Butyl Glycol C6H14O2

Butyl Glycol C6H14O2

Properties: A liquid with mild odor, low volatility used as high boiling point solvent and starter material in synthesis. An excellent cosolvent in aqueous coating systems (water-based paints). A colorless, neutral, slightly hygroscopic, mildly odorous mobile liquid. This product mixes with water and known organic solvents in all proportions at room temperature. Butyl glycol shows typical reactions of an alcohol such as esterification, etherification, oxidation and formation of acetates and alkoxides. Like most ethers, can form peroxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. Has a considerably better toxic profile compared to methyl and ethyl glycols.

Applications in Coating Industry: As a low volatility solvent, butyl glycol can be used to extend drying time and improve flow of coating materials. Especially recommended for brush application paints based on cellulose nitrate, chlorinated binders or cellulose esters. Because when applied to dry coatings, it only softens them very slowly. Small amounts of butyl glycol improve brushability of paints (e.g. alkyd resin paints) and lower paint viscosity. Also a very effective flow improver for urea, melamine or phenolic stoving finishes. Butyl glycol has been proven to be most effective of a large amount of organic solvents tested in a very wide range of aqueous coating systems. Butyl glycol improves paint properties by reducing viscosity peak in oxidative or physically drying water-based paints diluted with water, including those for stove enameling. As coalescent aid, significantly lowers minimum film formation temperature and improves flow in many physical drying paint systems. Improves evaporation behavior of components during hot air or infrared drying (e.g. in water-based stoving enamels).

Other Applications: As solvent in printing inks for leather dyes, as component in surface cleaners for degreasing metal surfaces, as component in hydraulic fluids, as component in drilling and cutting oils (strong solvent), as starter material in production of butyl glycol acetate which is an excellent solvent, as starter material in production of plasticizers (e.g. by phthalic anhydride reaction).