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Chemical Name: Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Acetate
Synonyms: 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate
CAS Number: 124-17-4
Physical Appearance: Clear, almost colorless liquid, mild odor faintly reminiscent of glycol or ester
Common Usage: Used in coatings, inks, paints, adhesives, and cleaning products.
Main Hazards: Skin and eye irritation risk; inhalation may cause dizziness and headache at high concentrations; can be harmful if swallowed
GHS Symbols: Exclamation mark, irritant symbol may appear on packaging
Health Effects: Prolonged exposure could dry or crack skin; vapor in poorly ventilated spaces brings headaches and respiratory discomfort
Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life in large spills or chronic small doses over time; precaution important near waterways
Fire Risk: Not highly flammable, but in presence of strong oxidizers can burn and give off toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Active Component: Consists primarily of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, often over 95% by weight
Possible Impurities: Trace residues of butyl glycols, acetic acid by-products, and water
Nature of Blend: Often appears in pure form for industrial application, so presence of synergists or stabilizers is limited.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, pay extra attention if skin cracks appear; seek help if discomfort lingers
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of running water for several minutes, avoid rubbing the eyes; persistent irritation calls for professional care
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; dizziness or headaches that remain after exposure need medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not attempt to force vomiting; professional medical evaluation is necessary, especially if large quantity involved.
Suitable Extinguishers: Use carbon dioxide, foam, or dry chemicals to tackle fires involving this solvent
Specific Dangers: Combustion may produce hazardous gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; confined fire situations risk pressure buildup and container rupture
Protective Gear: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus during firefighting; face shields and heat-resistant gloves help minimize injury.
Containment Approach: Stop leak at source if safe; use sand or earth to dam spread on floor
Cleanup Steps: Collect liquid in suitable container; absorb residue in inert material for disposal; well-ventilated environment is important for safe handling
Personal Protection: Avoid breathing vapors, wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and if possible, a respirator.
Handling Advice: Handle in areas with good airflow; contact with skin or eyes calls for brisk cleanup
Protective Measures: Gloves and goggles highly recommended during transfer and mixing steps
Storage Needs: Store in tightly closed containers away from heat, sparks, and open flame; keep out of direct sunlight, separate from oxidizers and acids.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to keep air levels below recommended limits
Personal Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses with side shields, lab coat or chemical apron
Respiratory Protection: Properly fitted respirators needed if vapor levels exceed established thresholds, especially in confined workspaces; ensure clean air supply
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking after use; remove contaminated clothing promptly to avoid extended skin contact.
Appearance: Clear liquid, faintly smelling of solvent or mild ester
Boiling Point: Roughly 240–250°C, which puts it among higher-boiling ethers
Vapor Pressure: Lower than basic solvents such as acetone or ethanol, so evaporates more slowly
Solubility: Mixes well with most organic solvents; moderate solubility in water, not considered fully water miscible
Density: Typically about 0.97–0.99 g/cm³
Flash Point: High enough to lower flammability risk in typical ambient conditions, but care still required around heat.
Chemical Stability: Stays stable under standard temperatures and pressures; will not break down on its own
Materials to Avoid: Keep away from strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers—reaction may release heat or hazardous gases
Decomposition: Intense heat or fire may break compound into toxic gases, mainly carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Not known to undergo dangerous polymerization in regular use.
Routes of Entry: Can enter the body through skin contact, inhalation, or swallowing
Health Risks: Repeated or extensive contact dries and cracks skin; vapors may cause headaches, mild narcosis if inhaled in large amounts; swallowing could cause nausea, stomach upset, possible central nervous system effects
Eye Effects: Moderate irritation, redness, watering possible if splashed directly; rare cases of temporary vision blur have surfaced in uncontrolled exposure scenarios
Long-term Exposure: Few studies on chronic effects in humans, but large occupational exposures to similar glycols sometimes linked to kidney or liver strain; proper handling minimizes risk greatly.
Environmental Fate: Not persistent in air or water, as it breaks down slowly through natural processes
Toxicity to Wildlife: High doses threaten small aquatic organisms, particularly fish and invertebrates; rapid containment and cleanup limits risk to streams and rivers
Soil Impact: Does not strongly bind to soils, so can leach into groundwater if released in bulk; encourages good spill containment protocols.
Preferred Methods: Incineration under controlled conditions usually chosen for complete destruction; recycling possible if uncontaminated
Regulatory Status: Classified as hazardous waste in several countries based on composition and risk profile; pouring into drains or surface water does lasting harm
Safe Handling: Collect unused product and contaminated cleanup material in secure, labeled containers for experienced waste contractors.
General Classification: Not always considered hazardous for land or sea transport in small containers, but large consignments flagged due to irritation and environmental hazard risk
Packing Considerations: Sturdy, leakproof, and correctly labeled containers; ensure lids and closures withstand jolts or vibration
In Transit: Keep away from incompatible materials, direct heat, and sunlight; trained carriers familiar with spill protocols benefit all parties.
Labelling Rules: Most jurisdictions require clear chemical identity, hazard statements, and pictograms where thresholds are exceeded
Occupational Standards: Many countries enforce limits for workplace exposure, often with eight-hour time-weighted averages; employers expected to provide training and proper engineering controls
Notification Duties: Release of significant quantities triggers reporting to environmental regulators in many regions; understanding these obligations keeps sites compliant and communities safe.
