Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether

What Is Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TEGBE / Butyl Triglycol)?

Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TEGBE, CAS 143-22-6) - also known as Butyl Triglycol or 2-[2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol (IUPAC) - is produced by monoetherification of triethylene glycol with n-butanol under catalytic conditions. Molecular formula C₁₀H₂₂O₄, MW 206.28 g/mol. TEGBE is the third and highest-boiling member of the butyl glycol ether homologous series, following EGBE (CAS 111-76-2, Butyl Cellosolve, BP 168–173 °C) and DEGBE (CAS 112-34-5, Butyl Carbitol, BP 227–235 °C). Its triethylene glycol backbone - three ether oxygen atoms, three ethyleneoxy units - elevates the boiling point to 273–285 °C and drives the vapor pressure to near-zero at ambient temperature.

The triethylene glycol chain provides strong hydrogen-bonding capacity and enhanced polarity for solvency of polar resins, electrolyte systems, and hydrophilic polymers; the n-butyl end-group retains solvency for non-polar oils, greases, waxes, and aromatic resins - the same dual amphiphilic coupling character that defines the glycol ether family, expressed at the highest MW in the commercial butyl series. TEGBE's flash point of ~130 °C gives it a non-flammable GHS classification - unique among butyl glycol ether solvents - eliminating the explosive-proof equipment, flammable storage, and DG transport requirements that apply to both EGBE and DEGBE. It is fully miscible with water and all common organic solvents.

Standard commercial grade: purity ≥85.0% (industry standard for TEGBE - higher-oligomer co-products share the same glycol ether family and do not impair performance). High-purity ≥99.0% available on request for pharmaceutical excipient, electronics cleaning, and specialty synthesis applications. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Full COA, GHS SDS, REACH documentation. Non-DG transport - standard non-DG sea, air, and road freight.

🔥 Non-Flammable - FP ~130 °C - Unique in Butyl Glycol Ether Series

TEGBE's flash point of ~130 °C is the highest in the commercial butyl glycol ether series - and the only one that qualifies as non-flammable under GHS and international transport regulations. EGBE (FP ~61 °C) is a GHS Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN 2369, DG freight); DEGBE (FP ~78 °C) is classified as a combustible liquid; TEGBE is simply non-flammable. Concrete operational benefits: storage areas do not require NFPA 30 flammable liquid storage classification; no explosion-proof electrical installation required in storage or processing areas; no ATEX zone compliance; no DG freight surcharge; lower chemical hazard insurance premiums; simplified employee safety training. In hot-tank immersion cleaning at 80–120 °C - temperatures that approach or exceed DEGBE's flash point - TEGBE operates with complete non-flammability, enabling aggressive high-temperature cleaning without fire suppression systems.

🌡️ Highest Boiling Point - 273–285 °C - Maximum Open Time & VOC Benefit

TEGBE's boiling point of 273–285 °C is the highest of any commercial butyl glycol ether - significantly above DEGBE (227–235 °C) and EGBE (168–173 °C). Near-zero vapor pressure at 25 °C means virtually zero evaporative loss during storage, blending, and ambient application. In waterborne coatings this translates to the longest coalescence window in the series - essential in extreme cold-weather architectural painting (below 5 °C), thick-build protective coatings with extended film formation times, and high-humidity environments where coalescence is slowed. In stoving enamel and coil coating systems (cure temperatures 140–260 °C), TEGBE's thermal range allows it to remain active as a flow and leveling agent throughout the heating cycle, producing superior gloss and minimal orange-peel defect. Potential VOC exemption under EU Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) and SCAQMD Rule 102 in California due to boiling point threshold - verify per jurisdiction.

🇺🇸 Not US HAP Listed - Simplified US Facility Compliance

TEGBE is not listed as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) under the US Clean Air Act Section 112(b) - matching DEGBE's advantage over EGBE (HAP listed). Large US coating, cleaning, and industrial manufacturing facilities subject to Clean Air Act major source thresholds can substitute TEGBE for EGBE to eliminate EGBE-attributable HAP emission monitoring and reporting obligations under 40 CFR Part 63. TEGBE's slower evaporation rate (near-zero vapor pressure) compared to DEGBE means even lower absolute emissions per unit of solvent used - further simplifying facility air quality compliance. TEGBE achieves DEGBE's HAP advantage while adding non-flammable status, making it the preferred choice for US facilities with both HAP compliance and storage safety objectives. TSCA confirmation, Prop 65 status documentation, and complete HAP regulatory package available from Sinolook.

🇪🇺 Non-Repr.1B + EU 1107/2009 Eligible - Triple-Clean Regulatory Profile

TEGBE is not classified as Repr. 1B/2 under EU CLP Regulation - no reproductive toxicant designation, no REACH Annex XVII consumer product restriction, no CMR classification, not SVHC listed. Fully eligible as co-formulant in EU-authorized plant protection products under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 - unlike EGME (Repr. 1B) and EGEE (Repr. 1B) which face co-formulant restrictions in EU-registered crop protection products. TEGBE's regulatory profile is the most complete in the butyl glycol ether series: non-flammable + non-HAP + non-Repr.1B + non-CMR + non-SVHC - the only solvent in the butyl glycol ether family that simultaneously meets all five criteria. REACH registered (EC 205-592-6); REACH compliance letter, SDS, and SVHC declaration available on request.

🏭 Thermal Stability - Stoving Enamels & Coil Coating Applications

TEGBE's boiling point range of 273–285 °C positions it at the upper boundary of industrial stoving and coil coating cure windows (140–260 °C), enabling it to remain active as a flow and leveling agent throughout the entire heating cycle - unlike lower-boiling retarders that flash off before the resin system reaches crosslinking temperature. In coil coating lines (high-speed continuous processes at peak metal temperatures of 230–260 °C), TEGBE's thermal range allows sustained flow promotion through most of the cure cycle before progressive volatilization at peak oven temperatures, producing superior leveling, gloss, and minimal orange-peel defect in coil-coated architectural panels, appliance cladding, and industrial packaging materials. TEGBE represents the highest-boiling commercially available solvent in the glycol ether category - the definitive choice for coil coating formulators seeking maximum flow time in fast-cure, high-speed line configurations.

💧 Strongest Humectancy & High-Temperature Reaction Solvent

TEGBE's triethylene glycol backbone - three ether oxygen atoms and a free hydroxyl group - delivers the strongest humectant performance of the three commercial butyl glycol ethers. Greater number of hydrogen-bonding sites per molecule draws and retains atmospheric moisture at the skin surface more effectively than EGBE or DEGBE, producing more sustained hydration in premium moisturizers, body lotions, and intensive skin care treatments. In pharmaceutical topical formulations, functions as co-solvent and penetration enhancer for poorly water-soluble APIs - high boiling point and near-zero vapor pressure prevent solvent loss during manufacturing and storage of semi-solid products. As a high-temperature reaction solvent, BP 273–285 °C enables chemistry requiring sustained temperatures above 200 °C without pressure vessels - suitable for esterification, etherification, amination, and condensation reactions with aqueous workup compatibility.

High-Performance Waterborne Coatings & Architectural Finishes

Ultimate coalescing agent in waterborne latex, acrylic, and alkyd coating systems applied under the most demanding conditions - sustaining polymer Tg reduction and particle fusion throughout an exceptionally long coalescence window. Critical in extreme cold-weather architectural painting (below 5 °C) and in high-humidity environments where polymer mobility is severely reduced and film formation windows are greatly extended; prevents cracking, chalking, and adhesion failure where faster-evaporating coalescing agents (EGBE, DEGBE) have already departed the film. In premium high-gloss exterior and interior architectural paints, slow evaporation extends the wet edge to the maximum achievable duration, reducing brush and roller marks. Potential VOC exemption under EU Paints Directive and SCAQMD Rule 102 enables higher loading without breaching VOC limits. Non-flammable: simplifies hazard labeling and storage classification for consumer and professional architectural coatings.

Baking Enamels, Coil Coatings & Stoving Finishes

Thermally stable flow and leveling agent in stoving enamel systems cured at 140–200 °C in convection ovens - remains liquid and active throughout the entire heating cycle until the resin system gels, producing exceptionally smooth, high-gloss surfaces with minimal orange-peel defect. Unlike lower-boiling retarders that flash off before crosslinking temperature, TEGBE sustains flow promotion into the gel stage. In coil coating lines - high-speed continuous processes at peak metal temperatures of 230–260 °C - TEGBE's boiling range (273–285 °C) allows it to remain as a flow promoter through most of the cure cycle before progressive volatilization at peak oven temperatures; produces superior leveling and gloss in coil-coated architectural panels, appliance cladding, and industrial packaging materials. Highest-boiling commercially available glycol ether solvent for coil coating applications. Non-flammable at all relevant process temperatures.

Non-Flammable Hot-Tank Degreasing (80–120 °C)

Uniquely valuable in hot-tank immersion degreasing at 80–120 °C - temperatures that approach DEGBE's flash point (~78 °C) and substantially exceed EGBE's (~61 °C). At these operating temperatures, EGBE presents significant flammability risk and DEGBE approaches its combustion threshold; TEGBE operates with complete non-flammability even at 120 °C, enabling aggressive high-temperature cleaning without explosion-proof equipment or fire suppression systems in bath areas. Dissolves hydraulic oils, synthetic lubricants, drawing compounds, silicone greases, and polymeric residues - full water miscibility and compatibility with alkaline builders for effective metal assembly cleaning in aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering applications. Near-zero vapor pressure prevents solvent composition drift in enclosed heated cleaning systems (ultrasonic, spray-in-air) - critical for consistent batch-to-batch cleaning performance. Non-flammable classification simplifies fire safety compliance for electronics manufacturing facilities.

Agrochemical Formulations - Difficult High-LogP Actives

High-boiling co-solvent in EC, SL, and ME formulations for crop protection actives with very high lipophilicity (log P above 5) that are difficult to dissolve in conventional EC solvent systems. TEGBE's extended triethylene glycol backbone and higher polarity vs. EGBE and DEGBE provide enhanced solvency for polar-intermediate active ingredients at the boundary between EC and SC formulation approaches. Not CMR classified; not restricted under EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 - eligible for use as co-formulant in EU-authorized crop protection products without the regulatory complications associated with EGME or EGEE. Non-flammable handling improves safety in agrochemical blending and fill-and-finish facilities. Sinolook provides REACH registration confirmation (EC 205-592-6), SDS, and non-CMR declaration for co-formulant authorization submissions to national competent authorities.

Personal Care, Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical Topicals

Strongest humectant in the butyl glycol ether series - triethylene glycol backbone with three ether oxygens and a free hydroxyl draws and retains atmospheric moisture at the skin surface more effectively than EGBE or DEGBE, delivering more sustained hydration in premium moisturizers, body lotions, and intensive skin care treatments. High MW contributes a richer, more substantive skin feel suited to premium formulation positioning. As a pharmaceutical excipient in topical gels, creams, and transdermal delivery systems, TEGBE functions as a co-solvent for poorly water-soluble APIs and as a moderate skin penetration enhancer (stratum corneum disruption mechanism). High boiling point and near-zero vapor pressure prevent solvent loss during semi-solid pharmaceutical manufacturing, filling, and storage, maintaining product concentration and stability. Higher-purity ≥99.0% grade available for pharmaceutical applications.

High-Temperature Chemical Synthesis & Electronics Cleaning

Premium high-temperature reaction solvent for organic synthesis requiring sustained temperatures above 200 °C without pressure vessels - BP 273–285 °C enables reflux conditions in esterification, etherification, amination, and condensation reactions; thermal stability and chemical inertness toward common reagents; full water miscibility facilitates aqueous workup after reaction. In specialty ester and surfactant production where DEGBE's BP is insufficient, TEGBE extends the accessible temperature range. Also serves as carrier solvent in hydraulic fluids, metalworking fluids, and high-temperature process formulations requiring thermal stability above 200 °C. In precision electronics cleaning (PCBs, semiconductor packages, optical assemblies), TEGBE's near-zero vapor pressure prevents solvent loss during elevated-temperature cleaning cycles in ultrasonic and enclosed spray-in-air equipment, and its non-flammable classification simplifies fire safety for heated electronics cleaning environments where open flammable solvent use is restricted.

📦 Grades & MOQ

MOQ 1 MT. Std ≥85.0%; high-purity ≥99.0% on request for pharma/electronics. Samples 0.5–5 kg refundable.

🚢 Delivery Terms

EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Ningbo. Non-DG - no DG freight surcharge.

⏱ Lead Time

Price quote within 24 hours. Production and export: 10–15 business days. Expedited available. Shelf life 24 months.

🔍 Inspection

SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas at buyer's cost. Notify at order placement. Pre-shipment COA for all orders.