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Name: Butyl Carbitol, commonly called Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C8H18O3
Major Uses: This chemical comes up often in coatings, cleaning products, and industrial processing because it can dissolve both water and oil-based substances.
Appearance: Colorless, almost syrupy liquid with a mild sweet smell, so anyone working with it will recognize the scent if things get too concentrated.
Chemical Class: Glycol ether
CAS Number: 112-34-5
Main Risks: Irritation to eyes and skin, respiratory issues if inhaled as mist or vapor, headaches or dizziness after longer exposure.
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, swallowing.
Health Concerns: Direct contact stings and reddens eyes, and high vapor can irritate breathing. Accidental swallowing brings nausea and vomiting, which means open bottles sitting around shouldn’t be an option.
Fire Risk: Low but present - heating up means risk of fumes catching flame.
Environmental Concern: Moderately toxic to aquatic life, especially in concentrate, so drains and stormwater shouldn’t be considered disposal options.
Main Ingredient: Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (concentration typically above 98%)
Impurities: Water traces, possible presence of related ethers in minor amounts depending on supplier.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 10 minutes, check for ongoing irritation, and get medical attention if there is pain or vision changes.
Skin Contact: Rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing to avoid longer exposure.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air as soon as possible, watch for coughing or breathing trouble, and seek medical help if symptoms last.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Drink water if alert, then consult medical professionals quickly as nausea and stomach cramps are possible.
Fire Hazards: Burns at high temperatures, thermal decomposition releases irritating and possibly toxic fumes.
Suitable Extinguishers: Use foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray.
Advice for Firefighters: Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus because heating this material releases irritating vapors.
Personal Protection: Gloves, eye protection, and if mist is present, a fitted respirator.
Spill Cleanup: Stop leak if it can be done without danger. Absorb spill with inert materials such as sand or earth, then shovel into sealed container.
Ventilation: Air out site to reduce vapor exposure.
Environmental Precaution: Don’t let the liquid enter drains or watercourses—keep out of natural water systems to avoid trouble for fish and aquatic plants.
Handling: Avoid skin and eye contact, keep containers closed when not in use, and work in areas with good ventilation.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition or direct sunlight. Use containers made for glycol ethers since they resist corrosion.
Incompatibles: Strong acids, oxidizers, and alkalis may react or break down the chemical, so these shouldn’t share shelves or rooms.
Exposure Limits: Agencies like OSHA have set limits, with guidelines varying by country.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation cuts down vapor buildup, and in busy shop areas, fume hoods work best.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles, nitrile gloves, lab coats or overalls, and in case of mist, proper-rated respirators.
State: Liquid
Odor: Slightly sweet, not harsh unless highly concentrated.
Boiling Point: Around 230°C (446°F)
Melting Point: About -68°C (-90°F)
Flash Point: About 78°C (173°F)
Solubility: Mixes with water and many organic solvents, which explains its popularity in cleaning and paint removal.
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature.
Density: Roughly 0.95 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stays stable under normal conditions, doesn’t break down quickly.
Risky Reactions: Mixing with acids or oxidizers can trigger heat or even lead to unwanted chemical byproducts.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of aldehydes, and other toxic fumes.
Acute Exposure: Eyes react quickly with irritation and pain, large skin exposure can cause redness, and inhalation of high vapor can lead to headaches or drowsiness.
Chronic Effects: Repeated or long-term exposure may cause damage to the liver or kidneys, though clear evidence in humans is still being studied.
Sensitization: Not considered a strong sensitizer, but regular precautions are a good call.
Carcinogenicity: No reputable agencies list it as a known or suspected carcinogen.
Environmental Impact: Butyl Carbitol does not break down quickly in the environment and may harm aquatic life in concentrated spills. Accumulation in groundwater is possible if released in large quantities.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, but not zero—one more reason to keep it out of streams and sewers.
Degradation: Slow in low-oxygen settings, goes faster when exposed to air and sunlight.
Waste Management: Do not pour down the drain. Dispose of through chemical waste collection systems or via licensed hazardous waste contractors.
Container Disposal: Rinse empty drums thoroughly and send them to recycling or proper disposal after removing labels.
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for most transport scenarios, but larger shipments may fall under special rules depending on region.
Packing Instructions: Use sealed containers, store upright, and avoid stacking with materials that could tip over or rupture the packaging.
Transport Hazards: Spills can make floors slippery and any leaked vapor builds up in enclosed trucks or warehouses.
Local and National Rules: Most countries require workplace labeling and keeping records of use. Workers who regularly handle Butyl Carbitol should receive safety training, and facilities need to post hazard signs in busy areas.
Chemical Inventory Status: Registered in many major industrial nations for use in manufacturing and processing sectors.
Workplace Posting: Regulations outline that hazard information and safe handling procedures stay posted by workstations or entrances.
