Glycol Ethers, High-Purity Solvents

Poliethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (PBE)

Polyethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (PBE), designated by CAS number 9004-77-7, is a high-performance non-ionic surfactant and solvent belonging to the glycol ether family. Chemically, it is an ethoxylated alcohol consisting of a hydrophobic butyl group attached to a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chain. This amphiphilic structure grants PBE exceptional solvency properties, allowing it to act as a vital coupling agent between aqueous and organic phases.

Characterized by its low volatility, high boiling point, and mild odor, PBE is an essential component in specialized industrial formulations. It is particularly valued for its chemical stability across a wide temperature range and its ability to reduce surface tension effectively without the rapid evaporation typical of lower molecular weight ethers. Unlike shorter-chain glycol ethers, PBE offers an improved safety profile due to its low vapor pressure, making it a preferred choice in modern industrial applications where environmental and occupational health standards are rigorous.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Low Volatility: High boiling point and low vapor pressure minimize evaporative loss and lower VOC emissions in industrial processes.
Superior Solvency: Effectively dissolves a diverse range of resins, oils, and greases, ensuring clear and stable formulations.
Excellent Coupling Efficiency: Acts as a powerful co-solvent, promoting the miscibility of water with insoluble organic components.
Thermal and Chemical Stability: Maintains structural integrity in both acidic and mildly alkaline environments and resists thermal degradation.
Wetting and Leveling: Enhances the penetration and spreadability of liquids on various substrates by significantly reducing surface tension.
Improved Safety Profile: Exhibits lower toxicity and reduced skin permeability compared to E-series glycol ethers with shorter alkyl chains.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C₄H₉(OCH₂CH₂)_nOH (where n typically represents 3 or more ethylene oxide units).
Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint, characteristic ethereal odor.
Boiling Point: Typically exceeds 230° C (446° F), depending on the degree of ethoxylation.
Flash Point: High flash point (generally >120° C), reducing flammability risks during storage and high-temperature processing.
Solubility: Completely miscible in water and a wide spectrum of organic solvents, including alcohols, ketones, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Specific Gravity: Ranges between 0.985 and 1.020 at 20° C.
Viscosity: Low to moderate kinematic viscosity, providing excellent fluid lubricity in hydraulic applications.