Glycol Ethers, High-Purity Solvents

Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate (PMA / PGMEA)

Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate, commonly known as PGMEA or PMA, is a high-purity, versatile solvent frequently utilized across various high-tech industrial sectors. Chemically identified by the CAS number 108-65-6, it is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. This propylene glycol ether derivative is highly valued for its slow evaporation rate and exceptional solvency power, making it a critical component in advanced manufacturing. As a P-series glycol ether, it serves as a safer alternative to E-series solvents, exhibiting lower toxicity profiles while maintaining superior performance characteristics. PGMEA is particularly renowned in the semiconductor industry as a primary solvent for photoresists. Its unique ability to dissolve a wide range of synthetic resins, including acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes, ensures its dominance in high-performance coatings. Furthermore, its bifunctional nature—containing both ether and ester groups—provides a balanced polarity that facilitates consistent application results in demanding electronic and industrial environments globally today.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High solvency power for diverse resins including acrylics, epoxies, and polyesters.
Slow evaporation rate ensures excellent leveling and flow in surface coatings.
Low viscosity profile allows for effective thinning of high-solids formulations.
Low toxicity profile compared to ethylene-based glycol ethers, enhancing workplace safety.
Bifunctional chemical structure provides balanced polarity for complex chemical mixtures.
High purity levels satisfy the stringent requirements of semiconductor and electronic manufacturing.
Excellent moisture resistance prevents film defects during the curing process in high-humidity environments.
Fully miscible with most common organic solvents.
It offers high flash points for safer handling within industrial plants.
Mild odor improves comfort.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C6H12O3.
Molecular Weight: 132.16 g/mol.
CAS Number: 108-65-6.
Purity: 99.5% minimum by weight.
Specific Gravity: 0.965 – 0.970 at 20C.
Boiling Point: Approximately 146C at 760 mmHg.
Flash Point: 42C – 45C.
Water Content: 0.05% maximum by weight.
Acidity (as Acetic Acid): 0.02% maximum by weight.
Refractive Index: 1.400 – 1.404.
Color (APHA): 10 maximum.
Vapor Pressure: 3.7 mmHg at 20C.
Evaporation Rate: 0.33.
Solubility in water: 19% at 20C.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid.
Freezing Point: Below -67C.
Viscosity: 1.1 mPa at 25C.
Non-volatile matter: 0.005% maximum.
The material is highly stable under proper storage conditions within containers.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Semiconductor Industry: Critical solvent for photoresists, edge bead removers, and developers.
Automotive Coatings: Key component in high-performance topcoats and primers for smooth finishes.
Electronics Manufacturing: Used in solder masks and screen printing inks for circuit boards.
Industrial Paints: Formulation of maintenance coatings, wood stains, and metal finishes.
Printing Inks: Solvent for gravure and silk-screen inks requiring controlled drying times.
Adhesives: Solvent carrier for specialized industrial adhesives and bonding agents.
Cleaning Agents: Component in precision cleaners for removing organic residues from sensitive equipment.
Pesticides: Acts as an inert carrier or solvent for active ingredients in agricultural formulations.
Textile dyes: Improves application.