2-Butoxyethanol

1Identification

Name

2-Butoxyethanol

IUPAC name

2-butoxyethanol

CAS number

111-76-2

EC number

203-905-0

Molecular formula

C6H14O2

Molecular weight

118.17 g/mol

InChIKey

POAOYUHQDCAZBD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCOCCO

PubChem CID

8133

Synonyms

2-Butoxyethanol, Butyl glycol, Butyl cellosolve, Butoxyethanol, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER, Ethylene glycol butyl ether, n-Butoxyethanol, Butyl oxitol, Dowanol EB, Glycol butyl ether, Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, 3-Oxa-1-heptanol, Gafcol EB, Jeffersol eb

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Butoxyethanol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as solvent in surface coatings; [ACGIH] Also used in hydraulic fluids, glass cleaners, and leather cleaners; [Sullivan, p. 1203] Used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, metal cleaners, and household cleaners; Occupational exposures are high in silk screen printing; [Reference #2]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Dry Cleaning [Category: Clean] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Silk-Screen Printing [Category: Other]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Intermediate Etching agent Adhesion/cohesion promoter Chelating agent Demulsifier Surface modifier Cleaning agent Hydraulic fluids Viscosity modifiers Catalyst Waterproofing agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Diluent Surfactant (surface active agent) Monomers Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuel agents Plating agent Anti-freeze agent Solvent Dispersing agent Lubricating agent Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Insulators Dispersing agent Solvent Other Surfactant (surface active agent) Monomers Processing aids not otherwise specified Cleaning agent Viscosity modifiers Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Corrosion inhibitor Catalyst Film former Intermediate Etching agent Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether appears as a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 160 °F. Irritates skin and eyes and may be toxic by ingestion. Used as a solvent and to make paints and varnish.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 2-butoxyethanol is a primary alcohol that is ethanol in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a butoxy group. A high-boiling (171C) colourless liquid, it is used as a solvent for paints and inks, as well as in some dry cleaning solutions. It has a role as a protic solvent. It is a primary alcohol and a glycol ether.
  ChEBI
• On the basis of the animal and clinical data included in this report, the Expert Panel concludes that Butoxyethanol is safe in hair and nail products at concentrations up to 10.0%. Note: In 2002, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on this ingredient and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS06

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Vapors irritate eyes and nose. Ingestion or skin contact causes headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Above 60 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Severe hemoglobinuria and changes in the lungs, kidneys, and liver are seen in mice after 7-hour lethal concentration studies. Volunteers showed no evidence of adverse effects other than mucous membrane irritation after 8 hour exposures to 200 ppm. No increase in red cell fragility was seen after these brief exposures. [ACGIH] For ethylene glycol ethers, there is limited positive evidence of spontaneous abortions and decreased sperm counts in humans and strong positive evidence of birth defects and testicular damage in animals. [ATSDR Case Studies # 29] Humans are resistant to butoxyethanol-induced red blood cell hemolysis. [Sullivan, p. 1204] See Glycol ethers.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Further see Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Carbon dioxide or dry chemical for small fires; alcohol-type foam for large fires.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• /To fight fire use:/ Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide. Keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: protective clothing, protective gloves and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Ventilate area of spill or leak. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in safe place (such as fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear hood ductwork. Burn paper in suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be collected and atomized in suitable combustion chamber. Waste disposal: By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or similar material and disposing in secured sanitary landfill; By atomizing in suitable combustion chamber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In simulated waste gas containing 1000 ppm ethylene butyl monobutyl ether was absorbed by spindle oil 88 containing calcium naphthanate, a nonionic surfactant, antioxidant, and a stabilizer.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Activated sludge decomposed organic solvents contained in absorbing liquid of waste gas from painting booths. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether was decomposed by acclimated sludge.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for 2-Butoxyethanol: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Air pack or organic canister respirator, rubber gloves; goggles; clothing to prevent body contact with liquid
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear protective gloves adn clothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. ... Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Employees should wash immediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated. ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 125 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode* (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* Up to 250 ppm: (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 700 ppm: (APF = 2000) Any…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER may react with bases, aluminum and oxidizing materials. It is liable to form peroxides on exposure to air and light. It attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• This chemical is sensitive to air and light. Slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Forms explosive mixture with air. ... Violent reaction with strong caustics adn strong oxidizers. Attacks some coatings, plastics and rubber. Attacks metallic aluminum at high temperatures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, strong caustics.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, strong caustics
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Hematologic
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, hematopoietic system, blood, kidneys, liver, lymphoid system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the acid-base balance in the body, central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in metabolic acidosis and impaired functions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the blood and liver. This may result in impaired functions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• n-Butoxy ethanol should be atomized into an incinerator, and combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2369

Shipping name

• UN 2369; Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether /former/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 6.1; Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether /former/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2369 152
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. ... (c) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-processing equipment and utensils. Ethanol, 2 butoxy- is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 2-Butoxyethanol is included on this list. Effective date: 4/13/89; Sunset date: 6/30/98.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8133 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.