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Quick Answer — Butyl Glycol (EGBE Solvent) for Paints & Cleaners

Butyl Glycol (Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether / EGBE) is a versatile, slow-evaporating glycol ether solvent used in Kenya as a coalescing agent in emulsion paints, a coupling solvent in heavy-duty cleaners, and a flow promoter in lacquers.

Butyl Glycol (Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether / EGBE) is a versatile, slow-evaporating glycol ether solvent used in Kenya as a coalescing agent in emulsion paints, a coupling solvent in heavy-duty cleaners, and a flow promoter in lacquers.

Key Facts

  • Purity Assay: ≥ 99.5% min | Form: Clear Colorless Liquid with mild ether odor
  • CAS Number: 111-76-2 | Boiling Point: 171°C | High flash point solvent
  • Dual solvency: miscible with both water and organic hydrocarbons
  • Essential coalescing solvent for acrylic latex architectural coatings
  • Supplied in 200kg Drums & 1,000kg IBC Totes from Nairobi Industrial Area

Primary Use Cases

Coalescing solvent in waterborne architectural emulsion paints to promote film formationCoupling agent & solvent in heavy-duty industrial degreasers & hard surface cleanersViscosity reducer & flow promoter in specialty printing inks & lacquers
Butyl Glycol (EGBE Solvent) for Paints & Cleaners
SolventsOut of Stock

Butyl Glycol (EGBE Solvent) for Paints & Cleaners

Product Code: KIC-SOL-007

Also known as: Butyl Glycol, 2-Butoxyethanol, Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGBE), Butyl Cellosolve

Synonyms: BG, Glycol Ether EB, Monobutyl Glycol Ether

High-purity Butyl Glycol (99.5% 2-Butoxyethanol / EGBE) coalescing solvent for waterborne paints, industrial degreasers, printing inks, and specialty cleaners in Kenya and East Africa.

CAS Number
111-76-2
Formula
C6H14O2
IUPAC Name
2-Butoxyethan-1-ol
Molecular Weight
118.17 g/mol
EC Number
203-905-0
UN Number
Non-regulated for road transport / UN 2810 (air/sea)
Chemical Family
Glycol Ethers
Grade
Industrial Grade (99.5% Pure)
Purity
99.5% min 2-Butoxyethanol
Physical Form
Clear Colorless Liquid

Available Packaging

185kg Steel Drum950kg IBC Tote

Product Overview

Butyl Glycol (2-Butoxyethanol / EGBE C6H14O2) is a versatile glycol ether solvent combining alcohol and ether functionality. Featuring slow evaporation rates, high water/organic miscibility, and outstanding coupling ability, it is extensively used in East Africa as a coalescing aid in water-based latex paints, heavy-duty degreasers, and printing inks.

Technical Description

Verified chemical identity: 2-Butoxyethanol (CAS 111-76-2) containing 99.5% min EGBE, ≤0.1% water, low acidity (≤0.01%), and low peroxide content. Excellent viscosity reduction and film-forming coalescent properties in emulsion systems.

Complete Chemical Specifications

2-Butoxyethanol Assay
99.5% min
Water Content
0.10% max
Acidity (as Acetic Acid)
0.01% max
Specific Gravity (20/20°C)
0.900 - 0.904
Color (Pt-Co)
10 max

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance
Clear, colorless liquid
Odour
Faint, pleasant ether-like odor
pH
Neutral
Density
0.901 g/cm³ at 20°C
Boiling Point
171 °C
Melting Point
-70 °C
Solubility
Completely miscible with water and most organic solvents (hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones)

Commercial Availability

Stock Status
In Stock
Lead Time
1 business day in Nairobi; 2-3 days regional East Africa
MOQ
185 kg (1 Steel Drum)
Delivery Regions
Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret), Uganda (Kampala), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), Rwanda (Kigali)

Specify destination and required tonnage for immediate drum or IBC dispatch.

Suitable Applications

Target Industries

Use Cases

  • Coalescing solvent aid in architectural water-based acrylic & latex emulsion paints
  • Coupling solvent in heavy-duty industrial degreasers and hard surface cleaners
  • Screen printing ink viscosity modifier and retarder solvent
  • Solvent in leather finishing formulations and metal cleaning fluids

Storage Guidelines

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated stores away from direct sunlight, open flames, and strong oxidizers. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent peroxide formation.

Handling Advisory

Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled (GHS Cat 4). Causes skin and serious eye irritation. Wear nitrile/butyl gloves and protective eyewear.

Safety & Chemical Handling Advisory

Safety Advisory

Eye Contact: Flush immediately with water for 15+ min. Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water.

GHS:Acute Tox. Oral Cat 4, Acute Tox. Dermal Cat 4, Acute Tox. Inhal Cat 4, Eye Irrit. Cat 2, Skin Irrit. Cat 2
Signal Word:WARNING
Transport:Non-regulated for road transport; UN 2810 Class 6.1 (Toxic Liquid) for international air/sea
Packing Group:Packing Group III

Hazard Statements

  • H302+H312+H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
  • H315: Causes skin irritation
  • H319: Causes serious eye irritation

Precautionary Statements

  • P261: Avoid breathing mist/vapors/spray
  • P280: Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection
  • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes

PPE Requirements

Butyl / Nitrile Rubber GlovesChemical Safety GlassesVentilation / Organic Respirator

COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

Frequently Asked Questions — Butyl Glycol (EGBE Solvent) for Paints & Cleaners

Technical, regulatory, and supply guidance for Butyl Glycol (EGBE Solvent) for Paints & Cleaners.

Butyl Glycol (EGBE) is used as a coalescing solvent in water-based latex paints, a coupling agent in heavy-duty industrial cleaning formulations, and a flow promoter in printing inks and coatings.

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