Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (2-Ethoxyethanol)

   CAS No.: 110-80-5
   Synonyms / IUPAC Name: Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; 2-ethoxyethanol
   Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O₂
   Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol

Physicochemical Properties (Typical)

• Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour
• Melting Point: Approximately -70 °C
• Boiling Point: Approximately 135 °C
• Density: ~0.93 g/cm³ at 20–25 °C
• Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
• Flash Point: Approximately 44 °C (closed cup)
• Vapour Pressure: ~3.8 mmHg at 20 °C
• Explosive Limits: Lower ~1.8% by volume; Upper ~15.6% by volume in air

Purity & Quality Standards

• Typical Purity: ≥ 99.0% for high-grade solvent applications
• Appearance: Colourless, clear, free from visible particles or haze
• Analytical Methods: Gas chromatography and moisture content analysis
• Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; avoid oxidising agents and metal contamination

Applications / Uses

• Used as an industrial solvent for inks, surface coatings, lacquers, resins, and cleaning fluids
• Employed as an intermediate in chemical synthesis requiring both solvent and reactive alcohol/ether functionality
• Utilised in applications demanding both hydrophilic and lipophilic solvency due to its glycol ether structure

Safety & Handling

• Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid and vapour; may cause serious eye irritation and reproductive toxicity
• Health Hazards:
• Inhalation: May cause respiratory irritation, headache or dizziness
• Skin Contact: May cause irritation and can be absorbed through skin
• Eye Contact: Causes serious eye irritation
• Precautions:
• Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid vapour accumulation
• Wear protective gloves, eye/face protection, and flame-resistant clothing
• Ground and bond containers during transfer; keep away from ignition sources
• Reactivity & Incompatibilities:
• Avoid strong oxidising agents, bases, acids, and metal catalysts
• May form explosive mixtures with air or peroxides
• First Aid Measures:
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air; keep at rest; seek medical advice if symptoms persist
• Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
• Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical help if irritation persists
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Packaging & Storage

• Packaging: Supplied in sealed, solvent-compatible containers rated for flammable liquids
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (<30 °C), dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, strong oxidisers, and metal contact
• Container Closure: Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent vapour loss and contamination
• Shelf Life: Typically stable for 12–24 months under recommended conditions; monitor for discolouration or contamination