Chemical Identity: 1,2-Propylene Glycol 1-Butyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C7H16O2
Synonyms: Propylene glycol n-butyl ether
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Recommended Use: Solvent for coatings, cleaners, paints, inks, and chemical processing
GHS Classification: Eye irritation, skin irritation, harmful if inhaled or swallowed
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild to moderate irritation to skin and eyes. Mist or vapor inhalation can lead to headaches or dizziness. Ingestion might upset the digestive tract and potentially impact organs with heavy, prolonged use.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Main Ingredient: 1,2-Propylene Glycol 1-Butyl Ether
Chemical CAS Number: 5131-66-8
Purity: Usually above 98% in industrial grades
Impurities: Trace glycols and ethers may appear in low concentrations, but do not generally change safety practices
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes and remove contact lenses if possible. If irritation lingers, see a doctor.
Skin Contact: Wash off immediately with soap and warm water. Prolonged exposure can dry the skin, so it's best to clean up soon.
Inhalation: Pull the affected person into fresh air and encourage slow, steady breathing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but avoid inducing vomiting. Get medical attention if feeling unwell.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Special Protective Equipment: Wear protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Decomposes to carbon oxides under combustion.
Tips: Remove containers from fire area if it’s safe.
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing vapors. Wear gloves, goggles, and, if needed, a respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Cleanup: Absorb small spills with inert material such as dry sand or earth. Scoop up and transfer to labeled waste drums. Ventilate area well.
Disposal: Gather in secure containers and send for permitted disposal or recycling.
Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces. Wear protective gloves and safe goggles to reduce exposure. Keep away from ignition sources.
Storage: Store containers tightly closed in cool, dry places. Avoid heat, sparks, or open flames near storage areas.
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids which can trigger reactions.
Hygiene: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Exposure Limits: Occupational limits are not universally set, but minimize vapor exposure.
Engineering Controls: Install ventilation or local exhaust to lower airborne concentrations.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, long-sleeve workwear, and respiratory protection if vapor exceeds safe levels.
Work Practices: Remove contaminated clothing promptly and keep eyewash stations nearby when handling chemicals.
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear and colorless
Odor: Mild, sweet-like
Boiling Point: Roughly 170–180 °C
Melting Point: Under 0 °C
Solubility: Miscible in water and organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low to moderate
Density: Around 0.88 g/cm³ at room temperature
Flash Point: Above 60 °C, so not extremely flammable but care is still wise
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong acids, strong oxidizers, and materials like alkali metals. Avoid mixing with incompatible substances.
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning leads to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide fumes.
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, sources of ignition, direct sunlight, unlabeled containers
Potential Health Effects: Eye and skin irritation are the most common complaints. Repeated exposure can dry and crack skin. Vapors create discomfort at high concentrations and affect breathing.
Acute Toxicity: Swallowing large amounts can upset the stomach. Inhaled vapors in confined spaces might cause headaches or dizziness.
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin contact might lead to dermatitis.
Carcinogenicity: No established link in humans.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No strong evidence points to long-term genetic or reproductive harm.
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic in large concentrations for aquatic life, but smaller spills break down over time through natural processes.
Persistence: Not persistent; readily degrades in the environment with exposure to sunlight and oxygen.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in fish or plants. Widespread use in closed systems cuts down accidental environmental release.
Waste Treatment: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste. Best practice is sending spent material to a licensed reclamation or disposal facility.
Container Disposal: Empty containers can trap fumes and should not be reused. Triple rinse and offer for reconditioning if industrially approved.
Legal Responsibility: Follow local, state, and federal laws regarding chemical disposal.
UN Number: Generally not regulated for ground transport in small quantities.
Transportation Hazard Class: Not classified as a dangerous good by most global transport standards unless shipped in bulk.
Packing Instructions: Ship in tightly sealed packaging. Avoid transport with oxidizers or strong acids.
Spill Measures in Transit: For large quantities, carry absorbent material and wear protective gear for cleanup.
US Regulation: Not listed as a hazardous air pollutant. Covered by the Toxics Release Inventory if used in high quantities.
International Regulations: Meets REACH requirements in Europe and does not fall under strict control unless mixed with other dangerous chemicals.
Worker Rights: Safety data sheets and clear labeling help employees make smart choices. OSHA posting and documentation standards apply for most workplaces using and storing industrial solvents.
Hazcom Compliance: Labels, signs, and training keep people safer and more aware of risks.