2-Butoxyethanol

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2-Butoxyethanol

IUPAC name	2-Butoxyethanol
Other names	butyl cellosolve butyl glycol ethylene glycol monobutyl ether Dowanol Bane-Clene Eastman EB solvent
Identifiers
CAS number	[111-76-2]
RTECS number	KJ8575000
SMILES	OCCOCCCC
Properties
Molecular formula	C₆H₁₄O₂
Molar mass	118.18 g/mol
Appearance	Clear, colourless liquid
Density	0.90 g/cm³, liquid
Melting point	−77 °C (196 K)
Boiling point	171 °C (444 K)
Solubility in water	Miscible
Acidity (pK_a)	high pK_a for -OH group
Viscosity	2.9 cP at 25 °C
Hazards
MSDS	MSDS by Mallinckrodt Baker
EU classification	Harmful (Xn)
R-phrases	R20/21/22, R36/38
S-phrases	(S2), S36/37, S46
Flash point	60 °C
Related compounds
Related ethers	2-Methoxyethanol 2-Ethoxyethanol
Related compounds	Ethylene glycol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent with the formula C₆H₁₄O₂. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour. It is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol, but should not be confused with it.

1 Production
2 Uses
3 Safety
4 Environmental impact
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Production

In 2006, the total European production of all butyl glycol ethers amounted to 181 kilo tons per annum (kt/a), approximately 50% (90 kt/a) of which was 2-butoxyethanol. World production is estimated to be 200 to 500 kt/a, of which 75% is for paints and coatings.

Main producers include:

[edit] Uses

The main use of 2-butoxyethanol is as a solvent in paints and surface coatings, followed by cleaning products and inks. Other products which contain 2-butoxyethanol include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants and photographic strip solutions. 2-Butoxyethanol is a primary ingredient of various whiteboard cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, and latex paints. It also seems to be excellent at killing most insects and arachnids.

It is the main ingredient of many home, commercial, and industrial cleaning solutions. It is manufactured by the Eastman Kodak company under catalog # EK1364579, and Kodak Laboratory Chemicals catalog # P2270.

[edit] Safety

It is recommended that one use precautions when working with glycol ethers such as 2-butoxyethanol. Employers are required by United States federal law to inform employees when they are working with these substances.^[1]

Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects.^[2] People exposed to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths. In addition to inhaling 2-butoxyethanol vapor, research has shown that skin can also absorb 2-butoxyethanol vapor from the air, making skin a major pathway of exposure to this chemical.

2-Butoxyethanol is frequently found in popular cleaning products. It is difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers are not required to list it on the label.^[3]^[4]

This compound is on California's list of toxic air contaminants,^[5] though it was removed from the U.S. EPA's list of hazardous air pollutants in 1994.^[6]

In recent years 2-butoxyethanol has come under increased scrutiny in Canada, and Environment and Health Canada has recommended that it be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).^[7]

[edit] Environmental impact

2-Butoxyethanol usually decomposes in the environment within a few days and has not been identified as a major environmental contaminant. It is not known to build up in any plant or animal species.^{[citation needed]}