2-Ethoxyethanol丨CAS 110-80-5

2-Ethoxyethanol丨CAS 110-80-5, also known as ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or ethoxyethanol, is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild ether-like odor. It belongs to the family of glycol ethers, characterized by the presence of both ether and alcohol functional groups in the same molecule. Its molecular formula is C₄H₁₀O₂, and it is widely used as a solvent in industrial and commercial applications due to its excellent solvency properties, moderate boiling point, and compatibility with a wide range of substances.

1. Solvent in Coatings and Paints
● Paints, Varnishes, and Lacquers:
2-Ethoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent and coalescing agent in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Its good solvency helps dissolve resins, oils, and pigments, ensuring a smooth and even application of coatings.
● Ink Formulation:
It serves as a solvent in printing inks, improving ink flow and drying properties without compromising adhesion or color quality.
● Cleaning and Degreasing:
Its solvent properties enable it to effectively dissolve oils, greases, and resins, making it useful in industrial cleaning formulations, especially for removing stubborn residues.
2. Industrial and Household Cleaning Products
● Surface Cleaners and Degreasers:
2-Ethoxyethanol is commonly found in glass cleaners, metal cleaners, and other surface cleaning products due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances.
● Electronics Cleaning:
It is used in cleaning agents for delicate electronics and precision instruments because it evaporates relatively slowly and does not leave residues.
3. Chemical Intermediate
● Synthesis of Other Chemicals:
It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and dyes. Its reactive hydroxyl group allows further chemical modifications and incorporation into complex molecules.
4. Pharmaceutical Industry
● Solvent for Drug Formulation:
2-Ethoxyethanol's miscibility with water and organic solvents makes it useful in the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations, especially for drugs requiring both aqueous and organic phases.
5. Laboratory and Research Applications
● Chromatography and Extraction Solvent:
Its balanced polarity allows 2-ethoxyethanol to be used as a solvent in chromatographic separations and extractions in research labs.
6. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry
● Used as a solvent and cleaning agent in semiconductor manufacturing processes due to its ability to clean wafers and equipment without damaging delicate surfaces.

1. Excellent Solvency
● 2-Ethoxyethanol丨CAS 110-80-5 effectively dissolves a wide range of organic and inorganic substances, including resins, oils, dyes, and waxes. This makes it a versatile solvent for many industrial applications.
2. Water Miscibility
● Unlike many organic solvents, it is fully miscible with water, allowing for flexible formulation of aqueous and solvent-based products. This property is valuable in coatings and cleaning products where water-based formulations are preferred.
3. Moderate Volatility
● Its moderate boiling point (around 135°C) and evaporation rate provide a balance between drying time and film formation in paints and coatings, improving workability and finish quality.
4. Compatibility
● It is compatible with a wide variety of materials and chemicals, including polymers, resins, and metals, making it suitable for multi-component formulations.
5. Improved Coating Performance
● As a coalescing agent, 2-ethoxyethanol helps film formation in waterborne paints, improving durability, gloss, and adhesion.
6. Relatively Low Toxicity Compared to Other Solvents
● While glycol ethers require safe handling due to some toxicity concerns, 2-ethoxyethanol has a comparatively favorable toxicological profile when used with appropriate safety measures, making it a practical solvent in many industrial processes.

2-Ethoxyethanol (CAS 110-80-5) is a versatile glycol ether widely utilized as an industrial solvent due to its excellent solvency, water miscibility, and moderate evaporation rate. Its main applications include:
● Solvent in paints, coatings, and inks,
● Cleaning and degreasing agent in industrial and household products,
● Chemical intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals,
● Solvent in laboratory and electronics cleaning processes.
The compound's benefits stem from its ability to dissolve diverse substances, compatibility with water and organic solvents, and balanced evaporation profile, which improve product performance in coatings and cleaning applications.
While generally considered effective and practical, 2-ethoxyethanol requires careful handling due to potential health risks, emphasizing the importance of safety measures during its use.