Tetraethylene Glycol

1Identification

Name

Tetraethylene Glycol

IUPAC name

2-[2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol

CAS number

112-60-7 (also reported: 157299-02-0)

EC number

203-989-9

Molecular formula

C8H18O5

Molecular weight

194.23 g/mol

InChIKey

UWHCKJMYHZGTIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(COCCOCCOCCO)O

PubChem CID

8200

Synonyms

TETRAETHYLENE GLYCOL, HI-Dry, 3,6,9-Trioxaundecane-1,11-diol, Carbitol, diethyl, 3,6,9-Trioxaundecan-1,11-diol, Ethanol, 2,2'-[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy)]bis-, Ethanol, 2,2'-(oxybis(ethyleneoxy))di-, 2,2'-[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy)]diethanol, Ethanol, 2,2'-(oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy))bis-, 2-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethan-1-ol, 2,2'-[oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyloxy)]diethanol, 2,2'-[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy)]bisethanol, 2,2'-(Oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy))diethanol, 2,2'-(oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyloxy))diethanol

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: PEG-4
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a solvent (nitrocellulose, coatings, adhesives, inks, lacquers, lubricants, metalworking fluids, and textile finishes); Also used to extract other solvents, to soften paper tissue, and to make other chemicals; [HSDB] Used as a solvent, extractant, plasticizer, humectant (natural gas), and lubricant (textiles); Also used in cement grinding and brake fluid manufacturing; [Reference #1]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine] Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry] Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Monomers Heat transferring agent Plating agent Anti-adhesive/cohesive Solvent Lubricating agent Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Intermediate Adhesion/cohesion promoter Dehydrating agent (desiccant) Hydraulic fluids Viscosity modifiers Diluent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Heat transferring agent Anti-adhesive/cohesive Anti-freeze agent Lubricating agent Other Intermediate Hydraulic fluids Diluent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green half-circle - The chemical is expected to be of low concern · Cosmetics -> Solvent; Humectant

Description

• Tetraethylene glycol is a colorless to straw-colored liquid with a mild odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Tetraethylene glycol is a poly(ethylene glycol).
  ChEBI
• Tetraethylene glycol is an industrial solvent/chemical with a higher boiling point and lower volatility than the lower ethylene glycols. It is especially useful in polyester resins and as a plasticizer. Tetraethylene glycol is also used as a chemical intermediate and as a solvent in the production of inks and dyes. Tetraethylene glycol is often used as a process solvent in hydrocarbon purification processes and as a coupling agent in the production of textile lubricants and formulations.
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Compound is nonirritating. No symptoms observed by any exposure route. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• In rat studies, testicular abnormalities and congenital anomalies have been reported. [REPROTOX] In oral lethal dose studies, rats exhibited heavy breathing, tremors, and sluggishness; [Reference #1] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See Ethylene glycol.
  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

• INGESTION: if large amounts are swallowed, induce vomiting; treat symptomatically. EYES: flush with water; get medical attention if ill effects develop. SKIN: wash with soap and water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

5Fire-fighting measures

• Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Alcohol foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Store under inert gas. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible liquids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield and rubber gloves. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Impervious clothing, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• TETRAETHYLENE GLYCOL is a ether-alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. May attack some forms of plastics (USCG, 1999).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• May attack some forms of plastics.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Materials to avoid: strong oxidizing agents, Strong bases.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Glycol ethers, glycols, ketones, and alcohols undergo violent decomposition in contact with 68-72% perchloric acid
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Carcinogen classification

• No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• Tetraethylene glycol's production and use as a solvent for nitrocellulose, lacquers, and coating compositions, as a plasticizer, and in pigment/water based ink may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 4.65X10-5 mm Hg at 26 °C indicates tetraethylene glycol will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetraethylene glycol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7.6 hours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Artemia salina nauplii (Brine Shrimp); Conditions: saltwater, static, 24 °C; Concentration: 10000000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: 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 air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

No specific US regulatory listings found in our sources. Check Section 15 of your supplier's SDS for TSCA, SARA 313, CERCLA, Prop 65 and state listings.

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8200 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.