. Properties:

• Appearance and physical form: 2-Ethoxyethanol (EGEE) is a clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a sweetish, ethereal odor. Available in various grades (technical, ReagentPlus®, analytical, high purity) with main substance content from ≥99% to ≥99.8%.

• Solubility: 2-Ethoxyethanol is fully miscible with water, ethanol, ether, acetone, and most organic solvents. Its dual hydrophilic (alcoholic) and lipophilic (ethereal) nature allows it to dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar substances, including oils, resins, fats, waxes, nitrocellulose, and varnishes.

• Chemical properties: 2-Ethoxyethanol is a glycol ether combining the properties of alcohol and ether. It is a stable, colorless, flammable liquid with a boiling point of 135°C and a flash point of 40–44°C. Vapors are heavier than air (vapor density 3.1) and can form explosive mixtures with air (explosive limits: 1.8–15.7% by volume). The substance can form explosive peroxides and reacts with strong oxidizers, creating fire and explosion hazards. Corrodes many plastics and rubbers. Serves as a precursor to ethoxyacetic acid and other organic compounds.

2. Applications:

• Paints, coatings and printing inks (main): Widely used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, natural and synthetic resins, and varnishes. Used as a paint thinner, lacquer remover, and degreasing agent. It is a component of printing inks, dyes, and inks.

• Industrial cleaning: Used in degreasing solutions and industrial cleaners. It is a key component of paint removers.

• Chemical synthesis: Serves as a precursor to ethoxyacetic acid and other organic compounds. Used as an intermediate in the production of 2-ethoxyethyl acetate.

• Analytical and laboratory applications: Used as an extractant in HPLC, solvent in spectrophotometry, co-surfactant in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

• Other applications: Emulsion stabilizer, leather dye, a component of hydraulic fluids and de-icing agents, cleaning of electronic components.

3. Production method:

• Industrial process: 2-Ethoxyethanol is produced by reacting ethylene oxide with anhydrous ethanol. The product is purified by rectification. First synthesized in 1924 and commercially introduced as Cellosolve.

4. Safety information:

• Hazard classification: 2-Ethoxyethanol is classified as a hazardous substance with hazard statements: H226 (Flammable liquid and vapor), H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H331 (Toxic if inhaled), H360FD (May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child), H373 (May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure). Signal word: Dangerous . UN number: 1171 (Class 3, Packing Group III). NFPA 704: Health Hazard 2, Flammability 2, Instability 0.

• Health hazards: Toxic if inhaled. Vapors may cause coughing, drowsiness, headache, and shortness of breath. Can be absorbed through the skin. Causes eye and skin irritation. May damage fertility or the unborn child. Prolonged exposure may cause damage to the central nervous system, blood, kidneys, liver.

• First aid measures: If in eyes – rinse with water; on skin – wash with water and soap; if inhaled – fresh air; if swallowed – rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting, give water, seek medical attention.

• Fire and explosion hazard: Flammable liquid (flash point 40–44°C). Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air (1.8–15.7% by volume). In case of fire use spray water, foam, powder or CO₂.

• Storage and stability: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. The substance may form peroxides; often stabilized with BHT. Shelf life: 24–60 months in sealed original containers.

• Regulatory compliance: 2-Ethoxyethanol (CAS#110-80-5, EC#203-804-1) is listed in EINECS, TSCA, DSL registries. Regulated by OSHA, NIOSH (PEL: 0.5 ppm), ACGIH (TLV: 5 ppm). Classified as a reproductive toxicant (Category 1B). For complete information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).