Tripropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether

What Is Tripropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TPGBE / Dowanol TPnB)?

Tripropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TPGBE, CAS 55934-93-5) - commercially known as Dowanol TPnB - is produced by monoetherification of tripropylene glycol with n-butanol under acid or base catalysis. Molecular formula C₁₃H₂₈O₄, MW 248.36 g/mol. TPGBE is the third and highest-boiling member of the P-series butyl glycol ether series, following PGBE (CAS 5131-66-8, BP 165–175 °C) and DPGBE (CAS 29911-28-2, BP 230–245 °C), with a tripropylene glycol backbone - three propylene oxide units - capped by a butyl end-group and terminated with a free hydroxyl group.

TPGBE's flash point ≥120 °C is the highest in the commercial butyl glycol ether family (P-series and E-series) and places it outside the scope of dangerous goods classification for international freight - the only butyl glycol ether solvent to achieve this logistical status. Boiling point 270–285 °C is the highest of any commercial glycol ether solvent, providing the maximum coalescence window in waterborne coatings - critical for premium wood finishes on dense hardwoods (teak, rosewood, wenge), thick-build furniture lacquers, and multi-coat floor finishes. Near-zero vapor pressure at ambient temperature means essentially no evaporative loss during storage, blending, and handling. Standard commercial purity ≥85.0% reflects the presence of structurally related higher-oligomer glycol ether co-products (same P-series family, no performance impairment in primary applications); ≥99.0% available on request for pharmaceutical, personal care, and specialty applications.

TPGBE occupies the apex of the P-series butyl glycol ether series across every thermal and safety metric - highest boiling point, highest flash point, lowest vapor pressure, and unique non-DG transport status - making it the definitive choice for premium wood coatings, high-speed gravure/flexographic inks, industrial stoving finishes, and any formulation where maximum open time, thermal stability, or non-DG logistics are the decisive requirements. Purity ≥85.0% standard (≥99.0% on request). ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Full COA, GHS SDS, REACH documentation.

🚢 Non-DG Transport - Unique Logistics Advantage in Butyl Glycol Ether Series

TPGBE's flash point ≥120 °C is the only flash point in the commercial butyl glycol ether family that qualifies for non-dangerous-goods transport classification under IMDG (sea), IATA (air), and ADR (road) - the only butyl glycol ether solvent to achieve this status. Concrete logistics advantages: no DG freight surcharges (can represent 15–30% of total shipping cost for DG solvents); no UN number hazard placarding on drums, IBCs, or containers; no DG declaration documentation in export paperwork; no special packaging certification requirements for standard freight; access to freight options (including certain air freight categories) unavailable to PGBE (Class 3 Flammable), DPGBE (combustible), EGBE (Class 3 Flammable), DEGBE (combustible), and TEGBE (non-DG but E-series tox. profile). For global specialty chemical buyers managing multi-country supply chains, TPGBE's non-DG status significantly reduces total landed cost, administrative complexity, and supply chain risk across all freight modes.

🌡️ Highest Boiling Point 270–285 °C - Maximum Open Time & Wood Coating Performance

TPGBE's boiling point of 270–285 °C is the highest of any commercial glycol ether solvent - significantly exceeding DPGBE (230–245 °C), DEGBE (227–235 °C), and TEGBE (273–285 °C in the E-series). This provides the longest coalescence window of any glycol ether, sustaining polymer plasticization through the entire drying and coalescence sequence - critical for premium wood coatings on challenging substrates (dense hardwoods: teak, rosewood, wenge) and demanding applications (thick-build furniture lacquers, multi-coat floor finishes, high-humidity architectural coatings). In high-speed gravure and flexographic printing inks, near-zero vapor pressure at ambient temperature means TPGBE remains essentially non-volatile on gravure cylinders and anilox rolls - dramatically extending press-side open time and reducing press washing frequency on high-speed packaging printing lines running above 400 m/min. In stoving enamels and industrial finishes, thermal stability above 250 °C enables TPGBE to remain active as a flow promoter throughout the entire stoving cycle at peak metal temperatures up to 200–220 °C, producing consistently smooth high-gloss surfaces.

🇺🇸 Not US HAP Listed + Non-DG - Dual Logistics & Compliance Advantage

TPGBE is confirmed not listed as a US EPA Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) under Clean Air Act Section 112(b) - confirmed via US EPA CompTox Dashboard (DTXSID50882139). Unlike EGBE (HAP listed), TPGBE carries no US air emission monitoring, MACT standard, or NESHAPs reporting obligations for manufacturing facilities. Combined with its non-DG transport status, TPGBE provides a dual logistics and compliance advantage found in no other butyl glycol ether solvent: non-DG simplified freight (vs. PGBE Class 3 Flammable, DPGBE combustible, EGBE Class 3 Flammable, DEGBE combustible) AND non-HAP manufacturing compliance (vs. EGBE HAP listed). For US cleaning product, coating, and specialty chemical manufacturers, TPGBE simultaneously simplifies inbound freight logistics (non-DG) and reduces facility air permit obligations (non-HAP) - two supply chain cost reduction drivers in a single chemical platform. Sinolook provides formal non-HAP confirmation letters for EPA air permit applications and supply chain audit records.

🇪🇺 Non-Repr.1B + EU 1107/2009 + Potential VOC Exempt - Cleanest Regulatory Profile

TPGBE is not classified as Repr. 1B/2 under EU CLP - no CMR designation, no REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction, not SVHC listed. Fully eligible as co-formulant in EU-authorized plant protection products under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. REACH registered (EC 259-900-4). Potential VOC exemption under EU Paints Directive 2004/42/EC: VOC is defined as compounds with initial boiling point ≤250 °C - TPGBE's boiling point of 270–285 °C may place it entirely outside the regulated VOC definition in EU architectural coating contexts, enabling higher TPGBE loading in premium waterborne coatings without increasing calculated VOC content. Under SCAQMD Rule 102 in California, near-zero vapor pressure and ultra-high boiling point may qualify TPGBE for VOC exemption consideration - verify per product category and jurisdiction. Sinolook provides BP and vapor pressure data for regulatory VOC assessment submissions. Combined regulatory profile - non-CMR + non-HAP + non-DG + non-flammable + potential VOC exempt - is the most comprehensive of any glycol ether solvent in any series.

💥 Near-Zero Vapor Pressure - Minimal Inhalation Risk + Printing Ink Open Time

TPGBE's vapor pressure at 25 °C is near-zero - the lowest of any commercial P-series butyl glycol ether - providing three compounding benefits. (1) Minimal inhalation exposure at ambient temperature: standard workplace general ventilation is sufficient; no special respiratory protection required under normal handling conditions; negligible vapor generation in storage and handling areas. (2) Maximum press-side open time in printing inks: TPGBE remains essentially non-volatile on gravure cylinders, anilox rolls, and print heads during press operation - dramatically reducing color inconsistency from dried ink and press cleaning downtime on high-speed packaging printing lines at 400+ m/min. (3) No evaporative loss during storage, blending, and ambient application - 100% of TPGBE dosed into a formulation remains active throughout the process, unlike lower-boiling solvents that partially evaporate before performing their intended function. Combined with non-DG transport, near-zero vapor pressure makes TPGBE the safest and most logistics-friendly high-boiling glycol ether available.

🌳 ≥85.0% Standard Purity + ≥99.0% Available - Industry-Standard Grade Explained

Standard commercial purity ≥85.0% for TPGBE reflects the typical industrial-grade composition: TPGBE is the primary component with the balance consisting of structurally related higher-oligomer glycol ether co-products (principally tetra- and higher-propylene glycol monobutyl ethers) formed during the tripropylene glycol etherification synthesis reaction. These co-products belong to the same P-series glycol ether structural family, share TPGBE's favorable regulatory properties (non-HAP, non-Repr.1B, non-CMR), and do not meaningfully impair performance in primary coatings, inks, cleaning, and adhesive applications. This ≥85.0% specification is the accepted industry standard for TPGBE, consistent with DEGBE/DPGBE/TEGBE industrial-grade precedent. High-purity ≥99.0% available from Sinolook on request for pharmaceutical excipient qualification, analytical reference standards, premium personal care (intensive moisturizers, luxury body butters), electronics cleaning, and high-specification synthesis requiring tighter compositional control. Contact for analytical characterization details.

Premium Waterborne Wood Coatings & Furniture Finishes

TPGBE's most important and technically demanding end-use. Wood is among the most challenging waterborne coating substrates - variable porosity, high extractives content in hardwoods, dimensional movement, and complex multi-coat systems impose demanding coalescence requirements. TPGBE's ultra-high boiling point (270–285 °C) provides the longest coalescence window of any commercial glycol ether solvent, sustaining polymer plasticization throughout the entire drying and coalescence sequence - critical for thick-build furniture lacquers, multi-coat floor finishes, and cabinet coatings requiring extended film formation for adequate hardness development, adhesion, and surface aesthetics. Improves flow and leveling on dense resin-rich hardwoods (teak, rosewood, wenge) notorious for poor waterborne coating wetting due to surface oils interfering with film formation. Slow evaporation allows the coating to remain mobile for longer after application - reducing crawling, fisheye, and poor adhesion defects on difficult substrates. Also functions in UV-curable waterborne wood systems as slow-evaporating co-solvent during flash-off/wet stage, improving leveling without interfering with photopolymerization cure. Potential VOC exemption under EU Paints Directive (BP >250 °C threshold) enables higher loading without increasing calculated VOC content.

Water-Based Printing Inks - Gravure, Flexographic & Digital

Slow-evaporating retarder and coupling solvent in water-based gravure, flexographic, and digital printing inks. Near-zero vapor pressure at ambient temperature means TPGBE remains essentially non-volatile on the gravure cylinder and anilox roll during press operation - dramatically extending the time before ink dries down and plugs fine cells, a common cause of color inconsistency and press cleaning downtime on high-speed packaging printing lines. In flexographic inks for flexible packaging (print speeds above 400 m/min), TPGBE extends press-side open time without sacrificing substrate adhesion or ink transfer efficiency, reducing the frequency of press washes while maintaining consistent print quality across production runs. Full miscibility with water-based ink resin systems (polyurethane, acrylic, styrene-maleic anhydride dispersions) and pigment-dispersing coupling action supports use across diverse water-based ink chemistries in the rapidly expanding sustainable packaging ink market. Non-DG transport simplifies TPGBE procurement logistics for ink manufacturers with multi-country production sites.

Industrial Coatings - High-Solids, Anti-Corrosion & Stoving Finishes

Retarder and flow promoter in industrial coating systems requiring slow evaporation and extended flow time - high-solids alkyd and polyurethane maintenance coatings for steel structures, stoving enamels for appliances and automotive components, and anti-corrosion coatings for marine and infrastructure applications. Thermal stability above 250 °C makes TPGBE effective in high-temperature stoving finishes where peak metal temperatures approach 200–220 °C in industrial baking ovens - conditions under which lower-boiling retarders flash off before the resin system reaches crosslinking temperature. TPGBE remains active as a flow aid through the majority of the stoving cycle, producing consistently smooth, high-gloss film surfaces. Non-DG transport classification simplifies TPGBE procurement across global industrial coating manufacturer supply chains. Non-HAP status eliminates air emission monitoring obligations for US coating manufacturing facilities. Compatible with alkyd, polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic binder systems.

Household & Institutional Cleaners - Non-DG, Non-HAP, Non-Flammable

In premium household and institutional cleaning formulations, TPGBE's combination of strong grease-cutting solvency, near-zero evaporation, non-HAP status, non-flammable GHS classification, and non-DG transport creates the most comprehensive compliance and logistics profile of any glycol ether solvent for cleaning product formulation. Near-zero vapor pressure means TPGBE remains active in the formulation throughout the full soil contact and dwell time - maximizing grease penetration on vertical surfaces (bathroom tiles, kitchen splashbacks, industrial equipment) before wiping or rinsing, outperforming faster-evaporating glycol ethers (PGBE, EGBE) that partially evaporate during dwell. For US cleaning product manufacturers, non-HAP status eliminates air emission obligations associated with EGBE use. Non-flammable and non-DG simultaneously: TPGBE is shipped via standard non-DG freight (no surcharges, no DG paperwork) AND stored without explosion-proof requirements AND handled without flammable liquid safety protocols - triple operational simplification unavailable with any other glycol ether cleaning solvent.

Agrochemical Formulations - High-LogP Actives & Adhesives/Sealants

In agrochemical formulation, TPGBE serves as high-boiling co-solvent in EC, SL, and ME formulations for crop protection actives with extreme lipophilicity (log P >5–6) that resist dissolution in conventional co-solvent systems. Three propyleneoxy units and the highest polarity and MW in the P-series butyl glycol ether family enable solvation of active ingredient crystal structures that shorter-chain co-solvents cannot dissolve. Not CMR; eligible as co-formulant under EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Combined non-CMR (EU) + non-HAP (US) profile provides dual-market compliance. In water-based adhesives and sealants: ultra-slow evaporation enables the longest open assembly times of any P-series solvent - ideal for structural bonding requiring extended part positioning (automotive interior assembly, façade glazing panel alignment, engineered wood flooring installation). Plasticizing action maintains adhesive in a workable, tackified state significantly longer than PGBE or DPGBE at equivalent loading. Non-DG transport simplifies procurement of TPGBE for adhesive and sealant manufacturers.

Premium Personal Care - Highest P-Series Humectant Performance

TPGBE represents the pinnacle of the P-series butyl glycol ether humectant family for personal care formulation. Its highest molecular weight (248.36 g/mol) and three propyleneoxy hydrogen-bonding units give it the strongest moisture-retention characteristics of the P-series - translating to more sustained skin hydration, better formulation substantivity, and a richer skin feel compared to PGBE and DPGBE. Preferred for intensive moisturizing creams, overnight face masks, hair repair treatments, and luxury body butter formulations where maximum active contact time and skin hydration are primary objectives. Functions as solubilizer for fragrance compounds, essential oils, and lipophilic actives in water-based systems. P-series backbone provides a skin compatibility profile considered superior to E-series counterparts for cosmetic safety assessments. In topical pharmaceutical formulations: co-solvent excipient in topical gels, creams, and transdermal delivery systems - non-HAP and clean regulatory profile simplify US/EU regulatory excipient documentation. High-purity ≥99.0% available for pharmaceutical excipient qualification.

📦 MOQ & Grades

MOQ 1 MT standard ≥85.0%. High-purity ≥99.0% on request. Samples 0.5–5 kg refundable. 200 kg standard drums.

🚢 Non-DG Delivery

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

⏱ Lead Time

Quote within 24 hours. Production: 10–15 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.