2-butoxyethanol

2-Butoxyethanol (CAS 111-76-2), also known as EGBE or Butyl Cellosolve, is a glycol ether solvent used in industrial cleaning, coatings, and personal care manufacturing.

Where is 2-butoxyethanol used?

• Coatings and paints: improves flow and leveling in water-based and solvent-borne systems, reducing surface defects in architectural and industrial finishes
• Printing inks: controls viscosity and drying speed in flexographic and gravure formulations
• Industrial and institutional cleaners: degreases hard surfaces, cutting through oils and soils in degreasers and all-purpose sprays
• Automotive cleaning products: key component
• Personal care: solvent carrier in nail care products and hair dyes where controlled solubility of actives is required
• It couples water and oil phases, making it practical for formulating products.
• Used in silicone caulking materials, cutting tool oil, and hydraulic fluids.
• Used in agricultural chemicals and herbicides.
• Used in metal cleaners, dyes and textile dyes, industrial and household cleaning substances (e.g., degreasers), and dry cleaning substances.

Typical specification

• Clear colorless liquid that smells like ether.

Regulatory status

• The content of 2-butoxyethanol in certain varnishes, paints and vehicle refinishing products is regulated by Directive 2004/42/EC.
• The EU occupational exposure limit for 2-butoxyethanol is 98 mg/m3 (20 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA and 246 mg/m3 (50 ppm) as a short-term exposure limit, with skin notation.
• It is classified under UN transport as Class 6.1, packing group III.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Can form explosive peroxides and reacts with strong oxidizing agents, creating fire and explosion hazards.
• Reacts with strong oxidants, generating a fire and explosion risk.
• The substance can form explosive peroxides.
• It should be stored separated from strong oxidants, food and feed, in a cool place and protected from light.
• It must be kept in airtight packaging and must not be transported with food and feed.

Frequently asked questions about 2-butoxyethanol

Is 2-butoxyethanol subject to REACH restrictions or classified as an SVHC?

It is not subject to restriction under REACH and is not classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).

What is the UN transport classification and packing group for 2-butoxyethanol?

For transport, it is assigned UN hazard class 6.1 and UN packing group III.

What are the solubility characteristics of 2-butoxyethanol?

It dissolves completely in water and most organic solvents.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.