2-Butoxyethanol (CAS 111-76-2), also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE) or butyl glycol, is a widely used glycol ether solvent. Buyers often ask about its price, and the honest answer is that the price of 2-butoxyethanol is not a fixed figure: it depends on purity, packaging, order volume, raw material costs, freight and regional market conditions. This article explains the product itself, the factors that drive its price, and how to evaluate price offers responsibly.
What Is 2-Butoxyethanol?
2-Butoxyethanol is a glycol ether with the molecular formula C6H14O2 and a molecular weight of 118.17 g/mol. Its structure contains an ether bond and a hydroxyl group, giving it properties of both ethers and alcohols. It is a colorless, transparent liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. It is miscible with water and with most organic solvents, and it is an excellent solvent for many resins, oils and dyes. This combination of water solubility and organic solvency makes it a valuable coupling agent and coalescing solvent in aqueous formulations.
Typical Specifications of Industrial Grade EGBE
| Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | 2-Butoxyethanol (EGBE, butyl glycol) |
| CAS number | 111-76-2 |
| Molecular formula | C6H14O2 |
| Purity | 99.0% or higher |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Density (20 °C) | About 0.901 g/cm3 |
| Boiling point | About 171 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | About 60 °C |
| Water miscibility | Miscible |
What Drives the Price of 2-Butoxyethanol?
The market price of 2-butoxyethanol is influenced by several factors that buyers should understand:
Raw material costs: EGBE is manufactured from ethylene oxide and n-butanol. Fluctuations in the prices of these feedstocks directly affect production cost.
Purity and grade: Industrial grade, solvent grade and higher-purity grades command different price levels. Buyers should match the grade to the actual application rather than paying for unnecessary specification.
Packaging: Small packages such as 186 kg steel drums, IBC totes and bulk tanker deliveries carry very different unit costs. Larger packaging generally lowers the per-kilogram price.
Order volume: Bulk orders usually receive volume discounts, while small sample or trial quantities are priced higher per unit.
Freight and logistics: Distance, transport mode, dangerous-goods classification and destination duties are significant components of the delivered cost.
Market cycles: Supply and demand, seasonal factors, energy prices and regional capacity changes cause prices to move over time. Any stated price should be validated against current market data at the time of purchase.
Main Industrial Uses
2-Butoxyethanol is used as a solvent in latex paints and coatings, lacquers, epoxy resins, paint thinners, printing inks, stains and varnishes. It is also found in household and industrial cleaners, degreasers, and ink and spot removers. Because it slows evaporation and improves film formation, it is often added to water-based coatings as a coalescing agent. It also serves as a solvent in agricultural formulations and as a chemical intermediate.
Safety, Storage and Handling
2-Butoxyethanol is classified as a hazardous substance in many jurisdictions because of its toxicity profile, particularly the risk of adverse effects from inhalation or prolonged skin exposure. It is subject to occupational exposure limits, so workplaces should provide adequate ventilation and monitor airborne concentrations. Operators should wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing and avoid skin contact. The liquid should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources, in properly labeled containers. Spills should be contained and cleaned up with absorbents, and the waste disposed of according to local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of 2-butoxyethanol? There is no single fixed price. The price depends on purity, packaging, order volume, raw material costs, freight and current market conditions, so price offers should be compared on a like-for-like basis.
Is 2-butoxyethanol the same as butyl glycol? Yes. Butyl glycol is a common trade name for 2-butoxyethanol, also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), CAS 111-76-2.
What is 2-butoxyethanol used for? It is used as a solvent and coalescing agent in paints, coatings, inks, cleaning products, degreasers and agricultural formulations.
Is 2-butoxyethanol dangerous? It has relatively low acute toxicity in normal handling, but it is classified as a hazardous substance with occupational exposure limits because of potential effects from repeated exposure, so ventilation and skin protection are required.
How should 2-butoxyethanol be packaged and transported? It is commonly supplied in 186 kg steel drums, IBC totes or bulk tankers, and transported under the applicable dangerous goods regulations with proper labeling.
