CAS 111-76-2 · Glycol Ether Solvent
Glycol Ether EB
2-Butoxyethanol / Butyl Cellosolve · C₆H₁₄O₂ · MW 118.17 g/mol
Glycol Ether EB (2-Butoxyethanol) is a slow-evaporating, fully water-miscible solvent with outstanding grease-cutting and surface-wetting performance. Its amphiphilic structure — a hydrophilic ethylene oxide unit paired with a hydrophobic butyl chain — makes it uniquely effective in water-based cleaning formulations, coatings, and inks where both oil and water compatibility are required. Texas-Chem supplies Glycol Ether EB in industrial, technical, ACS, and low-odor grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₆H₁₄O₂
Boiling Point
171 °C (340 °F)
Solubility
Miscible with water
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Butyl chain (C₄) linked via an ether oxygen to an ethylene glycol unit terminating in a hydroxyl group
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 50 ppm (skin notation)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 20 ppm (skin notation)
- IDLH
- 700 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 6.1 — Toxic Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 2369
- Packing Group
- III
SDS available upon request. Skin notation — can be absorbed through skin; use appropriate gloves and PPE. Consult current OSHA regulations for workplace exposure limits.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.17 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 111-76-2 |
| Boiling Point | 171 °C (340 °F) |
| Melting Point | −74 °C (−101 °F) |
| Flash Point | 60 °C (140 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 0.902 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.15 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| Refractive Index | 1.4198 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 238 °C (460 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 1.1% – 10.6% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Industrial & Household Cleaners
The workhorse solvent in all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, glass cleaners, and hard-surface cleaners. Glycol Ether EB's dual hydrophilic/hydrophobic character allows it to cut through oily soils and grease while remaining fully water-dilutable — making it ideal for water-based cleaning formulations at low use concentrations.
Paints, Coatings & Lacquers
Widely used as a coalescing agent and slow-evaporating solvent in latex paints, architectural coatings, and industrial finishes. Improves film formation, leveling, and gloss in both waterborne and solvent-borne systems. Reduces minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) in latex coatings.
Printing Inks
Solvent and viscosity modifier in water-based and solvent-based flexographic, gravure, and screen printing inks. Provides good substrate wetting, controlled evaporation, and compatibility with a wide range of resin systems.
Hydraulic Fluids & Brake Fluids
Component in DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid formulations and industrial hydraulic fluids. Provides high boiling point, hygroscopic moisture absorption, and compatibility with rubber seals and metal components.
Textile & Leather Processing
Penetrant and leveling agent in textile dyeing, printing, and finishing operations. Used in leather processing as a softening and penetrating agent that improves dye uptake and finish uniformity.
Agricultural Formulations
Solvent and co-solvent in emulsifiable concentrate (EC) pesticide and herbicide formulations. Improves active ingredient solubility, emulsification, and leaf penetration in spray applications.
Why Source Glycol Ether EB from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying specialty solvents to Texas manufacturers and formulators
- Industrial, technical, ACS reagent, and low-odor grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities