Substance profile
2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol
2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol is a colorless liquid with a faint butyl odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol is
2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol is a colorless liquid with a faint butyl odor. Its molecular formula is C8H18O3 and its molecular weight is 162.23 g/mol. It boils at 230 °C, melts at -68.1 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol
- diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 230.4 °C (446.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 231.11 °C (448 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 230 °C (446 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -68.1 °C (-90.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -68.11 °C (-90.6 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -68 °C (-90.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.9553 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.952 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.954 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with oils | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone; soluble in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with water at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.01 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.06 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.0219 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 99 °C (210.2 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| 77.78 °C (172 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 204.44 °C (400 °F) | HSDB | |
| 227.78 °C (442 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 223 °C (433.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 0.85 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.2 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 0.8 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 24.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 8.5 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 9.4 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 5.6 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 5.58 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Glycol ethers, glycols, ketones, and alcohols undergo violent decomposition in contact with 68-72% perchloric acid
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER is a ether-alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →