GLYCOL ETHERS
Glycol Ethers are a family of chemicals with key solvent properties used in various and diverse applications.
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol, also sometimes called Cellosolve.
These solvents typically have higher boiling point, together with the favorable solvent properties of lower molecular weight ethers and alcohols
Glycol ethers act as solvents, which are an essential part of everyday life. They are an invaluable solution for industries that range from pharmaceuticals and micro-electronics to domestic cleaning, personal care and printing. We demand high standards from products today – from the purity of penicillin to the performance of paint – none of which would be possible without solvents.
Depending on the synthesis route, we know E- and P-series glycol ethers. The first is based on ethylene oxide and the other on propylene oxide as raw material.
E-series
Commercial E-series glycol ethers consist mainly of methyl, ethyl and butyl glycol ethers. Depending on the number of ethylene oxide repetitive units there are mono-, di- and triethylene glycol ethers. The ethylene oxide building block provides a high compatibility with water to these compounds. Their use in water-based coatings is an example how this property can be used.
These substances act as solvents and as coalescing aids in paint formulations. Their coalescing aid property is essential for high quality film formation in water-based paints, while the solvents power of the materials is needed e.g. in cleaning applications.
The higher molecular weight E-series glycol ethers (triethylene glycol ethers or higher homologues) are also used in hydraulic brake fluids.
E-series glycol ethers are also used as intermediates and undergo further chemical reactions e.g. to esters.
P-series
Propylene Glycol Ethers (PGEs) are high-performance industrial solvents. PGEs are based on reacting propylene oxide with varying chain alcohols.
PGEs are used for paints and coatings, cleaners, inks, and a variety of other applications. In coating applications PGEs provide good solvency for a wide variety of resins including acrylic, epoxies, alkyds, polyesters, nitrocellulose and polyurethanes. For cleaners PGEs provide low toxicity, surface tension reduction, and provides good solvency for polar and nonpolar materials. As a chemical intermediate, PGEs can be used in combination with other glycol ethers or solvents to custom tailor properties to meet the full requirements of the formulation. In the electronics industry, PGEs are used in conjunction with other solvents in the manufacture of laminates and in semiconductor processes which are used to make circuit boards. Other significant applications are agricultural, cosmetic, ink, textile and adhesives products.
Glycol Ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol commonly used in paints and cleaners. These solvents typically have a higher boiling point, together with the favorable solvent properties of lower-molecular weight ethers and alcohols.
Glycol ethers form a varied family of more than 30 solvents.
Glycol ethers are characterized by their excellent solvency, chemical stability and compatibility with water and a number of organic solvents.
Glycol ether solvents
Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (2-methoxyethanol, CH3OCH2CH2OH)
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (2-ethoxyethanol, CH3CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether (2-propoxyethanol, CH3CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether (2-isopropoxyethanol, (CH3)2CHOCH2CH2OH)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-butoxyethanol, CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH), a widely used solvent in paintings and surface coatings, cleaning products and inks
Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether (2-phenoxyethanol, C6H5OCH2CH2OH)
Ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether (2-benzyloxyethanol, C6H5CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Propylene glycol methyl ether, (1-methoxy-2-propanol, CH3OCH2CH(OH)CH3)
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, methyl carbitol, CH3OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, carbitol cellosolve, CH3CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, butyl carbitol, CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH)
Dipropyleneglycol methyl ether
Dialkyl ethers:
Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (dimethoxyethane, CH3OCH2CH2OCH3), a higher boiling alternative to diethyl ether and THF, also used as a solvent for polysaccharides, a reagent in organometallic chemistry and in some electrolytes of lithium batteries
Ethylene glycol diethyl ether (diethoxyethane, CH3CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH3)
Ethylene glycol dibutyl ether (dibutoxyethane, CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2CH2CH3)
Esters:
Ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate (2-methoxyethyl acetate, CH3OCH2CH2OCOCH3)
Ethylene glycol monethyl ether acetate (2-ethoxyethyl acetate, CH3CH2OCH2CH2OCOCH3)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (2-butoxyethyl acetate, CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OCOCH3)
All these glycol ethers have different properties – and are therefore fit for different uses.
Traditionally, a distinction is made between two main groups of glycol ethers: E series and P series, depending on whether they are made from ethylene or propylene.
In each group, different derivatives have been developed to provide the properties of solubility, volatility, compatibility and inflammability required for the application
Glycol ethers combine the solubility characteristics of both ethers and alcohols (or esters), as both functional groups (ether and hydroxyl [or carboxyl]) are present in the molecule. Over half of all glycol ether consumption (including E-series and P-series) is for use as a solvent in various formulations, such as paints, inks, and cleaning fluids. Nonsolvent uses for glycol ethers include hydraulic and brake fluids, anti-icing agents, and chemical intermediates.
Glycol ethers have many uses; these include use as solvents and as an ingredient in cleaning compounds, liquid soaps, and cosmetics
The glycol ethers are used as solvents for resins, lacquers, paints, varnishes, gum, perfume, dyes, inks, as a constituent of paints and pastes, cleaning compounds, liquid soaps, cosmetics, and hydraulic fluids.
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol commonly used in paints and cleaners.
These solvents typically have a higher boiling point, together with the favorable solvent properties of lower-molecular weight ethers and alcohols.
The word "Cellosolve" was registered in 1924 as a United States trademark by Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Corp. (later named Union Carbide Corp.) for "Solvents for Gums, Resins, Cellulose Esters, and the Like".
The first one was ethyl cellosolve (ethylene glycol monoethyl ether), with the name now generic for glycol ethers.
Glycol ethers are either "e-series" or "p-series" glycol ethers, depending on whether they are made from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, respectively.
Typically, e-series glycol ethers are found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water-based paints, while p-series glycol ethers are used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives.
Both E-series glycol ethers and P-series glycol ethers can be used as intermediates that undergo further chemical reactions, producing glycol diethers and glycol ether acetates.
P-series glycol ethers are marketed as having lower toxicity than the E-series.
Most glycol ethers are water-soluble, biodegradable and only a few are considered toxic.
P-series glycol ethers are mostly used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives. E-series glycol ethers are often found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water-based paints.
Glycol ethers product family is made up of more than 30 different types of solvents which can be categorized into two major groups, namely, E-series and P-series, depending upon the starting material used (ethylene or propylene). E-series comprises of ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, and ethylene glycol butyl ether acetate as key products are used extensively as they have a strong compatibility with diverse organic solvents and water. They also have low volatility and strong solvent properties which diversifies their applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, personal care and many more.
The demand for P-series is higher than the counterpart as they are preferred for their lower toxicity level.
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents that are based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which are commonly used in paints and cleaners.
A high demand for water-soluble ingredients across the end-use industries, such as printing and personal care industries, is expected to boost the growth of the market.
The growing demand for water-based coatings that consist of glycol ether as a coalescing agent, has been the primary reason for the growth of the glycol ethers market across the printing and personal care sectors.
Glycol ethers and acetates are used to improve the flow and leveling characteristics of paints and to lengthen the wet edge, which provide for smoother lapping while eliminating brush marks.
Recent uptick in construction starts across the world and positive infrastructure investment scenario has uplifted the demand for glycol ethers in paints.
With promising outlook on automotive production and construction starts, demand for architectural and industrial coatings is projected to rise, further giving impetus for the glycol ethers market
In the printing industry, multiple substances such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, acetates, and ketones are used as the major solvent.
Glycol ether is highly preferred as a tailing solvent that controls evaporation rates.
Propylene methyl and Di-propylene methyl acetates are the major compounds used in silkscreen inks.
Whereas in cosmetic formulations, glycol ether is an effective mutual solvent which can also be used as a low-cost replacement for fatty acid isopropyl esters.
The compound currently finds use in some personal care products as a preservative and may be used at levels up to an overall concentration of 1.0% by volume.
Glycol ethers, as a class of chemicals having longer hydrocarbon-like alkoxide groups, display solubility more characteristic of hydrocarbons.
Thus, glycol ethers produced from higher molecular weight alcohols, such as Hexyl CELLOSOLVE™ solvent, have limited water solubility. The ether groups introduce additional sites for hydrogen bonding with improved hydrophilic solubility performance.
APPLICATIONS
Paints, inks, cleaners,polishes,cleaners, topicalpharmaceuticals,fuel additive,agrochemicals,metalworking fluids, oilfield chemicals,personal care products, hydraulic fluids,water treatment, polymer manufacturing
Solvency Properties
Glycol ethers are characterized by their excellent solvency, chemical stability and compatibility with water and a number of organic solvents. The dual functionality present in the CELLOSOLVE and CARBITOL™ solvents and the alkoxytriglycol glycol ethers accounts for their unique solvency properties. As a class of products, CELLOSOLVE and CARBITOL solvents are:
Mild-odored solvents for many resins, oils, waxes, fats and dyestuffs
Coupling agents for many water/organic systems
Miscible with a wide range of polar and non-polar organic solvents
Miscible with water in most cases
End-Uses
This strong solvency leads to the selection of certain CELLOSOLVE and CARBITOL solvents and the alkoxytriglycol glycol ethers for a broad array of end-uses:
Dye solvents in the textile, leather and printing industries
Solvents for grease and grime in industrial cleaning and specialty formulations
Solvents for insecticides and herbicides for agricultural applications
Coupling solvents for hard-surface cleaners and other soap-hydrocarbon systems
Solvents and cosolvents for conventional lacquer, enamel and stains for industrial coating systems
Cosolvents for waterborne industrial coating systems
Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII)
Freeze-thaw agents in aqueous systems
Chemical reaction solvents
Chemical Intermediates
Members of the CELLOSOLVE and CARBITOL solvent families are also useful chemical intermediates. These glycol ethers will undergo many of the same reactions as alcohols because they contain the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. Some typical examples are:
Reaction with carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid chlorides, anhydrides and inorganic acids to produce esters
Reaction with organic halides to produce ethers, such as glymes
Reaction with alkenes and alkynes to produce ethers
Reaction with halogenating agents to produce alkoxy alkyl halides
Reaction with epoxides to produce polyether alcohols
Reaction with aldehydes and ketones to produce hemiacetals and acetals
PRODUCT PROFILES
Propyl CELLOSOLVE Solvent (Ethylene Glycol Monopropyl Ether)
C3H7OCH2CH2OH
Propyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is useful in printing and other specialized coatings applications.
Butyl CELLOSOLVE Solvent (Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether)
C4H9OCH2CH2OH
Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is an excellent solvent widely used in coatings and cleaner applications, including many directed to consumer markets.
Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent offers superior performance in many hard-surface cleaners and related cleaning formulations. Mineral oils, water and soaps are miscible with Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent. Accordingly, this product is widely employed as a coupling agent to stabilize immiscible ingredients in industrial metal cleaners, in vapor degreasers, in the clarification of oil-water dispersions, and in the formulation of concentrated liquid cleaners. In fabric cleaners, Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent assists in removing water-soluble stains and aids in brightening the colors of garments. It improves penetrating and wetting action of phosphoric acid-type rust removers.
Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent exhibits strong solvency for alkyd, phenolic, nitrocellulose and maleic-modified resins. It strengthens blush resistance and is one of the best retarders for nitrocellulose lacquers. Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent heightens gloss, improves flow-out and prevents orange-peel formation in lacquers, conventional and high solid coatings. Related applications include special coatings for polystyrene, epoxy coatings and high-low thinners for viscosity reduction of alkyd baking enamels. In addition, Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is the most widely used cosolvent for industrial waterborne coatings due to its excellent balance of volatility, resin solvency and oil/water solubility.
Butyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is a recognized inert formulating aid for the compounding of some insecticides and herbicides.
Hexyl CELLOSOLVE Solvent (Ethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether)
C6H13OCH2CH2OH
Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent is a high boiling point, slow evaporating solvent with excellent solvency characteristics. It may be used to coalesce waterborne latex coatings and to balance solvency and volatility in high solids coatings.
Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent has the characteristic structure of glycol ethers and contains both ether and alcohol functional groups in the same molecule. As a result, it provides unique cleaning power for removal of both watersoluble and greasy (water-insoluble) soils. The linear hexyl portion of Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent provides excellent oil solubility characteristics that make it useful in both consumer and industrial cleaner applications.
Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent plays an important role in specialty printing inks. Because of its limited water solubility and slow evaporation, it can be used in formulations for the silk screen process to prevent premature setting of the ink.
Methyl CARBITOL Solvent (Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether)
CH3(OCH2CH2)2OH
Methyl CARBITOL solvent offers both excellent solvency and low volatility. The product’s mild odor and ability to improve dye penetration make it attractive for non-grain-raising wood stains, spirit-type dyes and textile dye pastes. Methyl CARBITOL solvent is suitable for dyes, oils, fats, waxes and resins. It is also a coalescing aid for polyvinyl acetate latexes. Methyl CARBITOL Solvent-Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII) is used by the aviation industry according to U. S. Military Specification MIL-I-85470 and equivalents around the world to prevent icing in aircraft jet fuel systems.
CARBITOL Solvent (Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether)
C2H5(OCH2CH2)2OH
CARBITOL solvent is an important solvent in non-grain-raising wood stains and serves as a component of industrial cleaners.
Textile printing and dyeing processes utilize CARBITOL solvent to facilitate penetration into fibers and to promote the production of intense, bright shades. These characteristics, as well as its high boiling point and low vapor pressure, make it useful for twist setting and yarn and cloth conditioning.
Mineral oil-soap and mineral oil-sulfonated oil mixtures require fast-acting mutual solvents. Small quantities of CARBITOL solvent in these mixtures form translucent-to-clear dispersions, in contrast to the usual turbid dispersion that indicates incomplete solubility.
Butyl CARBITOL Solvent (Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether)
C4H9(OCH2CH2)2OH
Butyl CARBITOL solvent is useful in lacquers, dopes and stamp-pad and printing inks that require a solvent with an extremely low rate of evaporation. This glycol ether is incorporated in high-bake enamels to contribute desirable flow and gloss characteristics. Butyl CARBITOL solvent is a dye solvent used to promote rapid and uniform ink penetration for printing box-board and similar materials.
Butyl CARBITOL solvent serves as a mutual solvent for soaps, oils and water and as a component of liquid cleaners, “soluble” oils and textile oils. It has found increased use in cleaning formulations because of its good solvency for greasy soils and waxes.
Butyl CARBITOL solvent is used as a solvent in formulating aids for latex paints and as a dispersant for vinyl chloride resins used in organosols. It is a diluent for hydraulic brake fluids and an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers.
Hexyl CARBITOL Solvent (Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether)
C6H13(OCH2CH2)2OH
Hexyl CARBITOL solvent, like Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent, displays a strong hydrocarbon-type solvency. The increased ether functionality of Hexyl CARBITOL solvent provides greater solubility with water than Hexyl CELLOSOLVE solvent.
Hexyl CARBITOL solvent is useful as a coalescing aid in waterborne emulsion or dispersion coatings. It is a slow evaporating solvent that partitions primarily into the polymer phase of a waterborne coating and reduces Minimum Filming Temperature. It can be used with associative thickeners to enhance application properties such as brushability or roll application in high performance coatings.
Due to its slow evaporation and excellent solvency characteristics, Hexyl CARBITOL solvent contributes good flow and leveling to high solids coatings during the drying/curing cycle. It is extremely important that the last solvent to evaporate has good solvency properties for the coating system. This allows uniform diffusion of the solvent through the film and maximizes appearance and film properties by reducing the occurrence of defects due to solvent-pop and air entrapment.
Hexyl CARBITOL solvent has shown excellent performance in cleaning formulation for the removal of greasy soils.
Hexyl CARBITOL solvent is used in metal deco inks as a slow evaporating solvent providing good flow and leveling.
Alkoxytriglycols
Methoxytriglycol (Triethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether)
CH3(OCH2CH2)3OH
Ethoxytriglycol (Triethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether)
C2H5(OCH2CH2)3OH
Butoxytriglycol (Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether)
C4H9(OCH2CH2)3OH
The alkoxytriglycols are useful as low-volatility components in paint stripping formulations, as dye carriers for textile dye processes, as chemical process solvents and as intermediates for making esters for use as solvents, surfactants and plasticizers. The alkoxytriglycols are also useful as components of high boiling hydraulic brake fluids.
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers which can be from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (these are commonly used in paints and cleaners). Typically, these solvents have a higher boiling point. They are categorized as two types which are “e-series” and “p-series” depending on whether they are made from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, respectively. Mostly, p-series glycol ethers are used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives. On the other hand, e-series glycol ethers are found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water based paints.
Uses of Glycol Ethers:
As solvents for resins
As solvents for lacquers
As solvents for paints
As solvents for varnishes
As solvents for gum
As solvents for perfume
As solvents for dyes
As solvents for inks
As a constituent of paint and pastes
As a constituent of cleaning compounds
As a constituent of cosmetics
As a constituent of hydraulic fluids
Glycol Ethers Background
Glycol Ethers have been used since the 1960’s as solvents and stabilizers in a variety of personal, household, and industrial products. The use of glycol ethers has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Low molecular weight E-series have been phased-out and progressively replaced by low molecular weight P-series whenever possible. These substances are industrial chemicals, not expected to occur naturally in the environment.
Significant changes that have influenced the entire glycol ether market during the last decade:
The growth of water-based surface coatings as replacements for solvent-based coatings: It seems that water-based coatings that mainly use glycol ethers as coalescing agents have been the major factor behind the growth of the entire glycol ether market.
Propylene oxide-based glycol ethers (P-series): This growth has been due primarily to increased concern about the toxicological effects of some ethylene oxide-based glycol ethers.
Continuing changes in E-series glycol ether products: In the major regions of the world, growth has been primarily for the butyl products (and some smaller-volume specialty glycol ethers); the methyl and ethyl products groups have been in decline.
Glycol ethers started to be used in different applications during the 1930s but during the sixties and seventies, the range of its applications expanded even further including the usage in surface coatings. Without glycol ethers, many water-based coatings such as decorative consumer paints and car painting operations by manufacturers would not function.
Other important coating types and applications that use this solvent include wood, coil and anticorrosion coatings, adhesives and inks in screen printing, cleaning products, cosmetics, speciality chemical manufacture, leather goods manufacture and electronics manufacturing.
Glycol ethers are released to both air and water from chemical industries, where it is produced as a by-product or used as solvent. Glycol ethers are not found naturally in the environment and they would not be produced in situ in any known reactions.
They usually are degraded by microorganisms in soil, sewer sludge, and water; nevertheless, accumulation in water could occur due to their solubility in water and their relatively low vapor pressure. Under aerobic conditions, they are converted to carbon dioxide and water, while anaerobic degradation yields methane and carbon dioxide.
Butylglycol
CAS: 111-76-2
Ethylenglykolmono-n-butylether, 2-Butoxyethanol, 1-Hydroxy-2-n-butoxy-ethan
Colorless, neutral, slightly hygroscopic, mobile liquid with a mild odor. The product is miscible with water and common organic solvents in all proportions at room temperature.
Butylglycol shows the reactions typical of an alcohol, such as esterification, etherification, oxidation and the formation of acetates and alcoholates. Like most ethers, it forms peroxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.
Butyldiglycol
CAS: 112-34-5
Diethylenglykolmonobutylether, 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol
Butyldiglycol is a clear, low-volatility, mobile liquid with a very faint, mild odor. It is miscible with many common solvents, e. g. aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, glycols, glycol ethers and water. It may form peroxides if it comes into contact with atmospheric oxygen.
Butyltriglycol
CAS: 143-22-6*), 1559-34-8
Mixture of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers
Butyltriglycol is a clear, low-volatility, mobile liquid with a very faint, mild odour. It is miscible with many common solvents, e. g. aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, glycols, glycol ethers and water. Butyltriglycol may form peroxides, if it comes into contact with atmospheric oxygen.
n-Hexylglycol
CAS: 143-22-6*), 1559-34-8
Mixture of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers
n-Hexylglycol is a clear, mobile, neutral, slightly hygroscopic liquid with a mild odor. It is miscible with all common solvents, e. g. alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, glycols and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Its miscibility with water, however, is limited.
n-Hexylglycol enters into the typical reactions of alcohols, e. g. esterification, etherification, oxidation and the formation of alcoholates. Since n-Hexylglycol may react with the oxygen in the air to form peroxides, BASF supplies it inhibited with 2.6-di-tert-butyl-para-cresol (butylated hydroxytoluene – BHT).
n-Hexyldiglycol
CAS: 143-22-6*), 1559-34-8
Mixture of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers
n-Hexyldiglycol is a clear, mobile, neutral, slightly hygroscopic liquid with a mild odor. It is miscible with all common solvents, e. g. alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, glycols and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Its miscibility with water, however, is limited.
n-Hexyldiglycol enters into the typical reactions of alcohols, e. g. esterification, etherification, oxidation and the formation of alcoholates. Like all other ethers, it may form peroxides if it comes into contact with atmospheric oxygen.
Solvenon PM
CAS: 107-98-2
Methoxy-1,2-propanol, Propylene glycol-1-methyl ether, Methoxy-1,2-hydroxpropane, Methylpropylene glycol
Solvenon PM is a clear, hygroscopic, medium-volatility liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. It is miscible with water and many common organic solvents. By virtue of its ether and alcohol groups, Solvenon PM has very good solvent power for many of the raw materials used in coatings, e. g. resins, binders, etc. It possesses the typical properties of the ether and alcohol groups. For instance, it may react with acids (or form esters), oxidizing agents (to form the corresponding ketones or carboxylic acids), alkali metals (to form alcoholates) or aldehydes (to form acetals). Solvenon PM may form peroxides with atmospheric oxygen.
Solvenon DPM
CAS: 34590-94-8
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, Methoxypropoxypropanol, Methyldipropylene glycol (mixture of isomers)
Solvenon DPM is a mixture of isomers. It is a clear, high-boiling, hygroscopic, mobile, low-volatility liquid with a mild odour and is miscible with water and common organic solvents. By virtue of the ether and alcohol groups in the constituent isomers, Solvenon DPM is an excellent solvent for many of the raw materials that are used in coatings, e. g. resins and binders. An important feature of Solvenon DPM is the fact that it acts as a solubilizer in many aqueous coating systems. It possesses the typical properties of ethers and alcohols. For instance, it reacts with acids (to form esters), oxidizing agents (to form the corresponding aldehydes or carboxylic acids), alkali metals (to form alcoholates) or aldehydes (to form acetals). Solvenon DPM may form peroxides with atmospheric oxygen.
Solvenon PnB
CAS: 5131-66-8
Propylene glycol monobutyl ether, 1-Butoxy-2-propanol
Solvenon PnB is miscible with most organic solvents and partly soluble in water. These properties are required, for example, for printing ink thinners and water-based paints. Solvenon PnB is strongly lipophilic. Its oil and fat dissolving properties make it highly suitable for use in products such as cleaning agents and metal degreasers. Solvenon PnB is a low odour liquid, which, in combination with its surface tension lowering properties, means that it is often used in products such as water-based cleansers. The spreading characteristics of Solvenon PnB are at least comparable with those of butyl glycols, in part better.
The outstanding film-building and drying properties of Solvenon PnB make it an effective coalescing agent for dispersion paints, e. g. acrylic, styrol acrylic and polyvinyl acetate dispersions.
Solvenon DPnB
CAS: 29911-28-2
Dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, Butoxy dipropanol (mixture of isomers)
Solvenon DPnB has both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties. It is miscible with various other solvents. Due to its molecular weight and plasticizing effect, Solvenon DPnB is, for example, an excellent film-forming agent. Due to its evaporation and spreading characteristics Solvenon DPnB is highly suitable for application in cleaning agents.
Solvenon TPnB
CAS: 55934-93-5
Mixture of propylene glycol mono butyl ethers
Solvenon TPnB is a mixture of various isomeric compounds. It is a clear, light yellowish, mobile liquid with very low volatility. It is nearly odourless. Due to their ether and alcohol reactive groups the various isomeric compounds which are part of Solvenon, have a very high solubilizing power for numerous paint and surface-coating raw materials like resins, binding agents, etc. Solvenon TPnB may react with oxygen from air to give peroxides.
