Butyl Carbitol is scientifically called diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. It is a very versatile glycol ether solvent generously used in multiple industries. It combines both hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic properties. This makes it an excellent coupling agent, coalescent & solvent for formulations such as paints, coatings, inks, industrial cleaners, adhesives as well as pesticides. Its high boiling point, low volatility, along with strong solvency performance make it best for applications needing controlled evaporation & deep solvency. Moreover, its environmental friendliness, as it is exempt from VOC & readily biodegradable, adds further value to its properties.
Butyl Carbitol, CAS 112 34 5, is a colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a faint ether-like odor. It is classified as a diethylene glycol monoalkyl ether—specifically the monobutyl variant. Chemically represented by formula C₄H₉(OCH₂CH₂)₂OH, it exhibits strong solvency characteristics due to its mixed glycol ether structure. This dual nature offers excellent compatibility with both water and a wide range of organic solvents, enabling it to function as an efficient coupling agent, coalescent, and degreaser.
With a molecular weight of 162.2 g/mol, a high boiling point (230 °C / 446 °F), low vapor pressure (0.03 mmHg at 25 °C), and closed-cup flash point around 99–114 °C, it is both safer in use and suitable for controlled solvent systems. It is fully miscible with water, readily biodegradable, and exempt as a VOC under U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board regulations—qualities that reduce its environmental impact. Its technical benefits include enhanced coalescence in latex paints, deep cleaning power for industrial solvents, and stabilization in pesticide formulations. In short, this compound is a perfect choice for formulators seeking versatility, performance & regulatory compliance.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 112-34-5 |
| Other Names | Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether or DEG monobutyl ether |
| Molecular Formula | C8H18O3 |
| Appearance | Colorless, clear hygroscopic liquid |
| Purity | > 99% |
| Molecular Weight | 162.23 g/mol |
| Odor | Sweet, faint ether-like |
| Boiling Point | ~230 °C (446 °F)< /td> |
| Freezing Point | –90 °C (–68 °F) < /td> |
| Density (25 °C) | ~0.951 g/cm³ < /td> |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.028–0.03 mmHg @ 20–25 °C < /td> |
| Flash Point | 99–114 °C (closed cup) |
| Water Solubility | 100% miscible |
| VOC Status | Exempt VOC (US EPA, CARB) |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable, 89–100% in 28 days |
Purity: ≥ 99 wt%; water ≤ 0.1 wt%; acidity ≤ 0.01 wt%
Color (Pt-Co): ≤ 3–10
Partition Coefficient (log P): ≈ 1.0
Hansen Solubility Parameters: dD = 16, dP = 7, dH = 10.6 (J/cm³)¹ᐟ²
Auto-ignition Temperature: ~210 °C
Vapor Density: ~5.6 × air
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 1–2, Reactivity 1
Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl rubber, EVAL laminate), safety goggles, and protective clothing.
Ventilation: Guarantee adequate local exhaust in enclosed areas. Will also need respiratory protection if vapor levels exceed limits.
Storage Conditions: Keep containers sealed, store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers.
Container Materials: Use carbon steel, stainless steel, or phenolic-lined drums; avoid aluminum, copper, galvanized steel.
Shelf Life: Bulk – ~6 months & Drum – ~24 months under optimal conditions.
Spill Response: It contains spills with inert absorbents (e.g. sand, vermiculite) & collect for proper disposal. In any case avoid environmental release.
Fire Safety: Although low volatility, vapors can ignite—use water fog, foam, CO₂; evacuate and cool containers.
Butyl Carbitol (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol) consists of a butyl ether end, two oxyethylene units, and terminal hydroxyl group. This allows amphiphilic behaviour: the alkyl end dissolves non-polar substances while the ethylene glycol segments ensure water solubility. The molecular formula of this compound is:
C₄H₉–O–CH₂–CH₂–O–CH₂–CH₂–OH
This molecular structure offers excellent solvency, water compatibility as well as low volatility. This is the key to its role as a coalescent.
• Multi-domain Expertise: They serve as premium suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, exporters or distributors in India. Shakti Chemicals offers tailored answers across industries in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Quality Assurance: We guarantee every batch meets high standard checks. It has purity ≥ 99%, low acidity & controlled color.
• Thorough Services: Whether you need small drums or bulk tankers, we accommodate import/export logistics, custom packaging as well as documentation.
• Technical Support: Our experts provide formulation advice, regulatory guidance & also MSDS/TDS support for compliance.
• Agile Supply Chain: With optimized sourcing, inventory in India, and global partnerships, we guarantee timely delivery and stocking flexibility.
Shakti Chemicals offers versatile packaging curated or made to your needs:
Drums: 50 kg & 200 kg
IBC Totes: 1 000 kg
Bulk Storage: Tanker loads for industrial requirements
Each packaging type uses ISO drums, HDPE liners, or approved IBCs to ensure product integrity during transit.
1. Latex Coalescent in Water Based Coatings
This enhances film formation, durability as well as gloss in architectural & industrial paints.
2. Coupling Agent & Solvent in Cleaners
It is used in household & industrial cleaners, degreasers, rust removers & hard surface detergents.
3. Printing Inks
It is ideal for silk screen, water as well as solvent based inks. It improves pigment dispersion & solvent compatibility.
4. Adhesive Coalescent
This assists in the curing & strength development of latex-based adhesives.
5. Textile Dyeing & Printing
It pretends as a solvent for dyes as well as resins in textile formulations.
6. Pesticide Formulations
Functions as a deactivator and stabilizer in agricultural chemicals.
7. Brake Fluid Diluent
Included as a solvent component in hydraulic brake formulations.
8. Lab & Specialty Uses
Serves in detergents, perfumes, germicides, antiseptics, and jet fuel anti icing.
1. What is Butyl Carbitol used for?
It’s always used as a solvent/coalescent in paints, coatings, cleaners, inks, adhesives, pesticides as well as brake fluids.
2. Is it water soluble?
Yes, it is completely miscible with water at room temperature.
3. What’s its boiling point?
The boiling point is approx 230 °C (446 °F) at standard pressure.
4. Is it considered VOC-exempt?
Yes, it is classified as an exempt VOC by U.S. EPA & also CARB
5. How should it be stored?
It is store in sealed containers (carbon steel, stainless steel, phenolic-lined) away from oxidizers; in a cool as well as dry place.
6. What is the standard packaging?
Available in 50 kg & 200 kg drums, 1 000 kg IBCs, or bulk according to requirements.
7. What’s its shelf life?
Bulk: ~6 months; Drum: ~24 months under proper storage.
8. Is it biodegradable?
Yes it is amazingly biodegradable with 89–100% degradation in 28 days.
9. Is it safe to handle?
It causes eye irritation—use PPE (goggles, gloves); ensure good ventilation; refer to SDS.
10. What makes Shakti Chemicals a trusty partner?
We’re full-service suppliers, traders, dealers, importers or distributors with competitive pricing, regulatory support as well as personalized logistics solutions.
Butyl Carbitol stands out as a high-performance solvent & also coupling agent that offers multifunctional advantages. It's got great solvency, full water miscibility, controlled evaporation as well as environmental adherence. It has great employment. Its vast applications range from coatings & cleaners to inks, adhesives & also agricultural formulations. Storing, handling & regulatory adherence are straightforward with standard guidelines in place. Shakti Chemicals are serving as suppliers, traders, dealers, importers or distributors as they offer superior quality, flexible packaging, robust technical assistance as well as efficient supply chain management. Whether you need drum quantities or bulk supply, Shakti Chemicals is your reliable partner for sourcing top-grade Butyl Carbitol.
Looking for high-quality Butyl Carbitol? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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