Butyl glycol is a clear, colorless oily liquid with a high boiling point, low volatility and a slightly fruity odor. Like other glycol ethers, it is bifunctional, containing an ether and an alcohol group in the same molecule. It is completely miscible with water and a wide variety of organic solvents. This excellent miscibility makes it a versatile solvent and coupling agent offering excellent performance characteristics in a wide range of applications.
Its bifunctional nature also means that it exhibits the typical reactions of an alcohol, i.e. esterification, etherification, oxidation and formation of acetates and alcoholates, as well as that of an ether that forms peroxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.
Butyl glycol is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with normal butanol (n-butanol) in the presence of a catalyst.
Butyl glycol is a flammable material. Keep product and empty containers away from heat, sparks and flame. Handle in accordance with good industry practice regarding safety and hygiene.