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| 2-Butoxyethanol | |
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| IUPAC name | 2-Butoxyethanol |
| Other names | butyl cellosolve butyl glycol ethylene glycol monobutyl ether Dowanol Bane-Clene Eastman EB solvent BH-33 industrial cleaner |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 111-76-2 |
| RTECS number | KJ8575000 |
| SMILES |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C6H14O2 |
| Molar mass | 118.17 g mol−1 |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Density | 0.90 g/cm³, liquid |
| Melting point |
−77 °C (−106.6 °F/196.1 K) |
| Boiling point |
171 °C (340 °F/444 K) |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| Acidity (pKa) | high pKa for -OH group |
| Viscosity | 2.9 cP at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | MSDS by Mallinckrodt Baker |
| EU classification | Harmful (Xn) |
| R-phrases | R20/21/22, R36/38 |
| S-phrases | (S2), S36/37, S46 |
| Flash point | 60 °C (140 °F) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related ethers | 2-Methoxyethanol 2-Ethoxyethanol |
| Related compounds | Ethylene glycol |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent with the formula C6H14O2. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour. It is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol, but should not be confused with it.
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Production
In 2006, the total European production of all butyl glycol ethers amounted to 181 kilotons per annum (kt/a), approximately 50% (90 kt/a) of which was 2-butoxyethanol. World production is estimated to be 200 to 500 kt/a, of which 75% is for paints and coatings.
Main producers include:
Uses
The main use of 2-butoxyethanol is as a solvent in paints and surface coatings, followed by cleaning products and inks. Other products which contain 2-butoxyethanol include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants, bowling pin and lane degreaser, and photographic strip solutions. 2-Butoxyethanol is a primary ingredient of various whiteboard cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, and latex paints. It also seems to be excellent at killing most insects and arachnids.
It is the main ingredient of many home, commercial, and industrial cleaning solutions. It is manufactured by the Eastman Kodak company under catalog # EK1364579, and Kodak Laboratory Chemicals catalog # P2270.
Safety
It is recommended that one use precautions when working with glycol ethers such as 2-butoxyethanol. Employers are required by United States federal law to inform employees when they are working with these substances.1
Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects.2 People exposed to high levels of 2-butoxyethanol for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths. In addition to inhaling 2-butoxyethanol vapor, research has shown that skin can also absorb 2-butoxyethanol vapor from the air, making skin a major pathway of exposure to this chemical.
2-Butoxyethanol is frequently found in popular cleaning products. It is difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers are not required to list it on the label.34
This compound is on California's list of toxic air contaminants,5 though it was removed from the U.S. EPA's list of hazardous air pollutants in 1994.6
In recent years 2-butoxyethanol has come under increased scrutiny in Canada, and Environment and Health Canada has recommended that it be added to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).7
William Nazaroff, a professor of environmental engineering and chairman of the Energy and Resources Group at UC Berkeley, has argued that EGBE should have remained on the federal contaminants list, and concluded in a study that the use of some common household cleaning products containing EGBE could expose people to levels 12 times greater than California's one-hour guideline, especially when indoor use is considered.8 These products are not required to list it on the label when diluted to a certain point. The safety of the products is defended by the American Chemistry Council and the Soap and Detergent Association, industry trade groups.
Environmental impact
2-Butoxyethanol usually decomposes in the environment within a few days and has not been identified as a major environmental contaminant. It is not known to build up in any plant or animal species.9
References
- ^ "Glycol Ethers Fact Sheet". California Hazard Evaluation and Information Service.
- ^ "Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl". Environmental Health Perspectives (1997-05-02).
- ^ Jane Kay (2007-07-24). "Hazard warning on home cleaners: Study says many use chemicals linked to fertility problems", San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ Alexandra Gorman. "Potential Hazards of Home Cleaning Products". Women's Voices for the Earth.
- ^ "California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 339. The Hazardous Substances List". State of California Department of Labor Relations. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
- ^ "List of Hazardous Air Pollutants, Petition Process, Lesser Quantity Designations, Source Category List; Petition To Delist of Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2004-11-29).
- ^ "Current Use Patterns in Canada, Toxicology Profiles of Alternatives, and the Feasibility of Performing an Exposure Assessment Survey". Environment Canada.
- ^ Jane Kay (2007-07-24). "Hazard warning on home cleaners: Study says many use chemicals linked to fertility problems", San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ToxFAQs
External links
- International Chemical Safety Card 0059
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
- Inchem SIDS dossier
- Eastman EB solvent info
- ToxFAQs for 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate from the Centers for Disease Control
- Toxicological Profile for 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate, from the CDC
