Glycol Ethers, High-Purity Solvents

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DPM)

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DPM), identified by CAS number 34590-94-8, is a versatile, mid-to-slow evaporating solvent and a prominent member of the P-series glycol ether family. Chemically, it is an ether-alcohol mixture of isomers, featuring both hydrophilic (ether) and hydrophobic (alkyl) groups in its molecular structure. This dual nature makes DPM an exceptional coupling agent, capable of bridging the gap between water-based and oil-based components in complex formulations.

In the industrial landscape, DPM is highly valued for its low toxicity profile—especially when compared to E-series glycol ethers—and its relatively high flash point, which enhances safety during storage and handling. It acts as an efficient film-forming aid and coalescent, significantly improving the flow and leveling properties of coatings. With its mild, pleasant odor and low vapor pressure, DPM is frequently selected for indoor architectural paints and household cleaning products, where environmental health and safety (EHS) considerations and volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations are paramount.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Superior Solvency: Exhibits high solvency for a broad spectrum of resins, including acrylics, epoxies, alkyds, and nitrocellulose.
Coupling Efficiency: Acts as an effective co-solvent, promoting miscibility between water and organic solvents in stabilized emulsions.
Optimal Evaporation Rate: Provides a mid-to-slow evaporation profile that extends “open time,” preventing premature drying and ensuring smooth finishes.
Low Odor Profile: Features a mild, non-intrusive scent, making it ideal for use in confined spaces or consumer-facing products.
Enhanced Safety: Classified as a non-HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutant) in many regions, with a lower toxicity and higher flash point than many traditional solvents.
Surface Tension Reduction: Efficiently reduces surface tension to improve wetting and adhesion on various substrates.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C₇H₁₆O₃
Molecular Weight: 148.20 g/mol
Boiling Point: 190°C (374°F) at 760 mmHg
Flash Point: 75°C (167°F) (Setaflash Closed Cup)
Vapor Pressure: 0.28 mmHg at 25°C, indicating low volatility and reduced VOC emissions in specific regulatory frameworks.
Specific Gravity: 0.950 at 25°C
Viscosity: 3.33 cP at 25°C
Solubility: Completely miscible in water and common organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, and aromatics).
Hansen Solubility Parameters: delta_d (Dispersion) = 15.5; delta_p (Polar) = 4.0; delta_h (Hydrogen Bonding) = 11.5.