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Methyl ethyl glycol is a common name for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. It is an organic compound with a chemical formula of C2H6O2. Methyl ethyl glycol exists as a colorless liquid with a faint, sweet odor, and it mixes up to 40% with water. Methyl ethyl glycol is currently widely produced in bulk for use as a solvent in industrial applications. Some other common solvents include butyl diglycol, butyl cellosolve acetate, and ethyl glycol.
The following are the main types of methyl ethyl glycol:
MEG is among the most produced glycol compound. It is a colorless liquid with a high boiling point and moderate volatility. Methyl ethyl glycol is soluble in water and acts as a powerful solvent. Because of its properties, MEG is commonly applied in the production of antifreeze, plastics, and textiles.
DEGBE closely resembles MEG in molecular structure, making it a colorless liquid with excellent solvency. Because of its powerful dissolving capabilities, DEGBE is often applied as a release agent in the paint and coating industry.
Like DEGBE, diglycol is a high-boiling liquid with excellent solvent properties. It is produced from the etherification of ethylene glycol with butylene oxide. In commerce, diglycol is used as a solvent and plasticizer in cosmetics.
Butyl Cellosolve, also known as glycol butyl ether, is an organic compound commonly used as a solvent in industrial applications. Like other glycol compounds, Butyl Cellosolve is colorless and mixes well with water.
Butyl Cellosolve is also used to manufacture antifreeze, varnishes, and pesticides. Other common applications include petrochemical extraction and resin production.
Generally, all these various types of methyl ethyl glycol have some similar properties. These include their solubility in water and applicability as solvents and other compounds' production.
There are various industrial applications of methyl ethyl glycol. Some of these applications take advantage of the chemical's solvent properties.
Here are the main applications:
Methyl Ethyl Glycol is used as a solvent for extracting and separating inorganic and organic materials, especially from ore. For instance, triethylene glycol is used in the extraction and purification of phosphoric acid from its ores. In this process, phosphate rock is crushed and treated with sulfuric acid to produce a slurry containing calcium sulfate and phosphorus. The Methyl Ethyl Glycol is then added to the slurry to extract the phosphoric acid.
Methyl Ethyl Glycol is commonly added to paints and coatings as a solvent. This is because Methyl Ethyl Glycol effectively dissolves the resin and other solids that make up the paint. This ability allows the paint to mix well and achieve a uniform consistency. In addition, Methyl Ethyl Glycol has lower volatility than other solvents. Thus, it improves the application properties by giving the paint a longer wet edge.
Methyl Ethyl Glycol is added to pesticides and herbicides, among other agricultural chemicals, to improve their dissolvability. For instance, it is used in the formulation of 2-Methoxybutanol, a herbicide effective against pigweed and purslane, and broadleaf weed.
Still, other additives, such as wetting agents, surfactants, and emulsifiers, are combined with Methyl Ethyl Glycol to coat solid particles in fertilizer suspension. This is done to ensure that the fertilizer is evenly distributed to plants in the right concentrations.
In the cosmetic industry, Methyl Ethyl Glycol is added to products like moisturizers and emulsion as a humectant. A humectant is a substance that helps retain moisture by drawing in water molecules from the atmosphere. Because MEG is a good humectant, it is widely used in cosmetics and other moisturizer products to keep the skin moist and smooth for a long time. Furthermore, it improves the product's texture, making application easier and leaving the skin softer after use.
The specifications for the chemical compound Methyl Ethyl Glycol differ based on the manufacturer and the intended application. Nonetheless, the common and typical specifications include purity, boiling point, flash point, density, and miscibility with water.
The following are key considerations business owners should keep in mind when purchasing Methyl Ethyl Glycol. These factors ensure the glycol is suitable for the customers' needs and safe.
Purchasers should ascertain the purity and grade of Methyl Ethyl Glycol. This is because the required purity and grade level may depend on the application (industrial or cosmetic). Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the suppliers' MEG has the right level of purity for the customer's intended application. For instance, higher-grade MEG is required for pharmaceutical applications than for agricultural use.
Since Methyl Ethyl Glycol is applied in many sensitive areas, buyers should prioritize quality. It will be good if they purchase this chemical from a reputable manufacturer who meets industry regulations and standards. In addition, buyers must ensure that the manufacturers comply with the stipulated safety measures when handling hazardous chemicals. Basically, this information is usually found on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) of the product.
Normally, Methyl Ethyl Glycol's solubility and miscibility with other solvents and liquids are key considerations. This property affects the compound's applicability as a solvent. For instance, ethylene glycol can dissolve organic and inorganic compounds. Thus, it is ideal for use in extraction and separation processes.
Because Methyl Ethyl Glycol is a colorless liquid, it is normally stored in its containers. Therefore, buyers should consider the type of containers to use for this chemical. More importantly, they should ensure the containers are resistant to solvents and are safely sealed to prevent this chemical from volatilizing or contaminating. This is also critical, as the containers should prevent leaks and ensure the product is protected from light exposure.
Buyers should consider the minimum order quantity and the supplier's pricing. Usually, bulk purchases of MEG may attract discounts. Still, the quantity should align with the buyers' customers' market demands. More importantly, wholesale business purchasers should analyze the transportation costs because this chemical might be transported in liquid form. Furthermore, it requires good handling to ensure it doesn't spill or evaporate during the process. These logistics costs may reduce the overall profit margin.
A1: Ethylene glycol is known for its ability to function as both a solvent and an antifreeze agent. Specifically, its antifreeze characteristic makes it useful in car coolants and its applications in paint and varnishes as a solvent. These diverse uses lower this chemical's overall costs and increase its efficiency in various processes.
A2: Although they partially share an etymological name, MEG and methyl ethylene glycol are different chemicals. They have different chemical compositions and properties. For instance, MEG has a boiling point of 172 °C because of its high purity. On the other hand, methyl ethylene glycol has a broader number of applications because of its solubility in various liquids.
A3: Methyl Ethyl Glycol should be stored in cool and dry places where it is protected from heat, flame, and direct sunlight. It should be sealed in resistant containers to avoid spills or leaks. This is because it is a colorless liquid that, if poorly contained, may evaporize or volatilize. Moreover, it should be stored away from incompatible chemicals, such as oxidizing agents and strong acids or bases.
A4: Yes, Methyl Ethyl Glycol is considered hazardous to health. Normal exposure may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. In addition, swallowing this chemical may cause severe damage to internal organs. Business owners should inform their customers of these health hazards and how to protect themselves. Further, they should follow the Korean industrial safety standard measures.
A5: Emergency legislative and regulatory standards should be frequently referred to establish proper containment and cleanup of Methyl Ethyl Glycol in case of spillage. These measures may include minimizing the confined area, bagging or waterproofing the lost chemical, and acquiring an emergency response specialist.
