© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol Dibutyl Ether
Synonyms: 2-Butoxyethyl Ether
CAS Number: 112-73-2
Appearance: Clear liquid, often colorless but can take on a pale yellow tint
Common Uses: This chemical shows up in specialty solvents, coatings, inks, and sometimes chemical synthesis
Odor: Mild, sweet odor that's not overwhelming in a ventilated space
Physical Danger: Flammable liquid with low flash point, so it can catch fire from open flames and even hot surfaces
Health Risks: Can irritate skin and eyes, inhalation leads to headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Exposure over time puts kidneys and liver at risk. Swallowing brings on vomiting and abdominal pain
Long-Term Concerns: Continuous skin contact dries out the skin and may trigger dermatitis
Environmental Impact: Dangerous if released unchecked, especially for aquatic life
Main Component: Ethylene glycol dibutyl ether by far dominates in commercial samples
Purity Range: Usually above 95% pure
Impurities: Trace amounts of isomers or related ethers sometimes turn up
Additives: Specific formulations could include stabilizers, but most samples in labs avoid extra chemicals
Skin Contact: Rinse skin quickly with soap and water for several minutes; don’t forget any rings or watches trapping material
Eye Contact: Flush eyes at the nearest eyewash for several minutes. If discomfort sticks around, medical advice becomes a priority
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air fast; if breathing becomes labored, call for help. Oxygen makes a difference in severe cases
Ingestion: Swallowing this stuff never ends well—seek medical help; don’t try to force vomiting unless a pro tells you to do it
Personal Observations: Labs working with this ether keep showers and eye stations within sight, because quick response limits damage
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical types work best
Fire Hazards: Vapors travel far and light up at a distance from the spill. Normal fire rules never cover the way these vapors slide along floors
Protective Equipment: Full gear and breathing apparatus should always be on hand because toxic gases can develop
Unusual Reactions: Closed containers heat up and explode if ignored during a fire
Spill Response: Evacuate the area, increase ventilation, and contain liquid with sand or absorbent pads
Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools only, transfer to waste containers, and clean the spot with soap and water
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, and lab coats prove their worth during cleanup
Environmental Safeguards: Prevent the spill from hitting drains or water sources—regular training prevents knee-jerk mistakes
Handling Practices: Open containers in fume hoods or ventilated spots; keep sources of ignition far away
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry spots with strong exhaust; don't mix with acids, oxidizers, or strong bases
Life Experience: Most accidents start with interrupted routines—a fresh eye on the storage shelf helps prevent stumbles
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation keeps air in check
Personal Gear: Workers wear chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and, if airborne levels climb, organic vapor respirators
Exposure Limits: Not every country posts limits, but keeping airborne concentrations as low as possible protects health
Hygiene Steps: No eating, drinking, or smoking in workspaces—regular hand washing cuts risk
Physical State: Liquid
Melting Point: Below room temperature
Boiling Point: Typically over 200°C
Flash Point: Between 85-100°C, measuring with closed cup method
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temp, but increases as heat climbs
Solubility: Mixes with many solvents; insoluble in water
Density: Tends to sit near 0.85-0.9 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable in closed systems at regular temperatures
Reactivity Risks: Dangerous with strong oxidizers; reacts violently
Hazardous Decomposition: Forms carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burned
Other Incompatibilities: Acids and bases promote breakdown, sometimes releasing harmful vapors
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Acute Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea within minutes; skin and eye redness come soon after contact
Chronic Health Issues: Breathing vapor every day puts stress on internal organs, especially kidneys and liver
Sensitization: Most folks don’t get allergic reactions, but ongoing exposure irritates skin
Proven Links: Animal tests suggest long-term hazards; not enough evidence in humans, so minimizing exposure always makes sense
Aquatic Risks: Very toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; one small spill lingers in waterways
Persistence: Does not break down quickly outdoors
Bioaccumulation: Low potential so far, but ongoing releases hit local streams hard
Wastewater Impact: Overuse in industrial settings damages water treatment systems
Safe Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste; approved incineration or secure chemical landfill avoids risks
Waste Container Use: Always keep waste closed and labeled, never mix with regular trash
Sewer Guidelines: Pouring down the drain never belongs in the playbook; follow local rules for chemical disposal
Shipping Hazards: Classified as a flammable liquid in transport
Packing Instructions: Container must stay sealed, upright, and cushioned against shocks
Labeling: Clearly marked for flammable hazard; regular review keeps mishaps away in transit
Special Handling: Carriers need up-to-date records and spill kits just in case
National Inventories: Listed in most chemical regulations, but always check local requirements
Use Restrictions: Certain countries or states call for workplace exposure tracking
Worker Training: Employers bear responsibility—regular safety briefings put everyone on the same page
Community Right-to-Know: Many regions expect companies to report holdings and spills by law
