1. Properties:

• Appearance and physical form: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Carbitol) is a transparent, colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a faint pleasant fruity odor. Available in various high-purity grades (≥99.0% by GC) for industrial, laboratory, and specialty applications.

• Solubility: Carbitol is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, including acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, ethyl ether and pyridine. Its combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, including oils, fats, waxes, dyes, natural and synthetic resins, shellac, rosin, and cellulose esters.

• Chemical properties: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (C₆H₁₄O₃) is a high-boiling glycol ether with a boiling point of 202°C and a flash point of 86–96°C. It has low volatility (vapor pressure <0.07 mm Hg at 20°C) and a slow evaporation rate, which makes it an effective coalescent and film-forming agent in coating formulations. The compound is hygroscopic and must be protected from atmospheric moisture. It is chemically stable but reacts with strong oxidizers, strong acids, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides. Carbitol has a wide explosive range (1.8–12.2% vol.) and is flammable.

2. Applications:

• Paints, coatings and printing inks (mainly solvent and coalescent): Carbitol is used as a coalescent in latex paints, helping to reduce the minimum film-forming temperature. It is a penetrating solvent in wood stains. Serves as a solvent in printing ink formulations. It is an active solvent for cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, epoxy resins, and other coating materials. Used in paint and varnish removers.

• Industrial and household cleaning: Carbitol is a component of industrial cleaners, degreasers, and hard surface cleaning agents. Prevents gel formation in liquid detergents. Used in automotive engine cleaners.

• Textile and leather industry: Carbitol serves as a solvent for dyes in printing and dyeing of fibers and fabrics. Used as a conditioning agent for yarn and fabrics. Serves as a solvent, dye carrier and emulsion stabilizer in leather processing.

• Automotive industry and brake fluids: Due to its low pour point and low viscosity at low temperatures, Carbitol is used in the production of brake fluids.

• Cosmetics and personal care products: Carbitol functions as a humectant, fragrance and solvent in cosmetic products. Used in the production of soap and dyes.

• Chemical synthesis and intermediates: Carbitol serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. Used as an extractant for the purification of vitamin B12 and other natural products.

3. Production method:

• Industrial process: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is produced by condensation of ethylene oxide with alcohol (ethanol) followed by purification by distillation. The crude product is purified to high purity (≥99.0% by GC).

4. Safety information:

• Hazard classification: Carbitol is classified as a flammable liquid. Contains hazard statements: R20 (Harmful if inhaled), with a possible risk of harm to the unborn child. Signal word: Warning. UN number not assigned. NFPA 704: Health Hazard 2, Flammability 2, Instability 0.

• Health hazards: Harmful if inhaled. Vapors may cause respiratory irritation, headache, and drowsiness. May cause skin and eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. Possible risk of harm to the unborn child. Prolonged exposure may cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

• First aid measures: If in eyes – rinse with water for 15 minutes. On skin – wash with soap and water. If inhaled – fresh air. If swallowed – rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting, seek medical attention.

• Fire and explosion hazards: Flammable liquid (flash point 86–96°C). Above 86°C, vapors can form explosive mixtures with air (1.8–12.2% by volume). In case of fire, use alcohol-resistant foam, powder or CO₂.

• Storage and stability: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at temperatures below +30°C. Shelf life: 24–60 months in sealed original containers.

• Regulatory compliance: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (CAS#111-90-0, EC#203-919-7) is listed in the EINECS, TSCA, and DSL registries. Regulated by OSHA and ACGIH (TLV: 50 ppm). For complete information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).