Glycol Ethers, High-Purity Solvents

Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TEGBE)

Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, commonly known as TEGBE or Butoxytriglycol, is a high-performance, clear, and colorless organic solvent belonging to the glycol ether family. Chemically identified by CAS number 143-22-6, this molecule consists of a butyl group attached to a triethylene glycol backbone. It is highly valued in industrial chemistry for its low volatility, high boiling point, and exceptional solvency power across both polar and non-polar substances. TEGBE serves as a crucial coupling agent in various formulations, bridging the solubility gap between water and organic oils. Its unique structure provides a balance of hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, making it indispensable in heavy-duty cleaners, hydraulic fluids, and architectural coatings. Its low-odor and relatively low-toxicity alternative to shorter-chain glycol ethers, it enhances safety profiles in commercial products. Its chemical stability and compatibility with diverse resins and surfactants ensure consistent performance in complex mixtures, solidifying its role as a versatile industrial chemical workhorse.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent solvency: Effectively dissolves oils, greases, and diverse resins.
High boiling point: Reduces evaporation rates during industrial processing stages.
Low volatility: Minimizes atmospheric emissions and improves worker environment safety.
Superior coupling: Bridges water and organic phases in complex formulations.
Chemical stability: Maintains integrity in acidic and alkaline chemical environments.
Low odor profile: Enhances user experience in indoor application scenarios.
Miscibility: Completely soluble in water and most common organic solvents.
Non-corrosive: Safe for use with most metallic components and equipment.
Biodegradability: Supports environmental compliance and sustainable industrial chemical practices.
High flash point: Provides increased safety during storage and transport of chemicals.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

CAS Number: 143-22-6.
Molecular Formula: C10H22O4.
Molecular Weight: 206.28 g/mol.
Boiling Point: 278°C at 760 mmHg pressure.
Flash Point: 141°C (Pensky-Martens Closed Cup).
Density: 0.989 g/cm³ at 20°C temperature.
Vapor Pressure: Less than 0.01 mmHg at 20°C.
Viscosity: 9.4 cP at 20°C measurement.
Refractive Index: 1.439 at 20°C wavelength.
Water Solubility: Completely miscible at 20°C.
Acidity: Maximum 0.01% as acetic acid.
Water Content: Maximum 0.1% by weight.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid without suspended matter.
Specific Gravity: 0.985 to 0.995 range.
Purity: Minimum 98.0% by gas chromatography analysis.
Evaporation rate: 0.001 compared to butyl acetate at standard room temperature and pressure.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Hydraulic Fluids: Integral component in high-temperature brake fluids for automotive safety.
Paints and Coatings: Functions as a slow-evaporating coalescent for latex-based architectural finishes.
Industrial Cleaners: Primary solvent in heavy-duty degreasers and metal surface cleaning agents.
Printing Inks: Enhances flow and leveling in specialized screen printing ink formulations.
Agricultural Chemicals: Acts as a solvent carrier for pesticides and various herbicide concentrates.
Textile Processing: Utilized as a scouring agent and dye carrier in fabric manufacturing.
Chemical Intermediates: Serves as a precursor for the production of specialized plasticizers and esters.
Household Products: Effective component in glass cleaners and multi-surface detergent formulations and sprays.