What Is 2-Propoxyethanol?

2-Propoxyethanol (CAS 2807-30-9) is a short-chain glycol ether with the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 104.15 g/mol. It is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with propanol and belongs to the family of glycol ether solvents. The compound presents as a colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. Its dual ether–alcohol functionality gives it an amphiphilic character, enabling it to dissolve both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances. This property makes it a versatile coupling or co-solvent in formulations ranging from coatings and inks to cleaning agents and chemical synthesis media.

Key Physicochemical Properties

Understanding the physicochemical profile of 2-Propoxyethanol is essential for selecting it as a solvent or formulation component. Key properties include:

• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: ~104.15 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Mild, ether-like
• Miscibility: Fully miscible with water, alcohols, ketones, and aromatic solvents
• Chemical Class: Glycol ether (monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol)

These properties collectively make 2-Propoxyethanol effective as a coupling solvent in aqueous and semi-aqueous systems. Exact boiling point, density, flash point, and vapor pressure values should be verified against the current Certificate of Analysis or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific lot.

Common Laboratory and Industrial Applications

2-Propoxyethanol serves multiple roles in research and industrial settings due to its balanced solvency and miscibility profile:

• Coatings and inks: Acts as a co-solvent and flow promoter in waterborne and solvent-borne coating formulations, improving film formation and leveling.
• Cleaning formulations: Used in hard-surface and electronics cleaners where combined water and oil soil removal is required.
• Chemical synthesis: Employed as a reaction medium or co-solvent in organic synthesis steps requiring a polar aprotic-like environment with some protic character.
• Biochemical research: Occasionally used as a solubilization aid for reagents or samples with intermediate polarity prior to aqueous assay systems.
• Coupling agent: Bridges aqueous and organic phases in formulations where phase separation must be minimized.

Researchers should evaluate compatibility with specific reagents, substrates, and analytical methods before use.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Regulatory Considerations

As with all glycol ether solvents, appropriate precautions should be observed when working with 2-Propoxyethanol:

Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Avoid prolonged skin contact, inhalation of vapors, and ingestion.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from heat sources, open flames, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers. Follow institutional chemical storage guidelines.

Regulatory status: Users should consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for hazard classification, GHS pictograms, first-aid measures, and applicable transport regulations (IATA/IMDG/DOT). Regulatory requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing organic solvent waste. Do not pour down the drain without authorization.

Note: Specific hazard data (e.g., flash point, OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV) should be confirmed from the current lot SDS and have been flagged for review.

Ordering and Quality Information

Aladdin Scientific offers 2-Propoxyethanol (SKU: P777362) for research and formulation development purposes. When ordering, consider the following:

• Purity and grade: Confirm the purity specification and applicable grade from the product page or by contacting technical support, as these determine suitability for your specific application.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): A lot-specific CoA is available upon request and provides confirmed analytical data including purity, appearance, and identity tests.
• Packaging: Available pack sizes should be selected based on anticipated usage volume to minimize repeated opening and potential contamination or degradation.
• Lead time and shipping: As an organic solvent, shipping may be subject to hazardous materials regulations. Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service for current availability, pricing, and shipping options relevant to your location.

For technical inquiries about suitability for a specific application, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team.