Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (CAS: 111-15-9), commonly known as Cellosolve™ Acetate or CAC, is a high-performance glycol ether ester characterized by its colorless appearance and mild, ester-like odor. Chemically, it is the acetate ester of 2-ethoxyethanol. This compound is valued in the chemical industry for its unique dual-functional structure, containing both ether and ester groups, which facilitates the dissolution of a diverse range of polar and non-polar substances.
CAC acts as a slow-evaporating solvent, making it indispensable in applications requiring precise control over drying times and film formation. It demonstrates excellent solvency for various resins, including nitrocellulose, acrylics, epoxies, and polyurethanes. However, it is important to note that due to its classification as a reproductive toxicant, its use is strictly regulated in many jurisdictions (such as under REACH in the EU). In industrial settings, it is handled with rigorous safety protocols, often being replaced by propylene-based alternatives like PMA (Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate) where applicable.
**Superior Solvency:** Exhibits an exceptional ability to dissolve a wide variety of resins, gums, and oils, ensuring homogeneous formulations.
**Slow Evaporation Rate:** Provides extended “open time,” which improves the flow, leveling, and gloss of surface coatings.
**Blush Resistance:** Effectively prevents “blushing” or moisture-induced clouding in coatings applied under high-humidity conditions.
**High Dilution Ratio:** Can be diluted significantly with aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons without losing solvency power.
**Coalescing Efficiency:** Acts as an efficient coalescing agent, promoting the formation of a continuous, defect-free film in specialized coating systems.
**Miscibility:** Fully miscible with most common organic solvents and partially soluble in water.
**Chemical Formula:** $C_6H_{12}O_3$ (2-Ethoxyethyl acetate).
**Molecular Weight:** 132.16 g/mol.
**Boiling Point:** Approximately 156°C (313°F) at 760 mmHg.
**Flash Point:** 54°C (129°F) (Closed Cup), classifying it as a flammable liquid (Class 3).
**Specific Gravity:** 0.973 at 20°C.
**Vapor Pressure:** 2.0 mmHg at 20°C, indicating low volatility at room temperature.
**Viscosity:** 1.32 cP at 20°C, contributing to low-viscosity formulations.
**Refractive Index:** 1.405 at 20°C.
**Purity:** Typically supplied at technical grades of ≥99.0% purity.
• Electrical and electronics
• Connectors, switches, PCB housings, terminal blocks
• Automotive
• Under-hood components, interior assemblies, cable conduits
• Wire and cable
• Insulation layers, sheathing, jacketing materials
• Construction
• Plastic fittings, conduits, insulation panels
• Consumer appliances
• Enclosures, adapters, plugs, casings
• Industrial components
• Fiber-reinforced composites, flame-retardant masterbatches
• Compatible polymers
• PA6, PA66
• PBT, PET
• PE, PP
• Blends and copolymers requiring halogen-free flame retardancy
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