamels, and a powerful degreaser for industrial cleaning. Packaged in drums, IBC totes, or bulk tanker, available for wholesale, OEM, and ODM from leading Butyl Cellosolve supplier and chemical solvent supplier in China at an affordable price.