Monographic: butyl glycol

The butyl glycol is an organic compound with the formula CH₂OHCH₂OC₄H₉ and presented as a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It is also called ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, EGBE or 2-butoxyethanol.

The main physical parameters of butylglycol are:

• Boiling point: 171 ºC
• Melting point: -75 ºC
• Relative density (water = 1): 0.90
• Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.1
• Relative density of the vapor/air mixture at 20 ºC (air = 1): 1.03
• Ignition temperature: 238 ºC
• Explosive Limits (% by volume in air): 1.1 at 93 ºC - 12.7 to 135

 

At the industry level, butyl glycol has different applications:

• As a solvent in surface treatment and metal degreasing.
• As an excellent solvent for nitrocellulose and synthetic resins, sprayable lacquers and fast drying.
• Used in the manufacture of paints and varnishes; it reduces viscosity of alkyd resins and varnishes, acting as regulator.
• Used for improving the flow of water paints.
• Applied in the textile industry and used to increase whitening resistance.

Butylglycol stands out for its use as a solvent in the treatment of surfaces, paints, varnishes, lacquers and resins, and as a degreaser of metals.

The butyl glycol is a chemically stable under normal conditions, and according to the international transport regulations it isn't considered a dangerous product. However, the following conditions must be taken into account to proceed properly in its handling and storage:

• To ensure a safety handling, it is important to use a proper equipment to protect the skin and the eyes.
• To ensure a safety storage, it is important to keep the product in a container between 5 and 35°C and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition points. Butyl glycol reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion.

Check here the safety data sheet.

Click here to see to see how BRUGUÉS distributes butyl glycol, to request more information about the product or to make and order.