Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE), CAS 112-34-5, is a colourless, water-miscible solvent with slow evaporation. Also known as butyl diglycol (BDG), it is used in coatings, inks and formulated cleaners where solvent coupling, working time and drying behaviour matter.
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE) CAS 112-34-5
- CAS: 112-34-5
- Synonyms: Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; Diethylene glycol butyl ether; 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol; Butyl diglycol; Butyl carbitol; DEGBE; DGBE; BDG
- Einecs: 203-961-6
- Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₈O₃
- Grade: Solvent grade matched to the intended formulation; assay, water and other quality limits specified in the quotation.
- Package: Sealed, compatible containers; packaging quoted to suit the order quantity and shipping requirements.
Product Description
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DEGBE, or butyl diglycol) is useful in coating and ink formulations that need a high-boiling solvent with a long evaporation profile. It evaporates more slowly than ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), which can extend working time but also affect drying and solvent retention. In selected waterborne latex coatings, it can act as a coalescing aid; the result depends on the resin, dosage and drying conditions.
In aqueous cleaning formulations, DEGBE can help couple water with organic components and provide solvency for compatible soils. Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) is another water-miscible glycol ether used in coatings and cleaners, with a different solvent balance and a faster evaporation profile. The appropriate choice depends on the soil, substrate and complete formulation.
For formulations requiring faster solvent evaporation, propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) provides a useful comparison. Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) serves a different role in selected solvent-borne and hydroxyl-sensitive systems because it has no free hydroxyl group. Its limited water miscibility makes it different from DEGBE as an aqueous coupling solvent; neither comparison implies a direct replacement.
We can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and relevant GC assay and Karl Fischer water information for the quoted specification. GC assay information identifies the reporting basis, while water content is reported separately. Send the application and required quantity for a quotation.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
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Q:
Are DEGBE, Butyl Carbitol and Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether the same solvent?
A: DEGBE, butyl diglycol (BDG) and 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol identify diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, CAS 112-34-5. Butyl CARBITOL™ is Dow’s trade name for this chemical, rather than a generic grade designation. It is a different solvent from ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), CAS 111-76-2. Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (DEGBEA), CAS 124-17-4, is a separate product. -
Q:
What are the typical physical properties of DEGBE?
A: At room temperature, DEGBE is a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and many common organic solvents. Its typical boiling point is about 230 °C at 101.3 kPa (1 atm), and its slow evaporation is useful when a formulation needs an extended solvent working time. -
Q:
What is DEGBE used for in industrial formulations?
A: DEGBE is used in industrial coatings, inks and formulated cleaners as a solvent and, where suitable, a coupling agent. It can also aid coalescence in selected waterborne latex coatings. Resin compatibility, dosage and drying conditions determine its performance in the finished formulation. -
Q:
Which specifications matter when purchasing industrial DEGBE?
A: Key purchasing parameters include GC assay with a stated reporting basis, water by Karl Fischer, acidity, colour and an agreed distillation range. GC peak-area percentage is not automatically the same as calibrated mass fraction. If density is specified, the test temperature matters; distillation data also need the pressure and method. Additional impurity or peroxide limits depend on the application and handling requirements. -
Q:
Why is the evaporation profile important in coatings and inks?
A: DEGBE evaporates more slowly than EGBE and PGME. This can extend working time and support film formation in a suitable waterborne coating, but it can also delay solvent release. Resin type, film thickness and drying conditions matter, so a slower solvent is not automatically the better choice for every coating or ink. -
Q:
How should DEGBE be stored and handled?
A: Keep DEGBE in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat, ignition sources and strong oxidizers. DEGBE may form peroxides on contact with air, including potentially explosive peroxides under some conditions. Follow the product SDS for safe storage, transfer and protective equipment.
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