Glycol ethers, with the combination of ether, alcohol and hydrocarbon chain in one molecule, provide versatile solvency characteristics with both polar and non-polar properties.
 
The chemical structure of long hydrocarbon chain resist to solubility in water, while ether or alcohol groups introduce the promoted hydrophilic solubility performance.
 
Other Names
Butoxydiethylene Glycol; 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)-Ethanol; Butyl Oxitol Glycol Ether; O-Butyl Diethylene Gycol; Diethylene Glycol N-Butyl ether; Butadigol; Butyl Digol; Butyl Diglycol; Butyl Dioxitol; Butyl Carbitol; Butoxydiglycol; Dowanol DB®; 3,6-Dioxa-1-decanol; 3,6-Dioxadecanol; butoxydiethylene glycol; o-butyl diethylene glycol; butyl dioxitol; Butyl Ethyl Cellosolve;
 
Applications
Glycol ethers, with the combination of ether, alcohol and hydrocarbon chain in one molecule, provide versatile solvency characteristics with both polar and non-polar properties. The chemical structure of long hydrocarbon chain resist to solubility in water, while ether or alcohol groups introduce the promoted hydrophilic solubility performance. This surfactant-like structure provides the compatibility between water and a number of organic solvents, and the ability to couple unlike phases. Glycol ethers are characterized by their wide range of hydrophilic/hydrophobic balances. glycol ethers are used as diluents and levelling agents in the manufacture of paints and baking finishes. Glycol ether series are used in the manufacture of nitrocellulose and combination lacquers. They are used as an additive in brake fluid. They are formulated for dying textiles and leathers and for insecticides and herbicides. They provides performance in cleaners products with oil-water dispersions.
They are used in printing industries as they have a slow evaporation rate. They are used as a fixative for perfumes, germicides, bactericides, insect repellents and antiseptic. They are used as an additive for jet fuel to prevent ice buildup. Thje term of cellosolve refers to ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or a group of glycol ether solvent as below.