Chemical Name: Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
Synonyms: 2-Butoxyethanol, Glycol Ether EB
CAS Number: 111-76-2
Recommended Use: Used in paints, cleaners, inks, and as a solvent
Manufacturer: Information found on container label
Emergency Contact: Manufacturer emergency hotline listed on product label
Product Code: Refer to vendor-specific labeling
Physical State: Clear liquid, slight sweet odor
Classification: Combustible liquid, Acute Toxicity: Inhalation, Oral, and Dermal
GHS Label Elements: Warning symbol, exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled; causes skin and eye irritation
Potential Health Effects: May lead to headaches, nausea, drowsiness, skin or eye burns on repeated exposure
Environmental Risks: Toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapor or mist; wash hands after handling; use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area
Main Component: Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
Concentration: 98–100%
Chemical Formula: C6H14O2
Impurities: Minor traces of related glycol ethers
Molecular Weight: 118.17 g/mol
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; loosen tight clothing; seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash area with plenty of water and soap; get medical attention for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with clean water for at least fifteen minutes; remove contact lenses if safe to do so; consult a healthcare provider
Ingestion: Call poison center or doctor; do not induce vomiting unless directed; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, redness, headache, dizziness, nausea
Immediate Medical Care: Strong recommendation for prompt medical review if large exposure occurs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray in large quantities
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly irritating fumes
Fire Fighting Gear: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters
Fire Hazards: Combustible at elevated temperatures; vapor may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Precautions: Cool exposed containers with water spray; use caution to avoid inhaling smoke or vapors from fire
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area; ventilate space; put on appropriate protection including gloves and goggles
Spill Response: Absorb with inert material, such as dry sand or earth; shovel into suitable container
Environmental Precautions: Stop spill from reaching drains, surface waters, or sewers
Cleanup Methods: Collect residues and dispose of in compliance with regulations; wash area with water after cleanup
Notification Procedures: Inform authorities as required under local regulations if spill may threaten the environment
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; avoid splashing and dripping; prevent contact with skin and eyes; keep away from sparks or open flames
Storage: Keep closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; store away from incompatible substances like strong acids or oxidizers; label storage containers properly
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong alkalis, acids, and oxidizing agents
Special Instructions: Use non-sparking tools; avoid excessive heat; inspect containers regularly for damage
Hygiene Practices: Wash thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 50 ppm (skin); ACGIH TLV: 20 ppm (skin)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to keep levels below limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, protective apron; use respirator if engineering controls do not maintain exposures below limits
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with this chemical; wash hands before breaks
Workplace Monitoring: Routine air sampling to ensure exposure remains below occupational limits recommended
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet
Odor Threshold: 0.48 ppm (approximate)
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -77°C (-106.6°F)
Boiling Point: 171°C (339.8°F)
Flash Point: 60°C (140°F) (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 0.1 (butyl acetate = 1)
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: 0.8 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 4.1 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with water
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.83
Autoignition Temperature: 224°C (435°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Low, flows easily
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal industrial conditions
Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, sources of ignition, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning releases toxic gases, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Reactivity: Can react with oxidizing chemicals; avoid contact to reduce risk
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Symptoms: Central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, irritation
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated contact may damage blood, kidney, or liver
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not expected to cause genetic defects
Reproductive Toxicity: Some animal evidence of reproductive effects with high doses
LD50 Oral (Rat): 470 mg/kg
LC50 Inhalation (Rat): 450 ppm (4 hours)
LD50 Dermal (Rabbit): 400–640 mg/kg
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable; breaks down over several days in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; not likely to accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Moves through soil and can contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills can cause oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic organisms
Precautions: Prevent release to waterways or soil
Waste Methods: Collect liquid for recovery or disposal in sealed containers; consult local hazardous waste regulations
Contaminated Containers: Empty drums should be triple rinsed; dispose via approved waste contractor
Incineration: Suitable for energy recovery under controlled conditions
Do Not: Pour down drains, sewers, or soil
Regulatory Requirements: Dispose in accordance with all federal, state, and local environmental control regulations
UN Number: 1993
UN Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains ethylene glycol monobutyl ether)
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Flammable liquid symbol
Special Precautions for Transport: Secure containers upright; protect from physical damage during transit; avoid exposure to extreme heat
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous chemical
SARA Title III: Listed under Section 313 (toxic chemical release inventory)
TSCA: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Registered; subject to use restrictions in some jurisdictions
California Proposition 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification: B3 (Combustible liquid), D2B (Toxic)
Other Regulatory Data: Refer to local, national, and international requirements for further restrictions or permissions
