Quick Search
DESCRIPTION
Diethylene glycol diethyl ether, commonly known as ethyl diglyme, is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic organic solvent.
It is a member of the glycol ether family and has the chemical formula C6H14O3.
Ethyl diglyme is often used as a solvent in various industrial applications, such as in coatings, paints, cleaners, and adhesives.
Its high solubility in water and ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds make it valuable for various processes.
Cas Number
111-90-0
Synonyms
Ethyl Diglyme,Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether,2-(Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol,EGEE (Ethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether),Diethylene Glycol Diethyl Ether,C6H14O3
General Introduction to Ethyl Diglyme
Diethylene Glycol Diethyl Ether (commonly known as Ethyl Diglyme or simply EDG) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H14O2.
It is a colorless, odorless liquid and belongs to the family of glycol ethers.
Ethyl Diglyme is an ether derivative of diethylene glycol (DEG), and its structure consists of two ethoxy groups attached to a diethylene glycol backbone.
Ethyl Diglyme is a versatile solvent used across a variety of industries, including chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
The compound is typically produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethanol, followed by dehydration. Its low toxicity and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds have made it a popular choice for applications in which other solvents may not perform well.
Chemical Properties and Structure
Ethyl Diglyme has the following chemical structure:
Molecular formula: C6H14O2
Molecular weight: 134.18 g/mol
CAS number: 111-90-0
Its structure consists of a central diethylene glycol (DEG) backbone with two ethoxy (–OCH2CH3) groups attached at the ends.
This gives it unique solubility properties and makes it an effective solvent for both polar and nonpolar substances.
It is a member of the glycol ether family, which are ethers where the oxygen atom is attached to an alkyl group, often resulting in high solubility in both water and organic compounds.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure, Boiling and Melting Points, Solubility
Ethyl Diglyme has a relatively low boiling point (about 162°C) and a freezing point around -70°C.
These thermal properties make it suitable for use in a wide temperature range.
Some of its key physical and chemical properties are:
Boiling point: 162°C
Melting point: -70°C
Density: 0.927 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Viscosity: 1.3 cP (at 20°C)
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and many organic solvents like acetone and chloroform
Flashpoint: 67°C (Closed cup)
Ethyl Diglyme's solubility in water and organic solvents makes it an excellent solvent for a variety of applications.
Its relatively high boiling point compared to many other solvents gives it stability at higher temperatures.
Density, Viscosity, and Other Relevant Characteristics
Density: Ethyl Diglyme is less dense than water but still has a relatively high density compared to other organic solvents, which makes it efficient at dissolving a wide range of materials.
Viscosity: It has a moderate viscosity, making it easier to handle and less prone to evaporative loss compared to low-viscosity solvents.
These properties contribute to its widespread use in industrial applications, where a stable, low-toxicity solvent is required.
Applications and Uses
Common Uses in Industry
Ethyl Diglyme is widely used as a solvent due to its excellent solvent properties, ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds, and relatively low toxicity.
Some common applications include:
Chemical Manufacturing: Used in the synthesis of polymers, resins, and coatings.
Solvent for Paints and Coatings: Used as a co-solvent in paints, lacquers, and varnishes due to its ability to improve the flow and drying time of the product.
Electronics Industry: As a solvent for cleaning electronic components, as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
Pharmaceuticals: Used in drug formulation, where it aids in the dissolution of active ingredients.
Specific Applications in Different Sectors
Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical formulations, Ethyl Diglyme is used as a solvent in the preparation of liquid dosage forms and in drug manufacturing.
It helps dissolve poorly soluble compounds and enhances drug bioavailability.
Cosmetics: Ethyl Diglyme is used as a solvent in the formulation of skincare products, where it helps dissolve active ingredients and maintain consistency in emulsions.
Agriculture: In pesticide formulations, Ethyl Diglyme is used as a solvent, carrier, or emulsifier for active ingredients, enabling better distribution and application.
Environmental Impact
Degradation in the Environment
Ethyl Diglyme is biodegradable under aerobic conditions, meaning that it will eventually break down in the environment, but this process is slower than other simpler solvents.
Studies indicate that Ethyl Diglyme undergoes microbial degradation in soil and water.
Potential Impact on Ecosystems and Human Health
While not highly toxic to aquatic life, Ethyl Diglyme may still pose some environmental risk if released in large quantities.
It is important for industries to manage waste and effluents containing Ethyl Diglyme properly to avoid contamination of waterways.
Its impact on human health is generally considered low when proper handling procedures are followed.
Regulatory Standards
Ethyl Diglyme is regulated by several health and safety organizations, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals).
OSHA: Establishes limits on exposure levels in the workplace.
EPA: Monitors the compound’s environmental impact, ensuring safe disposal practices and assessing its toxicity.
Industries that use Ethyl Diglyme are required to comply with these standards to minimize health risks to workers and prevent environmental contamination.
Future Directions and Research
Current Research Trends and Future Prospects
Research into Ethyl Diglyme is ongoing, focusing on:
Sustainability: Finding greener and more sustainable methods of synthesis and disposal.
Novel Applications: Exploring new uses in biotechnology, agriculture, and clean energy.
Improved Toxicity Profiles: Investigating ways to reduce its toxicity and environmental footprint.
Innovations in Applications and Sustainability
Future research may focus on enhancing the properties of Ethyl Diglyme to make it more efficient in specialized applications, such as in the field of clean energy (e.g., as a solvent in biofuels or renewable energy production).
Research into safer, biodegradable alternatives is also of significant interest.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT DIETHYLENE GLYCOL DIETHYL ETHER (ETHYL DIGLYME)
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
