The High-Boiling Glycol Ether Coupling Solvent Driving Low-VOC Coatings, Industrial Cleaners, and High-Purity Electronics: Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE, CAS# 112-34-5)

Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (CAS# 112-34-5), also known as DEGBE, butyl diglycol, butyl carbitol, BDG, or 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, is a high-boiling glycol ether with the molecular formula C₈H₁₈O₃ and a molecular weight of 162.23 g/mol. Its molecular structure combines a butyl ether group with a diethylene glycol backbone terminating in a free hydroxyl group, creating a molecule that is miscible with water (log P = 0.56) while retaining strong solvency for a broad spectrum of organic resins, dyes, and oils. The compound is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, characteristic odor, a boiling point of 228–234°C, a flash point of 99–105°C (closed cup), a density of approximately 0.954 g/cm³ at 20°C, and a viscosity of 6.16–6.49 mPa·s at 20°C. It is produced industrially by the reaction of ethylene oxide with *n*-butanol under alkaline catalysis, yielding a mixture of mono-, di-, and higher glycol ethers that are separated by distillation.

DEGBE occupies a distinctive position among glycol ethers as a high-boiling, water-miscible coupling solvent and coalescing agent. Its combination of a high boiling point, complete water miscibility, and strong resin solvency makes it indispensable in waterborne coatings, where it ensures film formation, gloss, and durability by plasticizing latex particles during drying. In industrial and household cleaners, its ability to dissolve grease, oil, and ink while remaining biodegradable supports its use in environmentally oriented formulations. High-purity grades above 99.5% are increasingly specified in semiconductor fabrication, electronics cleaning, and fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial significance, this article systematically analyzes the key properties, core application areas, global market structure, regulatory landscape, and future outlook of this strategically important glycol ether solvent.

Key Properties and Reactivity Profile

Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (CAS# 112-34-5) is a high-boiling, water-miscible glycol ether whose value derives from its dual hydrophilic–lipophilic character and its coalescing and coupling functionality.

Key physicochemical parameters include:

• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₈O₃
• Molecular Weight: 162.23 g/mol
• CAS Number: 112-34-5
• EINECS Number: 203-961-6
• EC Index Number: 603-096-00-8
• REACH Registration Number: 01-2119475104-44
• Synonyms: DEGBE; Butyl diglycol; Butyl carbitol; BDG; 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol; Diethylene glycol *n*-butyl ether; Dowanol DB
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Mild, characteristic
• Boiling Point: 228–234°C at 1013 hPa; 230–231°C (typical commercial specification)
• Melting Point: −68°C to −68.1°C
• Flash Point: 99–105°C (closed cup); 117°C (open cup)
• Autoignition Temperature: 215–227°C
• Density: 0.951–0.960 g/cm³ at 20°C; 0.954 g/cm³ at 68°F
• Viscosity: 6.16–6.49 mPa·s at 20°C
• Surface Tension: 33.6 mN/m
• Vapor Pressure: 0.027 hPa at 20°C; 0.01 mmHg at 68°F
• Water Solubility: Miscible (log Pow = 0.56)
• Explosive Limits: 1.20–8.50 vol% in air
• Purity: ≥98% (technical); ≥99.5% (high-purity/electronic grade) available
• Storage: Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources; keep container sealed
• GHS Classification: Warning; H319 (Causes serious eye irritation)
• Transport Classification: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport under standard conditions (non-DG)

The compound’s reactivity is defined by its terminal primary hydroxyl group, which can undergo esterification, etherification, and oxidation, and by its ether linkages, which confer chemical stability and solvency. The diethylene glycol backbone provides two ether oxygen atoms that engage in hydrogen bonding with water and polar substrates, while the butyl group supplies lipophilicity for resin and oil solvency. This balanced amphiphilicity underlies DEGBE’s coalescing action in latex paints: the solvent partitions into polymer particles, softening them and promoting interparticle diffusion to form a continuous film. DEGBE is not classified as a skin irritant or skin sensitizer, but it causes serious eye irritation (H319); it has low acute toxicity by oral and dermal routes. The compound is readily biodegradable.

Core Application Fields and Demand

Market demand for DEGBE (CAS# 112-34-5) is concentrated in four primary sectors: paints and coatings (approximately 40% of global consumption), industrial and household cleaners (approximately 20–25%), inks, dyes, and textile auxiliaries (approximately 15–20%), and high-purity electronics, hydraulic fluids, and other specialty applications (approximately 15–20%). Its coalescing and coupling functionality, combined with its favorable toxicological and environmental profile relative to other glycol ethers, serves as the core driver of sustained demand growth. The global DEGBE market was valued at USD 234.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 373.1 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.3%. Solvents account for approximately 42% of DEGBE application share, with paints and coatings dominating end-use consumption at nearly 40% market share.

In paints and coatings, DEGBE is a high-boiling coalescing agent and coupling solvent for water-based architectural and industrial coatings, as well as a solvent for solvent-borne systems. In latex paints, it plasticizes polymer particles during drying, ensuring good film formation, gloss, and durability. It provides excellent dispersion of pigments and enhances drying times in industrial and architectural coatings. In high-performance automotive OEM coatings and industrial polyurethane dispersions, DEGBE is relied upon as a coalescing and coupling agent due to its high boiling point and wet-edge stability in robotic paint lines. Regulatory tightening in Europe is accelerating reformulation away from DEGBE in consumer-facing architectural paints and household cleaners, but industrial coatings and automotive systems continue to depend on it for performance-critical applications.

In industrial and household cleaners, DEGBE is a widely used solvent in detergents, degreasers, disinfectants, and hard-surface cleaners. Its effectiveness in removing grease, oil, and ink, combined with its low toxicity and biodegradability, makes it a preferred choice for environmentally oriented cleaning formulations. DEGBE is also used as a component of pesticide preparations and as a service chemical in industrial cleaning.

In inks, dyes, and textile auxiliaries, DEGBE serves as a solvent for printing inks, dyes, and pigments, and as a co-solvent in textile dyeing and inkjet printing. Its controlled wetting profile supports precision printing and fast-fashion customization in automated textile manufacturing ecosystems across Asia-Pacific.

In high-purity electronics and specialty applications, ultra-high-purity DEGBE (≥99.5%) is specified in aqueous photoresist strippers and post-etch cleaning chemistries for advanced semiconductor nodes, where it minimizes dielectric damage and residue formation. It is also used in fire-resistant hydraulic fluids for mining, steel, and aviation, where it acts as a stabilizing coupling agent under thermal stress, and as a component of fire-extinguisher foam and hydraulic fluids.

Major Market Participants

The global supply system for DEGBE (CAS# 112-34-5) features a pattern of “vertically integrated petrochemical leaders, specialty glycol ether producers, and Chinese manufacturers serving distinct market segments.” The competitive environment is defined by feedstock integration (ethylene oxide), sustainability certification, and a growing split between commodity and high-purity specialty grades.

In the global high-purity and branded segment, key international suppliers include BASF SE, which secured ISCC PLUS certification for glycol ether production, enabling Low-PCF and Ccycled® DEGBE variants; Dow Inc. , which implemented multiple price increases in 2025 and expanded ethylene supply agreements to stabilize downstream ether derivatives; LyondellBasell Industries N.V. ; Eastman Chemical Company; INEOS Oxide; Lotte Chemical; KH Neochem Co., Ltd. , which permanently shut DEGBE production at Yokkaichi in December 2025, reflecting capacity rationalization in Japan; Sankyo Chemical; and Optimal. Sigma-Aldrich (Merck) supplies DEGBE for research and analytical applications. These companies offer high-purity DEGBE for coatings, cleaners, electronics, and hydraulic fluid applications, with comprehensive quality documentation and global distribution networks. India has emerged as a dominant supplier to the EU, accounting for over 65% of glycol ether imports into Europe in 2024.

In the industrial and large-scale production segment, Chinese manufacturers have emerged as a significant force in global supply. XinChem is a reliable manufacturer and supplier of high-purity DEGBE from China, offering the compound with stringent quality standards for use in low-VOC coatings, industrial cleaners, textile auxiliaries, and high-purity electronics applications. XinChem provides the compound as a clear, colorless liquid with comprehensive quality documentation, batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA), customizable packaging, and globally compliant REACH, ISO 9001, and GMP-aligned manufacturing. The company emphasizes that DEGBE is a high-boiling, water-miscible glycol ether with excellent coalescing and coupling properties, low acute toxicity, and ready biodegradability, suitable for performance-critical coating, cleaning, and specialty applications. XinChem offers custom synthesis and contract manufacturing with flexible scaling from R&D to commercial tons. Other Chinese suppliers are concentrated in major chemical manufacturing and trading regions including Shandong (Zibo, Jinan), Jiangsu, and Hubei provinces, offering the compound at various purity grades (typically 99% to 99.9%) and packaging options—from 200 kg drums to 1,000 kg IBC containers. Chinese market prices in 2025–2026 have ranged from approximately RMB 8 per kg for bulk industrial quantities to RMB 13,000–14,000 per tonne for drummed 99.9% material, with occasional premium quotations significantly higher for specialty or small-lot supply.

Regional Market Dynamics

The global DEGBE market exhibits distinct regional characteristics, with production concentrated in Asia-Pacific and North America, and consumption distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, aligned with the coatings, cleaning, and electronics industries in these regions.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest and fastest-growing market for DEGBE, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of coatings, construction, automotive, and electronics manufacturing in China, India, and Southeast Asia. China is a major production and consumption hub, with extensive glycol ether capacity and a large domestic coatings and cleaning products industry. India has emerged as a significant supplier to export markets, particularly to Europe. The region’s textile inkjet printing and digital dyeing lines rely on DEGBE’s controlled wetting profile. China is forecast to reach a projected market size of USD 47.7–66.6 million by 2030–2032, trailing a CAGR of 5.6–7.2%, reflecting the region’s central role in global demand growth.

North America remains a key market for high-purity DEGBE, supported by ethylene oxide integration, a strong automotive OEM coatings sector, and industrial cleaning demand. The United States hosts major producers and formulators, and the region benefits from feedstock security and margin stability derived from domestic ethylene oxide integration. Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids in mining and aviation provide an additional demand base.

Europe is characterized by stringent regulatory requirements under REACH and a strong sustainability focus. European capacity rationalization and plant shutdowns are tightening specialty supply, while regulatory scrutiny is compressing commodity margins and accelerating reformulation away from DEGBE in consumer-facing paints and cleaners. However, industrial polyurethane dispersions and high-performance automotive coatings continue to rely on DEGBE for coalescing and coupling. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are key markets, and BASF’s ISCC PLUS-certified Low-PCF and Ccycled® variants respond to European demand for sustainable solvents.

Japan represents a specialized, contracting market following KH Neochem’s permanent shutdown of DEGBE production at Yokkaichi in December 2025, shifting supply toward imports and specialty grades for electronics and precision applications.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

As a high-production-volume glycol ether with applications in coatings, cleaners, and electronics, DEGBE (CAS# 112-34-5) is subject to regulatory oversight in major global economies. Compliance with relevant regulations is essential for market access and trade.

GHS classification and handling: DEGBE is classified with the signal word “Warning”. The harmonised classification is Eye Irrit. 2 (H319), reflecting serious eye irritation. The compound is not classified as a skin irritant or skin sensitizer under GHS. Precautionary statements include P264 (Wash skin thoroughly after handling), P280 (Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection), P305+P351+P338 (IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing), P337+P313 (If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention), and P501 (Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant). The compound should be stored in a cool, ventilated warehouse away from fire and heat sources, with containers kept sealed.

Occupational exposure limits: The EU Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) recommends an 8-hour TWA of 10 ppm (67.5 mg/m³) and a STEL of 15 ppm (101.2 mg/m³) for DEGBE. ACGIH has established a TLV-TWA of 10 ppm (inhalable fraction and vapor). The NOAEC for inhalation in rats is 100 mg/m³ (14 ppm). The derived EU-LCI value for indoor air is 335.7–670 µg/m³. Adequate ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment, particularly eye protection, are recommended for handling operations.

Regulatory restrictions: In the European Union, DEGBE is subject to a restriction on spray-applied paints: paints intended for supply to the general public that contain DEGBE at a mass concentration equal to or greater than 3% may not be placed on the market for spray application, and non-spray paints above 3% supplied to the general public must carry the label “Do not use in paint spraying equipment.” DEGBE is registered under REACH with EINECS 203-961-6 and EC Index 603-096-00-8. In the United States, DEGBE is regulated under TSCA and is subject to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requirements; it is listed as an allowed inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products under FIFRA.

Transport information: DEGBE is not classified as dangerous goods for transport under standard conditions, which simplifies logistics relative to flammable glycol ethers. Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are nevertheless required for international shipping.

Environmental considerations: DEGBE has a log Pow of 0.56, indicating very low bioaccumulation potential, and is readily biodegradable. The compound is not classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). Its water miscibility means that releases to the aquatic environment should be minimized through appropriate containment and waste management practices, but its biodegradability limits long-term environmental persistence.

Future Outlook

The market outlook for DEGBE is positive, supported by several key growth drivers across its major application segments. The global market is projected to grow from USD 234.4 million in 2025 to USD 373.1 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.3%.

Key growth drivers include:

1. Expansion of low-VOC and waterborne coatings: The global shift toward environmentally compliant, low-VOC architectural and automotive coatings drives demand for DEGBE as a coalescing and coupling agent that ensures film formation, gloss, and durability without sacrificing performance. High-performance automotive OEM coatings and industrial polyurethane dispersions remain structurally dependent on DEGBE’s high boiling point and wet-edge stability.
2. Premiumization of high-purity electronics grades: Ultra-high-purity DEGBE above 99.5% is gaining disproportionate share in semiconductor fabrication, aqueous photoresist strippers, and post-etch cleaning chemistries for sub-5 nm nodes. Global semiconductor fabrication investment exceeding USD 200 billion is creating sustained demand for high-purity solvent systems that minimize dielectric damage and residue formation, positioning DEGBE as a specialty, value-added solvent rather than a commodity.
3. Growth in industrial and household cleaning: The expanding global cleaning products market, particularly in Asia-Pacific, supports demand for DEGBE as a low-toxicity, biodegradable solvent effective against grease, oil, and ink. Its use in disinfectants, degreasers, and hard-surface cleaners provides a stable demand base.
4. Expansion of textile inkjet printing and digital dyeing: DEGBE’s controlled wetting profile supports precision printing and fast-fashion customization in automated textile manufacturing ecosystems across Asia-Pacific, reinforcing its position in digital dyeing lines.
5. Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and specialty applications: The use of DEGBE as a stabilizing coupling agent in fire-resistant HFC hydraulic fluids for mining, steel, and aviation provides a niche but resilient demand pillar under thermal stress conditions.

Challenges and considerations:

• European regulatory pressure and capacity rationalization: Regulatory tightening under REACH is accelerating reformulation away from DEGBE in consumer-facing architectural paints and household cleaners in Europe, while plant shutdowns and capacity rationalization are tightening specialty supply and compressing commodity margins. This creates a structural split between declining consumer commodity demand and resilient industrial/specialty demand.
• Feedstock price volatility: DEGBE production is linked to ethylene oxide and *n*-butanol pricing. Ethylene oxide integration in North America and Saudi Arabia reinforces feedstock security, but producers without integration remain exposed to margin volatility.
• Competition from alternative glycol ethers and co-solvents: The market faces competition from other glycol ethers (e.g., DPnB, PnB) and bio-based co-solvents, particularly in consumer coatings and cleaners where reformulation is underway.
• Eye irritation hazard: The compound’s H319 classification requires appropriate eye protection and handling controls, and may influence formulation choices in consumer products.
• Supply chain restructuring: The emergence of India as a dominant EU supplier and the contraction of Japanese production are reshaping trade flows, requiring buyers to qualify new sources and manage supply security.

To succeed in this evolving market landscape, suppliers must focus on product quality (particularly purity for electronics and specialty grades), supply chain reliability, regulatory compliance, and the ability to serve both commodity and high-purity specialty segments. Companies that can offer high-purity products, flexible packaging options, and technical support for coating, cleaning, and electronics applications will be well-positioned to capture growing demand.

Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)

As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and glycol ether solvents, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) is dedicated to meeting the innovative needs of the coatings, cleaning, textile, electronics, and specialty chemical industries. Leveraging extensive experience and advanced manufacturing capabilities, XinChem provides high-quality Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE, CAS# 112-34-5) to customers worldwide. As a trusted manufacturer and supplier based in China, XinChem combines competitive pricing, reliable supply, and exceptional service to establish itself as a preferred partner for coatings manufacturers, cleaning product formulators, and industrial customers seeking this versatile high-boiling glycol ether.

1. Technical Advantages

Advanced Synthesis and Purification Processes
XinChem utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and rigorous quality control measures to ensure the purity, consistency, and safety of its DEGBE products. The production process incorporates advanced ethoxylation and distillation technologies—including the reaction of ethylene oxide with *n*-butanol under controlled alkaline catalysis followed by multi-stage fractionation—enabling the delivery of products with purity ≥98% (technical grade) and ≥99.5% (high-purity/electronic grade) to meet diverse application requirements. Strict process control ensures consistent product quality, minimal impurities, low water content, and batch-to-batch reproducibility, providing customers with reliable performance in coating, cleaning, and electronics formulations.

Full-Chain Quality Control
The production process strictly adheres to international quality standards, with comprehensive quality control covering raw material sourcing, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing. Each batch is accompanied by a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting physical and chemical properties, purity data (GC), density (0.951–0.960 g/cm³ at 20°C), boiling point (228–234°C), flash point (99–105°C), viscosity (6.16–6.49 mPa·s at 20°C), water content, and impurity profiles. XinChem offers batch-specific COA, customizable packaging, and globally compliant REACH, ISO 9001, and GMP-aligned manufacturing.

2. Product Advantages

High Purity and Consistent Quality
XinChem offers DEGBE with purity ≥98% (technical) and ≥99.5% (high-purity/electronic grade), ensuring optimal performance in low-VOC coatings, industrial cleaners, textile auxiliaries, and high-purity electronics applications. The product’s high purity minimizes the risk of residue formation and performance variability, making it suitable for demanding applications in semiconductor cleaning and automotive OEM coatings. The compound is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid with a mild characteristic odor and consistent physicochemical properties.

Comprehensive Specifications
Key specifications include:

• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₈O₃
• Molecular Weight: 162.23 g/mol
• CAS Number: 112-34-5
• EINECS Number: 203-961-6
• Synonyms: Butyl diglycol; Butyl carbitol; BDG; 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol; Dowanol DB
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Purity: ≥98% (GC) / ≥99.5% (GC) available
• Boiling Point: 228–234°C
• Melting Point: −68°C
• Flash Point: 99–105°C (closed cup)
• Density: 0.951–0.960 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Viscosity: 6.16–6.49 mPa·s at 20°C
• Water Solubility: Miscible
• Storage: Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources
• GHS Classification: Warning; H319
• Transport Classification: Non-dangerous goods

Flexible Packaging Solutions
XinChem provides a range of packaging options to accommodate diverse customer needs, from laboratory-scale quantities to industrial-scale 200 kg drums, 1,000 kg IBC containers, and bulk shipments. Customized packaging solutions are available upon request, ensuring safe handling, storage, and transportation with appropriate protection from moisture and ignition sources.

3. Application Fields

As a versatile high-boiling, water-miscible glycol ether, Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (CAS# 112-34-5) exhibits wide application value across multiple industries:

Paints and Coatings:

• High-boiling coalescing agent and coupling solvent for water-based architectural and industrial coatings
• Ensures film formation, gloss, and durability in latex paints
• Excellent pigment dispersion and controlled drying in industrial coatings
• Wet-edge stability in automotive OEM and robotic paint line systems
• Solvent for solvent-borne coatings and industrial polyurethane dispersions

Industrial and Household Cleaners:

• Solvent in detergents, degreasers, disinfectants, and hard-surface cleaners
• Effective removal of grease, oil, and ink
• Low toxicity and biodegradability for environmentally oriented formulations
• Component of pesticide preparations and industrial cleaning fluids

Inks, Dyes, and Textiles:

• Solvent for printing inks, dyes, and pigments
• Co-solvent in textile dyeing and inkjet printing
• Controlled wetting profile for precision printing and digital dyeing

High-Purity Electronics and Specialty Applications:

• Aqueous photoresist strippers and post-etch cleaning chemistries for advanced semiconductor nodes
• Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids for mining, steel, and aviation
• Component of fire-extinguisher foam and hydraulic fluids

4. Service Support

Technical Expertise and Customized Solutions
XinChem’s team of experienced chemists and application engineers provides full technical support throughout the customer journey—from product selection and specification development to application guidance and troubleshooting. Whether customers require optimization of coalescing solvent blends, guidance on film formation in humid conditions, or assistance with regulatory documentation, XinChem’s technical experts are ready to help. Custom synthesis and contract manufacturing with flexible scaling from R&D to commercial tons are available upon request.

Global Logistics and Reliable Supply
With established supply chains serving markets across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and beyond, XinChem ensures timely delivery and consistent product availability. The company’s logistics team manages all aspects of international shipping, including customs clearance and documentation, with appropriate protection from moisture and ignition sources for product stability.

Regulatory Support
XinChem provides comprehensive documentation to support regulatory compliance, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA), and other required certificates. The company stays current with evolving regulatory requirements in major markets, including REACH, TSCA, and other regional regulations, helping customers navigate the complexities of global trade.

5. Reasons to Choose XinChem

• Professionalism: Extensive experience and deep expertise in glycol ether synthesis and supply.
• Quality: Rigorous quality control, high purity (≥98% to ≥99.5%), and adherence to international standards.
• Reliability: Stable supply, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.
• Flexibility: Customized solutions to meet diverse customer needs, including custom synthesis and packaging.
• Service: Responsive technical support and comprehensive documentation including batch-specific COA.

Contact us today to start your partnership with XinChem!

Website: www.xinchem.com

Email: sales1@xinchem.com

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