Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether is commonly known as Diglyme. It is a high-performance polar aprotic solvent with superior thermal stability. It also has excellent solvating power. With a boiling point of around 162 °C as well as high dielectric constant, this compound is extensively used in demanding chemical processes. These processes include organometallic synthesis, lithium-ion battery electrolytes & polymerization reactions. Its colorless, low-viscosity profile & also miscibility with both water & organic solvents. This makes it a versatile medium in industrial as well as research laboratories.
Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether is peculiarly referred to as Diglyme. This is the dimethyl ether derivative of diethylene glycol. It has the chemical formula C₆H₁₄O₃ & it's CAS number 111 96 6. It appears as a clear & colorless liquid with a faint ether-like odor. Also, it is soluble in water as well as many organic solvents due to its polar ether moieties.
Diglyme stands out as a high boiling (≈162 °C) aprotic, polar solvent. Its molecule features two ether linkages and a methylated glycol backbone, granting it strong chelation ability towards alkali metal cations, which liberates reactive anions in solution—a desirable trait for Grignard, organometallic, and hydride-based synthesis.
Throughout industrial and academic settings, Diglyme is favored for its chemical inertness, low flammability compared to smaller ethers, and stability at elevated temperatures. However, it is classified as a Reproductive Toxicant (Repr. 1B) and a Substance of Very High Concern under EU REACH regulations. Proper handling and monitoring of exposure levels are vital.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS & EINECS | 111-96-6 / 203-924-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid, faint ether odor |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 134.17 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 162 °C (1013 hPa) |
| Freezing Point | –64 °C |
| Flash Point | 51–57 °C (closed cup) |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.937–0.945 g/cm³ |
| Vapour Pressure | ≈3 mbar at 20 °C |
| Dielectric Const. | ε ≈5.79 |
| Purity Grade | ≥99%, lab/reagent grade |
Diglyme’s typical specifications include:
Viscosity:
Dynamic viscosity is approximately 1.78 mPa·s at 25°C, indicating its low resistance to flow and suitability for applications requiring high solvent mobility.
Surface Tension:
Diglyme has a surface tension of around 36.5 dyn/cm at 25°C, which influences its behavior in coating, cleaning, and electroplating applications.
Autoignition Temperature:
The autoignition temperature is approximately 235°C, which is critical for assessing fire and explosion hazards in high-temperature processes.
Solubility Parameter (Hildebrand):
The solubility parameter is about 9.4 (cal/cm³)¹/², suggesting strong solvating ability for a wide range of polar and nonpolar compounds.
Log P (Partition Coefficient):
The octanol–water partition coefficient (Log P) is approximately –0.36, meaning Diglyme is more hydrophilic and tends to distribute into aqueous phases over organic ones.
pKa / Acid Dissociation:
As an ether, Diglyme is non-ionizable and does not have a pKa; however, it can stabilize strong bases due to its electron-rich oxygen atoms.
Thermal Conductivity:
Thermal conductivity is around 0.134 W/m·K at 25°C, useful in thermal modeling of battery and reaction systems.
Its polar aprotic nature, along with decent dipole moment (~1.97 D), makes it ideal for chelation and high-temperature syntheses.
Handling and Storage
Diglyme is chemically stable but requires care due to its flammability (flash point ~51–57 °C), peroxide formation risk, and reproductive toxicity .
Key precautions:
Store in airtight containers, ideally under dry nitrogen to prevent peroxide and moisture uptake.
Avoid metal ignition sources; flammable vapors may accumulate.
Use peroxide inhibitors like BHT (100 mg/kg typical).
Keep below flash point in cool, well-ventilated, explosion-proof conditions.
For peroxide determination and safe use, follow peroxidation protocols in SDS.
First-aid and PPE: gloves, goggles, lab coat, and organic-vapor respirators where required.
Dispose per local regulations—ether solvents in chemical incinerators with afterburners and scrubbers.
Structure of Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (Diglyme)
Chemically, Diglyme has the structure:CH₃–O–CH₂–CH₂–O–CH₂–CH₂–O–CH₃.
As a polyether with two ether linkages and methyl end groups, it offers polar aprotic solvation and chelating behavior toward alkali metals, facilitating anionic and organometallic reactions . Highly water-miscible, non-reactive under wide conditions, and thermally robust up to ~160 °C.
As one of the leading Indian chemical companies, Shakti Chemicals serves as reliable suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, exporters and distributors of Diglyme in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Their edge includes:
ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing.High-quality reagent and industrial grades (≥99% purity).
Flexible packaging: 190 kg drums, IBCs, or bulk tankers.
Competitive pricing, consistent availability as well as streamlined export logistics.
Nationwide presence and established global reach across UAE, Malaysia, Australia, etc.
Dedicated customer support and technical service around specifications, SDS, and compliance documentation.
Is Diglyme flammable?
Yes—Flash point: ~51–57 °C (closed cup), flammable liquid (Class 3).
Can Diglyme form peroxides?
Yes. Peroxide formation occurs over time in air/heat; storage requires inhibitors and nitrogen blanketing.
Is it miscible with water?
Fully miscible at 25 °C with water and common organic solvents.
What makes it toxic?
Classified as reproductive toxicant (can damage fertility or unborn child).
What PPE is needed?
Gloves, goggles, lab coat, and vapor respirators in poor ventilation or heated applications.
Typical packaging formats?
Available in drums (~190 kg), IBC, or bulk tanker formats.
Storage recommendations?
Store cool (< flash point), in sealed tanks or drums under inert atmosphere; silica gel dryer if needed.
Suitable solely for lab use?
No, Diglyme suits lab–scale (99+%) & also industrial scales for electrolytes, solvents, etc..
Are there regulations controlling Diglyme?
Yes—REACH SVHC, U.S. TSCA listed, and hazardous in California air toxics listings.
How to safely dispose?
Safely dispose via licensed chemical incineration (with scrubbers) & flammable solvent protocols.
Shakti Chemicals typically supplies multiple packaging options:
190 kg steel drums
1 000 kg IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
Bulk tanker loading for orders >10 MT
Smaller lab-scale drums (25–50 L) available on request
Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (Diglyme) is a robust, high-boiling, polar aprotic solvent prized in research and industry for its strong solvating ability and chemical inertness. While its organometallic utility and battery applications are unmatched, safe handling is essential due to toxicity and peroxide risk. Shakti Chemicals offers premium-grade Diglyme with reliable quality, multiple packaging formats, and global supply capabilities. Whether you're conducting laboratory synthesis, industrial-scale battery production, or polymer/resin processing, Diglyme provides an efficient medium—backed by expert support—to meet your solvent requirements.
We offer Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (Diglyme) in bulk quantities with reliable logistics and competitive rates. Contact us for more details, specifications, or a quotation.
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