Substance profile
2-Butoxyethanol
2-Butoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Butoxyethanol is
2-Butoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C6H14O2 and its molecular weight is 118.17 g/mol. It boils at 168 °C, melts at -74.8 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for 2-Butoxyethanol
- ethylene 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 |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Butoxyethanol 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 | 168.4 °C (335.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 170.56 °C (339 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 171.11 °C (340 °F) | at 743 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -74.8 °C (-102.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -77.22 °C (-107 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -70 °C (-94 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.9015 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.902 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethyl alcohol, ethyl ether; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in mineral oil, most organic solvents. | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0075 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 0.6 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.88 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 61.67 °C (143 °F) | HSDB | |
| 60.56 °C (141 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 238 °C (460.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 244.44 °C (472 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 1.1 % by volume | at 93 °C | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.6 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 12.7 % by volume | at 93 °C | HSDB | |
| 12.7 % by volume | at 135 °C | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 4.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.07 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor perception threshold is 9.3 mg/L. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.1 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 0.35 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 360.75 °C (681.4 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-Butoxyethanol
Storage conditions
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. ... Violent reaction with strong caustics adn strong oxidizers. Attacks some coatings, plastics and rubber. Attacks metallic aluminum at high temperatures.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER may react with bases, aluminum and oxidizing materials. It is liable to form peroxides on exposure to air and light. It attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Butoxyethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →