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2-butoxyethanol is a clear, colourless liquid with ether-like smell.
2-butoxyethanol is usually produced by a reaction of ethylene oxide with butyl alcohol, but it may also be made by the reaction of ethylene glycol with dibutyl sulphate.
2-butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in protective surface coatings such as spray lacquers, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints.
CAS Number: 111-76-2
Molecular Formula: C6H14O2
Molecular Weight: 118.17
EINECS Number: 203-905-0
Synonyms: 111-76-2, Butyl glycol, Butyl cellosolve, Butoxyethanol, Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, n-Butoxyethanol, Butyl oxitol, Dowanol EB, Glycol butyl ether, Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, 3-Oxa-1-heptanol, Gafcol EB, Jeffersol EB, Glycol ether EB, Ektasolve EB, O-Butyl ethylene glycol, BUCS, Chimec NR, 2-Butoxy-1-ethanol, 2-n-Butoxyethanol, Butyl cellu-sol, EGBE, Glycol monobutyl ether, 2-Butoxy ethanol, 2-Butossi-etanolo, 2-Butoxy-aethanol, Butylcelosolv, Butylglycol, 2-(1-butoxy)ethanol;2-be;2-Butossi-etanolo;2-Butoxy-1-ethanol;2-Butoxy-aethanol;2-Butoxyethan-1-ol;2-butoxy-ethano;2-butoxyethanol (butyl cellosolve), 2-n-Butoxyethanol, Butyl cellu-sol, EGBE, Glycol monobutyl ether, 2-Butoxy ethanol, 2-Butossi-etanolo, 2-Butoxy-aethanol, Butylcelosolv, Butylglycol, Butoksyetylowy alkohol, Monobutyl glycol ether, Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, EGMBE, beta-Butoxyethanol, Monobutyl ether of ethylene glycol, Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, butylcellosolve, Butyl monoether glycol, Monobutyl ethylene glycol ether, Ethylene glycol, monobutyl ether, ethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, DTXSID1024097, Eter monobutilico del etilenglicol, I0P9XEZ9WV, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 011501, Ether monobutylique de l’ethyleneglycol, NSC-60759, DTXCID904097, CHEBI:63921, RefChem:596625, 203-905-0, 2-butoxyethan-1-ol, 2-Butoxy-ethanol, Minex BDH, 9004-77-7, n-Butyl Cellosolve, .beta.-Butoxyethanol, Butyglycol, Dowanol, 2-n-Butoxy-1-ethanol, Ether alcohol, Butyl icinol, NSC 60759, 2-Hydroxyethyl n-butyl ether, 2-Butoxyethan(ol-d), 2-BUTOXY(ETHANOL-13C2), 2-Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), Butyl 2-hydroxyethyl ether, MFCD00002884, Ethyleneglycol-monobutyl ether, 163127-01-3, Butylcelosolv [Czech], Caswell No. 121, glycol ether EB, 2-Butoxyethanol, Butylglycol [French, German], 2-Butoxy-aethanol [German], CAS-111-76-2, SMR001253761, 2-Butossi-etanolo [Italian], Butoxyethanol, 2-, Ektasolve EB solvent, CCRIS 5985, HSDB 538, Butoksyetylowy alkohol [Polish], Ek tasolve EB solvent, Glycol ether EB acetate, EINECS 203-905-0, UNII-I0P9XEZ9WV, UN2369, n-butoxyethanol sodium salt, BRN 1732511, Butyloxitol, AI3-0993, AI3-09903, Eter monobutilico del etilenglicol [Spanish], Ethylene glycol mono butyl ether, EB Solvent, Ether monobutylique de l’ethyleneglycol [French], 3-oxaheptan-1-ol, 2-(n-Butoxy)ethanol, BuOCH2CH2OH, 2-(1-Butyloxy) ethanol, EC 203-905-0, EC 500-012-0, Aethylenglycolmonobuthylaether, 2-Butoxy-aethanol (German), SCHEMBL15712, MLS002174253, MLS002454362, WLN: Q2O4, BUTYL CELLOSOLVE [MI], SCHEMBL108009, SCHEMBL430713, SCHEMBL668757, SCHEMBL687264, Butyglycol (French, German), Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), ethylene glycol-monobutyl ether, CHEMBL284588, QSPL 003, SCHEMBL5475101, SCHEMBL6835984, SCHEMBL7737401, 2-BUTOXYETHANOL [IARC], 2-BUTOXYETHANOL [VANDF], SCHEMBL11209731, SCHEMBL11217282, SCHEMBL27494796, 2-BUTOXY ETHANOL (ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER), Ethylene glycol butyl ether, 99%, 2-butoxyethanol (butyl cellosolve), NSC60759, Tox21_202399, Tox21_300123, SBB059918, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, ≥99%, AKOS009028760, MSK000116-100M, NCGC00090683-01, NCGC00090683-02, NCGC00090683-03, NCGC00090683-04, NCGC00090683-05, NCGC00254083-01, NCGC00259948-01, LS-13220, B0698, NS00003129, ST51046186, EN300-19317, C19355, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, analytical standard, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONO-N-BUTYL ETHER [HSDB], F349293, Q421557, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, for synthesis, 99.0%, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%, Ethylene glycol butyl ether solution in methanol, 100 µg/mL, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, spectrophotometric grade, ≥99.0%, Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether [UN2369]
2-butoxyethanol is also used as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers, agricultural chemicals, herbicides, silicon caulks, cutting oils, and hydraulic fluids and as metal cleaners, fabric dyes and inks, industrial and household cleaners (as a degreaser), and dry-cleaning compounds.
It is also used in liquid soaps and in cosmetics.
2-butoxyethanol acetate has been reported to be present in air, water, and soil as a contaminant and exposure to it occurs during its manufacture and use as an intermediate in the chemical industry, and during the formulation and use of its products in multiple industrial activities.
The acetate form of 2-butoxyethanol acetate and also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate.
2-butoxyethanol is an organic solvent belonging to the glycol ether family and is chemically known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
2-butoxyethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor and has both hydrophilic and lipophilic character.
This dual solubility allows it to dissolve water as well as oils, greases, and many organic compounds.
2-butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent and coupling agent in water-based paints, coatings, inks, and varnishes.
It is commonly found in household and industrial cleaning products where it improves grease removal and surface wetting.
2-butoxyethanol is also used in resins, agricultural formulations, printing inks, and chemical processing due to its strong solvency and good evaporation control.
2-butoxyethanol can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin at sufficient concentrations.
Short-term exposure may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, while higher exposure can affect blood and kidneys.
Occupational use requires adequate ventilation and protective equipment, and it is regulated under various chemical safety and transport standards.
2-butoxyethanol is a clear colorless liquid with an ether-like smell and belongs to the family of glycol ether/alkoxy alcohol.
2-butoxyethanol is miscible in water and soluble in most organic solvents.
2-butoxyethanol does not occur naturally.
It is usually produced by reacting ethylene oxide with butyl alcohol.
2-butoxyethanol is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, natural and synthetic resins, soluble oils, in surface coatings, spray lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints, as an ingredient in paint thinners, quick-dry lacquers, latex paint, and strippers, varnish removers, and herbicides.
2-butoxyethanol is also used in textile dyeing and printing, in the treatment of leather, in the production of plasticizers, as a stabilizer in metal cleaners and household cleaners, and in hydraulic fl uids, insecticides, herbicides, and rust removers.
It is also used as an ingredient in liquid soaps, cosmetics, industrial and household cleaners, dry-cleaning compounds, and as an ingredient in silicon caulks, cutting oils, and hydraulic fluids.
2-butoxyethanol is a fire hazard when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames.
2-butoxyethanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula BuOC2H4OH (Bu = CH3CH2CH2CH2).
This colorless liquid has a sweet, ether-like odor, as it derives from the family of glycol ethers, and is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol.
As a relatively nonvolatile, inexpensive solvent, it is used in many domestic and industrial products because of its properties as a surfactant.
2-butoxyethanol is a known respiratory irritant and can be acutely toxic, but animal studies did not find it to be mutagenic, and no studies suggest it is a human carcinogen.
A study of 13 classroom air contaminants conducted in Portugal reported a statistically significant association with increased rates of nasal obstruction and a positive association below the level of statistical significance with a higher risk of obese asthma and increased body mass index.
2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent that belongs to the glycol ether family and is chemically defined as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
It is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with n-butanol, resulting in a molecule that contains both an ether group and a hydroxyl group.
This structure gives 2-butoxyethanol amphiphilic properties, meaning it can interact with both water and non-polar substances such as oils and greases.
2-butoxyethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor and a relatively high boiling point compared to many common solvents.
Because of its moderate evaporation rate and strong solvency, it is especially valued in formulations that require controlled drying and uniform film formation.
Melting point: -70 °C
Boiling point: 171 °C
Density: 0.902 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor density: 4.1 (vs air)
Vapor pressure: <1 mm Hg (20 °C)
Refractive index: n20/D 1.419 (lit.)
Flash point: 140 °F
Storage temperature: Store below +30 °C
Solubility: 900 g/L, completely miscible
Form: Liquid
pKa: 14.42 ± 0.10 (predicted)
Color: Clear
pH: 7 (H₂O, 20 °C) (aqueous solution)
Odor: Mild, characteristic, slightly rancid, mild ethereal
Odor threshold: 0.043 ppm
Explosive limit: 1.1–10.6 % (v/v)
Water solubility: Miscible
λmax: 230 nm (Amax = 1.0), 250 nm (Amax = 0.10), 275 nm (Amax = 0.05), 300–400 nm (Amax = 0.01)
Merck: 14,1559
BRN: 1732511
Henry’s law constant: 2.36 × 10⁻⁶ atm·m³/mol (approximate, calculated)
Exposure limits: TLV-TWA skin 25 ppm (121 mg/m³) ACGIH; 50 ppm (242 mg/m³) OSHA; STEL 75 ppm (363 mg/m³) ACGIH; IDLH 700 ppm (NIOSH)
Dielectric constant: 5.3
Cosmetics ingredient functions: Solvent, Fragrance, Viscosity controlling
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): 2-Butoxyethanol (111-76-2)
InChI: 1S/C6H14O2/c1-2-3-5-8-6-4-7/h7H,2-6H2,1H3
InChIKey: POAOYUHQDCAZBD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: CCCCOCCO
LogP: 0.81 at 20 °C
2-Butoxyethanol is a primary alcohol that is ethanol in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a butoxy group.
A high-boiling (171℃) colourless liquid, it is used as a solvent for paints and inks, as well as in some dry cleaning solutions.
2-Butoxyethanol has a role as a protic solvent.
2-Butoxyethanol is a primary alcohol and a glycol ether.
Miscibility of 2-butoxyethanol with water depends on temperature.
Depending on the composition of the mixture, the two liquids are partially miscible.
This mixture shows both a lower and an upper critical solution temperature: below around 49 °C (lower critical solution temperature), the liquids are completely miscible.
The same is true for temperatures above around 130 °C (upper critical solution temperature).
Between these temperatures, however, the liquids do not mix in all proportions and two phases might appear, each of which is formed by various ratios of the two liquids.
2-Butoxyethanol is commonly obtained through two processes; the ethoxylation reaction of butanol and ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst: C2H4O + C4H9OH → C4H9OC2H4OH
or the etherification of butanol with 2-chloroethanol.
2-Butoxyethanol can be obtained in the laboratory by performing a ring opening of 2-propyl-1,3-dioxolane with boron trichloride.
2-Butoxyethanol is often produced industrially by combining ethylene glycol and butyraldehyde in a Parr reactor with palladium on carbon.
2-Butoxyethanol is extensively used as a solvent and coupling agent in water-based paints, coatings, and surface finishes.
It improves flow, leveling, and gloss, while helping pigments and resins remain evenly dispersed.
In household and industrial cleaning products, it enhances the removal of oily dirt, grease, and particulate soils from surfaces.
2-Butoxyethanol is also used in printing inks, textile processing, resins, varnishes, agrochemical formulations, and metal degreasing operations.
Additionally, it serves as an intermediate or formulation aid in chemical manufacturing where compatibility between aqueous and organic phases is required.
2-Butoxyethanol can pose health risks depending on the level and duration of exposure.
2-Butoxyethanol can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, with skin absorption being particularly significant in occupational settings.
Short-term exposure may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, as well as headaches or dizziness.
Higher or prolonged exposure has been associated with effects on red blood cells, kidneys, and the central nervous system.
For this reason, its use is regulated in many countries, and proper ventilation, protective gloves, and exposure controls are recommended in industrial and laboratory environments.
Uses Of 2-Butoxyethanol:
2-Butoxyethanol is a reagent in synthesising 4-butoxyethoxy-N-octadecyl-1,8-naphthalimide as a new fluorescent probe for determining proteins.
It is also used as a reagent in synthesising 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives as tyrosinase inhibitors.
2-Butoxyethanol is used widely as a coupling solvent because of its superior coupling efficiency and excellent solvency for resins.
2-Butoxyethanol is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, oil, and grease and in dry cleaning.
2-Butoxyethanol is a glycol ether with modest surfactant properties, which can also be used as a mutual solvent (soluble in both water and oil).
2-Butoxyethanol is used in the following products: coating products, oil and gas exploration or production products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, metal surface treatment products, polymers and washing & cleaning products.
2-Butoxyethanol is used in the following areas: mining.
Other release to the environment of 2-Butoxyethanol is likely to occur from: outdoor use and indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners).
2-Butoxyethanol is used in the following products: coating products, polymers, oil and gas exploration or production products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products, extraction agents and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Release to the environment of 2-Butoxyethanol can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures.
2-Butoxyethanol is used in the following products: oil and gas exploration or production products, coating products, polymers, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and personal care products.
2-Butoxyethanol is used in the following areas: mining.
2-Butoxyethanol is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Release to the environment of 2-Butoxyethanol can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and of substances in closed systems with minimal release.
2-Butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in water-based paints, coatings, and varnishes, where it improves flow, leveling, and film uniformity.
2-Butoxyethanol acts as a coupling agent in formulations that contain both water and hydrophobic components, helping maintain stable emulsions.
In household and industrial cleaning products, it enhances the removal of oils, greases, and stubborn soils from hard surfaces.
2-Butoxyethanol is commonly used in printing inks, textile processing chemicals, and dye formulations to aid dissolution and dispersion of colorants.
In metalworking and automotive applications, it is used in degreasers and surface cleaners prior to coating or painting processes.
2-Butoxyethanol also finds application in resins, adhesives, and sealants, where controlled evaporation and strong solvency are required.
2-Butoxyethanol is utilized in agricultural formulations as a solvent or adjuvant to improve the delivery and effectiveness of active ingredients.
It is used in chemical manufacturing as a reaction medium or formulation aid due to its compatibility with a wide range of substances.
Additionally, 2-Butoxyethanol may be found in specialty products such as hydraulic fluids, latex formulations, and specialty cleaners where balanced solvency and performance are essential.
Health Hazard Of 2-Butoxyethanol:
2-Butoxyethanol is present in a variety of consumer products, including cleaning agents and surface coatings, such as paints, lacquers, and varnishes.
2-Butoxyethanol is readily absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure. 2-Butoxyethanol is released into air or water by different industrial activities and facilities that manu facture, process, or use the chemical.
Exposure to 2-butoxyethanol causes irritating effects to the eyes and skin, but it has not induced skin sensitization in guinea pigs.
Information on the human health effects associated with exposure to 2-butoxyethanol is limited.
However, case studies of individuals who had attempted suicide by ingest ing 2-butoxyethanol-containing cleaning solutions suffered poisoning with symp toms such as hemoglobinuria, erythropenia, and hypotension, metabolic acidosis, shock, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and albuminuria, hepatic disorders and hematuria.
Safety Profile Of 2-Butoxyethanol:
Poison by ingestion, skin contact, intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes.
Moderately toxic via inhalation and subcutaneous routes.
Human systemic effects by inhalation: nausea or vomiting, headache, unspecified eye effects.
Experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects.
2-Butoxyethanol a skin irritant, combustible liquid when exposed to heat or flame.
To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical.
Incompatible with oxidizing materials, heat, and flame.
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes
