Glycol Ethers, High-Purity Solvents

Diethylene Glycol Mono-Ethyl Ether Acetate (DCAC)

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (CAS: 112-15-2) is a high-boiling, slow-evaporating ester-ether solvent. Chemically, it is the acetate ester of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. It presents as a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. DCAC is a sophisticated solvent characterized by its dual functional groups—the ether group and the ester group—which provide it with a high degree of solvency for a diverse range of resins, including nitrocellulose, epoxy, acrylic, and alkyd resins.

Because of its exceptionally slow evaporation rate and high boiling point, DCAC is primarily utilized as a “tail solvent” or coalescing agent in high-performance coatings and printing inks. It is particularly valued in applications where surface flow, leveling, and gloss are critical, as it prevents defects like blushing or “orange peel” during the drying process. While it is fully miscible with most organic solvents, it also exhibits moderate water solubility, making it a versatile bridge in complex chemical formulations.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Extremely Slow Evaporation: Prevents premature drying of coatings and inks, ensuring a smooth, uniform finish.
High Solvency Profile: Capable of dissolving complex resins and polymers that are otherwise difficult to stabilize in lower-boiling solvents.
Superior Flow and Leveling: Reduces surface tension defects, significantly improving the gloss and clarity of dried films.
Hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance: Miscible with most organic solvents and partially soluble in water, providing flexibility in solvent-borne and water-reducible systems.
Safety Profile: Features a high flash point, which simplifies storage and handling compared to high-volatility flammable solvents.
Low Odor: Ideal for use in industrial environments where minimizing solvent vapor odor is a priority.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 176.21 g/mol
Boiling Point: 217.4°C (423.3°F) at 760 mmHg.
Flash Point (Closed Cup): 110°C (230°F), classifying it as a combustible liquid.
Vapor Pressure: < 0.05 mmHg at 20°C, indicating very low volatility.
Density: 1.012 g/cm³ at 20°C.
Evaporation Rate: 0.01 (Relative to n-Butyl Acetate = 1).
Solubility in Water: Approximately 65 g/L at 20°C.
Refractive Index: 1.421 at 20°C.
Viscosity: 2.8 cP at 20°C, providing low-viscosity thinning capabilities.