What Is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE)?
- DEGEE (CAS 111-90-0) is not classified as Repr. 1B or Repr. 2 under EU CLP / GHS - unlike its shorter-chain analog EGEE (CAS 110-80-5, Repr. 1B H360D).
- Not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restrictions. Accepted under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (INCI: Ethoxydiglycol) and in pharmaceutical excipient frameworks (Transcutol-equivalent grade available).
- Not listed under California Prop 65; not classified as a HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutant) in the US. Flash point ~96 °C - not classified as a flammable liquid under GHS (threshold <60 °C).
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE, CAS 111-90-0) - commercially known as Carbitol or Ethyl Carbitol, IUPAC name 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol - is a clear, colorless, mildly odored liquid produced by ethoxylation of ethanol with diethylene glycol. Its molecular formula is C₆H₁₄O₃ (MW 134.17 g/mol). DEGEE is the ethyl-terminated E-series diethylene glycol ether - the direct higher homolog of EGEE and the ethyl counterpart of DEGMME (methyl-terminated) - with a diethylene glycol backbone that raises its boiling point (194–205 °C), lowers its vapor pressure, and raises its flash point (~96 °C) substantially compared to the short-chain EGEE (BP 133–138 °C, FP 40–43 °C).
DEGEE is fully miscible with water, alcohols, esters, ketones, and most aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons - making it one of the most universally compatible solvents in the glycol ether family. Its high boiling point, slow evaporation, and non-flammable behavior under standard industrial conditions make it a safer, drop-in regulatory alternative to EGEE in coatings, inks, cleaning, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations - while delivering comparable or superior technical performance. In pharmaceutical-grade form, DEGEE is the active ingredient of Transcutol® (Gattefossé), the industry-standard skin penetration enhancer for topical and transdermal drug delivery. Sinolook supplies both standard industrial grade (≥99.5%) and pharmaceutical-grade Transcutol-equivalent (≥99.8%) DEGEE.
DEGEE is also the direct precursor to Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (DEGEEA / Carbitol Acetate, CAS 112-15-2), produced by esterification with acetic acid - a slower-evaporating companion solvent widely used in automotive and industrial high-gloss coatings. Sinolook supplies both DEGEE and DEGEEA. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with full COA, SDS, REACH documentation, and pharmaceutical documentation on request.
Key Performance Advantages of DEGEE
Six functional properties distinguish Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether as a premium industrial and pharmaceutical solvent - combining the broad solvency and water miscibility of the glycol ether family with a favorable regulatory profile, non-flammable behavior, and unique pharmaceutical acceptance as a skin penetration enhancer (Transcutol equivalent) that no other glycol ether can match.
✅ Non-Repr.1B Regulatory Advantage Over EGEE
DEGEE's most strategically important property in the EU and regulated global markets is what it doesn't carry: no Repr. 1B (H360D) reproductive toxicant classification, no EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restriction, no California Prop 65 listing, and no HAP designation in the US. This favorable regulatory profile - in contrast to EGEE (Repr. 1B, Annex XVII restricted) - makes DEGEE the straightforward drop-in regulatory upgrade for formulators in paints, inks, cleaning, and personal care who need to eliminate CMR substances from their formulations without changing performance. Enables consumer product labeling, EU market access, and simplified SDS/safety documentation.
💊 Transcutol-Equivalent Pharma Grade - Skin Penetration Enhancer
DEGEE in pharmaceutical-grade form is the active ingredient of Transcutol® (Gattefossé) - the most widely used and best-characterized skin penetration enhancer in topical and transdermal drug formulation. It increases solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs in topical matrices by orders of magnitude, and enhances drug transport through the stratum corneum into viable epidermis. Accepted in multiple national pharmacopoeias and regulatory frameworks. Sinolook's pharmaceutical-grade DEGEE (≥99.8%) with GMP-aligned documentation, residual solvent profiling, and heavy metals testing provides a cost-effective Transcutol-equivalent for formulation development and commercial production.
🔥 Non-Flammable at Ambient - Flash Point ~96 °C
With a flash point of ~96 °C, DEGEE is not classified as a flammable liquid under GHS criteria (threshold: <60 °C for Flam. Liq. 3) - a major practical safety advantage over EGEE (flash point 40–43 °C, Class 3 flammable, UN 1171). This eliminates the need for explosion-proof electrical equipment, ATEX zoning, and DG transport classification, dramatically simplifying facility safety infrastructure and logistics. Non-flammable classification enables use in enclosed cleaning equipment, precision spray applications, and pharmaceutical manufacturing suites where flammable solvent handling carries unacceptable fire risk or regulatory burden.
🌡️ High Boiling Point & Slow Evaporation
DEGEE's boiling point (194–205 °C) and low vapor pressure classify it as a high-boiling, slow-evaporating solvent - providing extended open time in waterborne coating systems, maximum soil-contact time in industrial cleaning formulations, and prolonged working time in coating applications on large substrates. Compared to EGEE (BP 133–138 °C), DEGEE's slower evaporation reduces applicator fatigue, minimizes coating defects from flash-off, and lowers VOC emissions intensity - contributing to regulatory compliance in VOC-regulated coating and cleaning markets.
💧 Universal Miscibility & Broad Solvency
DEGEE is fully miscible with water and simultaneously dissolves a broad range of resins, oils, waxes, polymeric residues, fragrances, and lipophilic actives - covering both polar and non-polar solvency domains. This amphiphilic coupling character enables stable single-phase formulations in waterborne coatings, cleaning concentrates, agrochemical EC/SL formulations, and cosmetic serums that must bridge aqueous and hydrophobic components. Its solvency profile is similar to DEGMME (methyl-terminated) but shifted slightly toward non-polar substrates due to the larger ethyl end-group - giving formulators a distinct blending option within the diethylene glycol ether series.
🧴 EU Cosmetics & Pharma Regulatory Acceptance
DEGEE is accepted as a cosmetic ingredient under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (INCI name: Ethoxydiglycol) - enabling use in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products marketed in the EU without regulatory barrier. It carries extensive dermatological safety and biocompatibility data supporting this acceptance. In pharmaceutical applications, DEGEE is recognized in multiple pharmacopoeial frameworks as an excipient. This dual cosmetic and pharmaceutical acceptance in the EU - unavailable to EGEE due to its Repr. 1B classification - is a decisive competitive advantage for formulators in regulated personal care and pharmaceutical markets.
📌 EGEE vs DEGEE vs DEGMME - Choosing the Right Glycol Ether Solvent
| Property | EGEE (CAS 110-80-5) | DEGEE (CAS 111-90-0) | DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 133–138 °C | 194–205 °C | 191–198 °C |
| Flash Point | 40–43 °C (Flam. Liq. 3) | ~96 °C (Non-flammable) | ~88 °C (Combustible) |
| EU Repr. Classification | Repr. 1B (H360D) ⚠ | Not classified ✓ | Not classified ✓ |
| REACH Annex XVII | Restricted (Entry 30) ⚠ | No restriction ✓ | No restriction ✓ |
| EU Cosmetics (INCI) | Restricted ⚠ | Accepted - Ethoxydiglycol ✓ | Accepted ✓ |
| Key Differentiator | Nitrocellulose / printing inks / semiconductor | Pharma / Transcutol / non-flammable / EU cosmetics | Coatings / pharma / agricultural |
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Uses & Applications
DEGEE (CAS 111-90-0) serves as a high-performance solvent, skin penetration enhancer, coupling agent, and chemical intermediate across seven major industrial and life-science sectors. Its unique combination of non-Repr.1B regulatory status, non-flammable flash point, pharmaceutical acceptance as a Transcutol-equivalent, and EU cosmetic approval as Ethoxydiglycol gives it a differentiated position no other single glycol ether can match.
Paints, Coatings & Architectural Finishes
High-boiling coalescing agent and open-time extender in waterborne latex, acrylic, alkyd, and epoxy coating systems. Plasticizes polymer particles during drying, enabling defect-free film coalescence in cold-weather application or on porous substrates. Extends the wet edge in brush and roller application on large surfaces, reducing lap marks. Improves resin compatibility and controls viscosity in alkyd, epoxy, and two-component polyurethane systems without adversely affecting cure chemistry. Preferred over EGEE for EU-market compliant architectural and decorative coating formulations due to non-Repr.1B status.
Pharmaceuticals - Transcutol Equivalent
Skin penetration enhancer and API solubilizer in topical creams, gels, transdermal patches, and dermatological drug products - marketed under the brand name Transcutol® (Gattefossé) in pharmaceutical-grade form. Increases solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs (antifungals, anti-inflammatories, hormones) in topical matrices by orders of magnitude. Used as co-solvent in soft-gelatin capsule fill formulations and oral liquids for lipophilic APIs. Accepted in multiple pharmacopoeias and regulatory frameworks. Sinolook supplies Transcutol-equivalent grade (≥99.8%) with GMP documentation, residual solvent testing, and heavy metals analysis.
Personal Care, Cosmetics & Skincare
Solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils, vitamins, peptides, and lipophilic cosmetic actives in water-based serums, toners, moisturizers, and hair care products - enabling high-clarity, single-phase formulations without emulsifiers. Accepted under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (INCI: Ethoxydiglycol). Enhances delivery of cosmetic actives to deeper skin layers, improving efficacy of anti-aging, brightening, and hydration products. Non-greasy sensory profile. Extensively documented dermatological safety data. Preferred over EGEE and EGMME for leave-on EU cosmetics where Repr.1B restriction would apply to the alternatives.
Industrial Cleaning & Maintenance
Broad-spectrum degreasing solvent for mineral oils, synthetic lubricants, hydraulic fluids, turbine oils, waxes, sealant residues, and flux deposits from metal, aluminum, titanium, and composite surfaces. Used in aircraft maintenance multi-purpose cleaners and precision degreasing concentrates where substrate compatibility is critical. Non-flammable at ambient temperature (flash point ~96 °C) enables safe use in enclosed cleaning equipment and sealed spray systems without ATEX compliance overhead. Also used in electronics precision cleaning and textile scouring formulations.
Printing Inks
Retarder solvent and viscosity modifier in gravure, flexographic, and screen-printing ink systems. Slow evaporation relative to primary solvents (ethanol, n-propanol) extends ink transfer and substrate wetting time, improving print density, adhesion, and resistance to pinholing and misting on high-speed equipment. Balances drying speed in packaging inks for flexible films, paper, and board to reduce ink blocking in the reel while maintaining adequate transfer. Compatible with polyamide, nitrocellulose, polyurethane, and acrylic ink resin systems. Preferred over EGEE in EU-market compliant ink formulations.
Agrochemical Formulations
Co-solvent and emulsifier aid in emulsifiable concentrate (EC), suspension concentrate (SC), and soluble liquid (SL) formulations of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Solubilizes lipophilic active ingredients and assists emulsification when the concentrate is diluted with water for field application. Coupling power bridges hydrophilic carrier water and hydrophobic actives in a stable single-phase system. Improves spreading and penetration on plant and leaf surfaces. Non-flammable behavior improves safety in mixing and filling operations at agrochemical manufacturing facilities.
Chemical Synthesis & DEGEEA Intermediate
Reaction solvent and intermediate for the production of DEGEEA (Carbitol Acetate, CAS 112-15-2) - esterification of DEGEE with acetic acid yields this slow-evaporating companion solvent widely used in high-gloss automotive and industrial maintenance coatings. Also used as carrier fluid in metalworking and hydraulic fluids requiring non-flammable, water-miscible formulations with good lubricity, and as a reaction medium in production of specialty surfactants, polymer dispersants, and textile processing auxiliaries. Sinolook supplies DEGEEA alongside DEGEE - combined quotation available.
Technical Specifications & COA
Sinolook's Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is manufactured under strict quality control with every batch tested against the parameters below. A full Certificate of Analysis (COA), DEGEE SDS / MSDS (GHS-compliant, multi-language), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are provided with every shipment. Pharmaceutical-grade Transcutol-equivalent (≥99.8%) with enhanced analytical documentation is available for pharmaceutical and advanced cosmetics customers.
DEGEE (Carbitol / 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, CAS 111-90-0) - Quality Specifications & Typical COA
| Parameter | Specification | Typical COA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid, free of suspended matter | Clear colorless liquid |
| Purity (GC), wt% | ≥99.5% | 99.6 – 99.8% |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer), wt% | ≤0.1% | 0.03 – 0.07% |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | 0.982 – 0.988 | 0.984 – 0.986 |
| Boiling Point, °C | 194.0 – 205.0 °C (1 atm) | 196 – 202 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | ≥90 °C | ~96 °C |
| Refractive Index (20 °C, n20/D) | 1.426 – 1.430 | 1.4265 – 1.4285 |
| Color (Pt-Co / APHA) | ≤10 | ≤5 |
| Viscosity (25 °C), mPa·s | ~3.8 | 3.5 – 4.0 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid), wt% | ≤0.003% | <0.001% |
| Residue on Evaporation, wt% | ≤0.005% | <0.002% |
Pharmaceutical / Transcutol-Equivalent Grade (≥99.8%): Available with GMP-aligned documentation, residual solvent profiling (ICH Q3C), heavy metals testing (ICP), and impurity identification for pharmaceutical and advanced cosmetics customers. Packaging: 200 kg iron drums; 1,000 kg IBC tanks; bulk ISO tanks. Companion product DEGEEA (Carbitol Acetate, CAS 112-15-2) available - combined DEGEE + DEGEEA quotation on request.
DEGEE SDS, Safety & Regulatory
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether has a significantly more favorable safety and regulatory profile than its shorter-chain analog EGEE. It is not classified as a reproductive toxicant (no Repr. 1B/2), not flammable at ambient temperature (flash point ~96 °C), not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restrictions, not listed under Prop 65, and accepted in EU cosmetics (Ethoxydiglycol, INCI) and pharmaceutical excipient frameworks. DEGEE SDS / MSDS are GHS-compliant and available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.
| Safety / Regulatory Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Eye Irrit. 2; Skin Irrit. 2 - not classified as flammable liquid, combustible liquid, or reproductive toxicant |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
| Flash Point & Transport Class | ~96 °C (cc) - not classified as flammable liquid under GHS (<60 °C threshold); no UN/DG classification required; standard non-DG sea/air freight |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified - no Repr. 1B/2 designation; no EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restriction |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation | Accepted under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; INCI name: Ethoxydiglycol; permitted in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products |
| Pharmaceutical Acceptance | Accepted as pharmaceutical excipient in multiple pharmacopoeial frameworks; marketed as Transcutol® (Gattefossé) in pharma-grade form; Sinolook supplies Transcutol-equivalent ≥99.8% with GMP documentation |
| REACH / SVHC Status | ECHA registered (EC No. 203-919-7); Not SVHC listed; No Annex XVII restriction; REACH compliance letter available |
| US / California | Not listed under California Prop 65; not classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP); standard OSHA HazCom applies |
| PPE Recommended | Safety glasses; nitrile or neoprene gloves; avoid prolonged skin and eye contact; adequate general ventilation in work areas |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; 5–35 °C; sealed containers; no special electrical equipment required (non-flammable); shelf life 24 months |
| Request SDS / COA / TDS | sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 - issued within 24 hours |
DEGEE Price, Packaging & B2B Supply
Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether price depends on grade (industrial ≥99.5% or pharmaceutical Transcutol-equivalent ≥99.8%), order volume, packaging format, and delivery terms. As a direct manufacturer, Sinolook eliminates distributor margins and provides transparent, volume-tiered pricing with annual contract options. Non-DG transport classification simplifies logistics cost vs. flammable glycol ethers. Request a customized DEGEE price quote - 24-hour response.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 – 5 kg (Sample) | Sample bottle / small drum | COA, DEGEE SDS/MSDS, TDS; nominal charge refundable against first commercial order |
| 1 MT – 20 MT (Regular) | 200 kg iron drums / 1,000 kg IBC tanks | Volume discount; non-DG standard freight; dedicated account manager; full export documentation |
| 20 MT+ (Bulk / Contract) | IBC tanks / ISO tank containers (non-DG) | Best DEGEE price; fixed-price annual contract; reserved production capacity; SGS/Intertek inspection available |
📦 MOQ
1 MT industrial grade. Pharma-grade (≥99.8%) available on request. Qualification samples (0.5–5 kg) refundable against first order.
🚢 Delivery Terms
EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Ningbo. Non-DG freight - lower cost vs. flammable solvents.
⏱ Lead Time
Price quote within 24 hours. Production and export: 7–15 business days from confirmed order. Expedited available. Shelf life 24 months.
🔍 Inspection
SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas inspection at buyer's cost. Pre-shipment samples and COA issued for all commercial orders.
- ✓ ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified - every batch QC tested for GC purity, Karl Fischer, density, refractive index, color, flash point, viscosity, and acidity
- ✓ Full export documentation: COA, DEGEE SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list, commercial invoice, bill of lading (non-DG)
- ✓ EU REACH compliance letter (EC 203-919-7), SVHC declaration, and RoHS / Prop 65 statement available on request
- ✓ Pharmaceutical Transcutol-equivalent grade (≥99.8%) with GMP documentation, ICH Q3C residual solvent profiling, and ICP heavy metals testing
- ✓ Companion product DEGEEA (Carbitol Acetate, CAS 112-15-2) available - combined DEGEE + DEGEEA quotation and shipment on request
- ✓ Technical support: EGEE-to-DEGEE regulatory reformulation guidance, Transcutol-equivalent specification matching, solvent blend design
Frequently Asked Questions About DEGEE
Technical and commercial questions about Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether / Carbitol / Ethoxydiglycol (CAS 111-90-0) from B2B buyers in coatings, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial cleaning industries.
What is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE) and what is it used for?
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGEE, CAS 111-90-0) - commercially known as Carbitol, Ethyl Carbitol, or Ethoxydiglycol (INCI) - is a high-boiling, non-flammable, non-Repr.1B glycol ether solvent completely miscible with water. Primary uses: coalescing agent and open-time extender in waterborne latex and acrylic coatings; retarder solvent in gravure, flexographic, and screen-printing inks; skin penetration enhancer and API solubilizer in topical and transdermal pharmaceutical formulations (Transcutol-equivalent); solubilizer and texture modifier in EU-compliant personal care products (Ethoxydiglycol INCI); industrial degreaser for metal, aircraft, and precision component cleaning; agrochemical EC/SL co-solvent; and DEGEEA (Carbitol Acetate) precursor for high-gloss coating systems.
What are the common synonyms and INCI name for DEGEE?
DEGEE CAS 111-90-0 (EC 203-919-7) is known by several names: Carbitol (historic Union Carbide trade name, now used generically), Ethyl Carbitol, 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (IUPAC), Diglycol Monoethyl Ether, and Transcutol® (Gattefossé pharmaceutical-grade trademark). INCI name for cosmetics use: Ethoxydiglycol. Always use CAS 111-90-0 in procurement documents to avoid confusion with EGEE (CAS 110-80-5, Repr.1B, shorter-chain), DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3, methyl-terminated), or DEGEEA / Carbitol Acetate (CAS 112-15-2, the esterified derivative).
Why is DEGEE preferred over EGEE in EU-market formulations?
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE, CAS 110-80-5) carries a Repr. 1B (H360D) reproductive toxicant classification and is restricted under EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 30 in consumer products - excluding it from EU cosmetics, consumer cleaning products, and many professional applications. DEGEE (CAS 111-90-0) carries no reproductive toxicant classification and has no REACH Annex XVII restriction, enabling its use in all EU consumer and professional formulations. Beyond regulatory compliance, DEGEE offers practical advantages: higher boiling point (194–205 °C vs 133–138 °C), higher flash point (~96 °C vs 40–43 °C, non-flammable vs flammable), lower vapor pressure, and acceptance in EU cosmetics (Ethoxydiglycol) and pharmaceutical frameworks - at comparable cost to EGEE in most volume tiers.
What is Transcutol and is Sinolook's DEGEE equivalent?
Transcutol® is a pharmaceutical-grade brand of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) manufactured by Gattefossé specifically as a pharmaceutical excipient and skin penetration enhancer. It meets enhanced purity and safety documentation specifications required in regulated drug formulations. Sinolook's pharmaceutical-grade DEGEE (≥99.8% GC purity) is produced to a Transcutol-equivalent specification with GMP-aligned quality management, residual solvent profiling per ICH Q3C, heavy metals testing by ICP, and impurity identification - providing a cost-effective alternative for formulation development and commercial manufacturing. Customers requiring the original Transcutol® brand (with Gattefossé regulatory dossier) should source from Gattefossé or authorized distributors; for equivalent-grade generic supply, contact Sinolook.
Does Sinolook supply Carbitol Acetate (DEGEEA)?
Yes. Sinolook supplies Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (DEGEEA, Carbitol Acetate, CAS 112-15-2) - produced by esterification of DEGEE with acetic acid. DEGEEA is a slow-evaporating, moderately polar solvent widely used in high-gloss automotive and industrial maintenance coatings, where it contributes to extended open time and excellent film flow. DEGEE and DEGEEA are frequently used together in the same coating system to engineer a precise evaporation profile. Combined DEGEE + DEGEEA quotation and shipment arrangements are available - contact sales@sinolookchem.com.
How do I get a DEGEE price quote or sample?
Qualification samples (0.5–5 kg) are available at a nominal charge refundable against the first commercial order. Contact us with your grade, quantity, destination, and Incoterms preference.
- Step 1: Contact us with requirements - grade (industrial ≥99.5% or pharma Transcutol-equivalent ≥99.8%), quantity, packaging, delivery terms, and destination port.
- Step 2: Receive a detailed DEGEE price quote within 24 hours, including unit price, packaging, freight (non-DG), lead time, and documentation scope.
- Step 3: Request a qualification sample for formulation testing. Ask about combined DEGEE + DEGEEA (Carbitol Acetate) sample sets.
- Step 4: Confirm order - Sinolook handles production, standard non-DG packaging, full export documentation, and freight booking end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive shipment with complete documentation. Pharmaceutical GMP documentation, REACH compliance letters, and third-party inspection (SGS/Intertek/BV) available on request.
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