What Is Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE)?
- EGEE (CAS 110-80-5) is classified Repr. 1B (H360D) under EU CLP / GHS - may damage the unborn child.
- Subject to EU REACH Annex XVII restriction (Entry 30): concentrations ≥0.5% restricted in consumer products. B2B industrial supply is fully permitted with appropriate risk management and OEL compliance.
- OEL: OSHA PEL 5 ppm TWA; ACGIH TLV 5 ppm TWA. California Prop 65 listed (developmental toxicant). GHS-compliant SDS and REACH documentation provided with every shipment.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE, CAS 110-80-5) - also known as Cellosolve, 2-Ethoxyethanol, or Ethyl Cellosolve - is a clear, colorless liquid produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethanol under catalytic conditions. Its molecular formula is C₄H₁₀O₂ (MW 90.12 g/mol). EGEE is the ethyl-terminated E-series glycol ether - the direct higher homolog of EGMME (methyl-terminated) - with one additional methylene unit that raises its boiling point (133.5–138 °C vs 124–125 °C) and slightly slows its evaporation rate relative to EGMME.
EGEE is fully miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, ether, and most common organic solvents. Its most distinctive industrial property is its exceptional solvency for nitrocellulose - the primary film-forming resin in lacquers - combined with strong solubility for alkyd resins, epoxy systems, cellulose esters, and polyurethanes. This combination of resin solvency and water miscibility made EGEE one of the most widely deployed industrial solvents of the twentieth century, with its dominant application in paints, printing inks, and semiconductor photoresist processing persisting in global markets today.
EGEE is also the direct precursor to Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (EGEEA / Cellosolve Acetate, CAS 111-15-9), produced by esterification with acetic acid. EGEEA is a slower-evaporating, less polar companion solvent widely used in high-gloss coating and ink formulations. Sinolook supplies both EGEE and EGEEA. Purity ≥99.5%, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with full COA, GHS SDS, REACH documentation, and complete DG export compliance (UN 1171, Class 3, PG III).
Key Solvent Performance Advantages of EGEE
Six functional properties define Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether's enduring position as a leading industrial solvent - particularly its unmatched nitrocellulose solvency, controlled evaporation rate, and versatility across printing, coating, and semiconductor applications where precise solvent behavior is critical.
🎯 Exceptional Nitrocellulose & Resin Solvency
EGEE's most distinctive industrial asset is its outstanding solvency for nitrocellulose - the primary film-forming resin in wood lacquers, leather finishes, and automotive refinishing products. It also dissolves alkyd resins, epoxy systems, cellulose esters, acrylic resins, polyurethane prepolymers, and rosin-based varnishes with excellent efficiency. This broad resin compatibility, combined with water miscibility, makes EGEE a uniquely versatile single solvent capable of replacing two or three more narrowly selective solvents in complex coating and ink formulations - reducing formulation cost and complexity.
⚖️ Controlled Evaporation - Optimal for Printing Inks
EGEE's boiling point (133.5–138 °C) places it in the medium-evaporation-rate category - slower than ethanol, faster than n-butanol - giving ink and coating formulators precise control over drying speed. In gravure and flexographic printing, this controlled evaporation allows ink to dry at printing speed without premature plate blocking or excessive solvent carry-off. In coatings, it retards drying just enough to improve flow and leveling before the film sets - preventing brush marks, orange peel, and blushing while maintaining acceptable through-put times in industrial coating operations.
💧 Complete Water Miscibility & Coupling
Like all E-series glycol ethers, EGEE is completely miscible with water in all proportions while simultaneously dissolving hydrophobic resins and oils - functioning as an outstanding coupling solvent that bridges aqueous and organic phases. This amphiphilic character enables EGEE to stabilize water-reducible coating systems, prevent phase separation in mixed solvent-water formulations, and assist emulsification in agrochemical EC concentrates when diluted with water for field application. The coupling function is also critical in semiconductor photoresist developer and edge-bead remover formulations.
🔬 Photoresist Compatibility for Semiconductor Processing
EGEE has a long history as a foundational solvent in semiconductor photolithography. Its ability to dissolve photosensitive polymer films (photoresists) with precision, combined with its controlled evaporation during spin-coating processes, made it a standard component of photoresist formulations and developer solutions in the development of integrated circuit manufacturing. In modern fab environments, EGEE continues to be used in photoresist developer formulations, edge-bead removal, and specialty cleaning applications where its precise evaporation and materials compatibility with silicon-based substrates remain technically valuable.
🧹 Effective Industrial Cleaning & Degreasing
EGEE rapidly dissolves mineral oils, synthetic lubricants, stamping fluids, drawing compounds, waxes, and adhesive residues from metal, glass, ceramic, and electronic surfaces. Its water miscibility enables water-rinsable cleaning formulations that leave no hydrocarbon residue - essential for metal parts destined for painting, electroplating, or precision assembly. In aerosol degreasers and industrial maintenance products, EGEE provides fast-acting soil removal with broad materials compatibility. Also used as a carrier solvent in phosphating and chromating bath additives, where its wetting of metallic surfaces improves coating uniformity.
📄 EGEEA Precursor - Higher-Value Downstream Chemistry
EGEE is the direct chemical precursor to Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate (EGEEA / Cellosolve Acetate, CAS 111-15-9), produced by esterification with acetic acid. EGEEA is a slower-evaporating, less polar companion solvent widely used in high-gloss coating and ink formulations where balanced fast initial drying (fast co-solvents) and extended flow time (EGEEA) is required. EGEE and EGEEA are frequently used together in the same coating or ink system, giving formulators precise control over the full evaporation profile. Sinolook supplies both EGEE and EGEEA - contact our team for combined product quotations.
📌 EGEE vs EGMME - E-Series Ethyl vs Methyl Comparison
EGEE (CAS 110-80-5, ethyl-terminated) and EGMME (CAS 109-86-4, methyl-terminated) are both short-chain E-series glycol ethers with similar regulatory profiles (both Repr. 1B, both REACH Annex XVII restricted). Key differences: EGEE boils slightly higher (133.5–138 °C vs 124–125 °C) for marginally slower evaporation and longer open time; EGMME has a slightly higher Kauri-Butanol value for stronger non-polar resin solvency.
EGEE dominates in printing inks, nitrocellulose lacquers, and semiconductor photoresist applications; EGMME is more common in specialty coatings and certain chemical synthesis roles. For applications requiring the solvency power of E-series without reproductive toxicant classification, consider PGMME (CAS 107-98-2) or higher-chain DEGMME / TEGMME. All products available from Sinolook.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Uses & Applications
EGEE (CAS 110-80-5) serves as a primary or co-solvent across seven major industrial sectors. Its unique combination of nitrocellulose solvency, water miscibility, controlled evaporation rate, and broad resin compatibility has made it a cornerstone industrial solvent for paints, printing inks, semiconductor manufacturing, and precision cleaning globally.
Paints, Lacquers & Industrial Coatings
High-solvency latent solvent and flow-control agent in nitrocellulose lacquers for wood furniture, automotive refinishing, and leather goods - preventing premature skinning and brush marks during application. Improves resin compatibility and pigment dispersion homogeneity in alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane systems. Used as a diluent in UV-curable coatings and a viscosity-control agent in two-component polyurethane systems. Strong metallic surface wetting aids adhesion and displaces surface moisture in industrial maintenance coatings on steel structures and machinery.
Printing Inks - Gravure, Flexographic & Screen
Primary solvent in gravure and flexographic inks for nitrocellulose, polyamide, and polyurethane resin systems - providing excellent resin dissolution, controlled drying speed matched to press speeds and substrate types, and strong pigment wetting for color consistency. In screen-printing inks for textiles and industrial applications, EGEE achieves smooth, lump-free dispersions. Compatible with both water-reducible and solvent-based resin systems, giving ink chemists flexibility in formulating across different VOC regulatory environments. Frequently paired with EGEEA for balanced evaporation profiles in high-gloss ink systems.
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
Historically foundational in photolithography workflows for integrated circuit manufacturing - dissolves photosensitive polymer films with precision, with controlled evaporation during spin-coating essential for uniform photoresist film thickness. Continues to be used in modern semiconductor fabs for photoresist developer formulations, edge-bead removal solvents, and specialty cleaning applications. Compatible with silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and various dielectric materials. Precise evaporation characteristics under controlled clean-room conditions maintain process reproducibility.
Industrial Cleaning & Metal Surface Treatment
Rapid dissolution of mineral oils, lubricants, stamping fluids, waxes, and adhesive residues from metal, glass, and electronic surfaces. Water-rinsable cleaning formulations leave no hydrocarbon residue - critical for pre-treatment of metal parts before painting, plating, or precision assembly. Used in aerosol-format maintenance degreasers, precision cleaning baths, and industrial hard-surface cleaners. Carrier solvent in phosphating and chromating bath additives where surface wetting improves coating uniformity and adhesion promotion on metallic substrates.
Agrochemical Formulations
Co-solvent and emulsifier aid in emulsifiable concentrate (EC) 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. Controlled evaporation after spray application contributes to deposit formation and active ingredient release kinetics on plant and leaf surfaces. Water miscibility enables stable single-phase EC concentrates combining hydrophilic and lipophilic active components.
Textile & Leather Processing
Penetration and leveling agent in textile dyeing auxiliaries and leather finishing compounds. Improves dye uptake uniformity by facilitating dye migration into fiber substrates and by improving leveling of dyebath chemistry across the textile surface. In leather finishing, EGEE improves adhesion and penetration of surface-coating lacquers and finish topcoats, contributing to uniform gloss and durability. Its broad compatibility with dye chemistries, binders, softeners, and other textile auxiliaries makes it a flexible carrier solvent in this sector.
Chemical Synthesis & EGEEA Intermediate
Reaction solvent and intermediate in the production of EGEEA (Cellosolve Acetate, CAS 111-15-9) - esterification of EGEE with acetic acid yields this slower-evaporating companion solvent widely used in premium coating and ink formulations. Also used as a reaction medium in polymer and resin synthesis, surfactant manufacture, and specialty chemical production where a polar, water-miscible solvent with good resin compatibility is required. Compatible with a wide range of reagents, catalysts, and polymer systems commonly used in organic synthesis.
Technical Specifications & COA
Sinolook's Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is manufactured under strict quality control with every production batch tested against the parameters below. A full Certificate of Analysis (COA), EGEE SDS / MSDS (GHS-compliant, multi-language), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are provided with every shipment, alongside full DG export documentation (UN 1171 dangerous goods declaration).
EGEE (Cellosolve / 2-Ethoxyethanol, CAS 110-80-5) - 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 | 0.928 – 0.932 | 0.929 – 0.931 |
| Boiling Point, °C | 133.5 – 138.0 °C | 134 – 137 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | 40 – 43 °C | 40 – 42 °C |
| Refractive Index (20 °C, n20/D) | 1.407 – 1.410 | 1.4075 – 1.4090 |
| Color (Pt-Co / APHA) | ≤10 | ≤5 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid), wt% | ≤0.003% | <0.001% |
| Residue on Evaporation, wt% | ≤0.005% | <0.002% |
Packaging: Standard export packing: 195 kg iron drums (UN-approved, Class 3 flammable liquid). 1,000 kg IBC tanks and bulk ISO tank containers (20–25 MT) available for larger orders. All packaging prepared in full compliance with IMDG dangerous goods regulations. Companion product: EGEE Acetate (EGEEA, CAS 111-15-9) available - contact our team for combined product quotations and specifications.
EGEE SDS, Safety & Regulatory Classification
Buyers of Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether must understand its regulatory classification before procurement and use. EGEE carries two distinct hazard categories requiring separate risk management: Repr. 1B (H360D) reproductive toxicant and Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN 1171, PG III). Despite this classification, EGEE is widely and safely used in industrial applications across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Americas markets under appropriate engineering controls and occupational hygiene programs. EGEE SDS / MSDS are GHS-compliant and available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.
| Safety / Regulatory Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Repr. 1B (H360D); Flam. Liq. 3 (H226); Acute Tox. 4 (H312, H332); Eye Irrit. 2; STOT RE 2 |
| GHS Signal Word | DANGER |
| Flash Point & Transport | 40–43 °C (cc) - Class 3 Flammable Liquid; UN 1171 (Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether); PG III; IMDG / ADR / IATA compliant |
| Occupational Exposure Limits | OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (100 ppm with skin notation recommended); ACGIH TLV: 5 ppm TWA (skin); EU IOELV: 8 ppm TWA / 20 ppm STEL |
| PPE Required | Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile / neoprene); safety goggles; local exhaust ventilation; prohibit use by pregnant workers; no smoking / eating in work areas |
| EU REACH Annex XVII | Entry 30 restriction: ≥0.5% in consumer products restricted. B2B industrial and professional supply fully permitted with risk management. REACH registered (EC 203-804-1) |
| US / California | California Prop 65 listed (developmental toxicant); OSHA Hazard Communication standard applies; not currently listed as CAA Hazardous Air Pollutant |
| Storage | Cool, dry, ventilated area; <30 °C; away from ignition sources; grounded / bonded containers; explosion-proof electrical equipment; sealed containers (hygroscopic); shelf life 24 months |
| SDS Languages Available | English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese |
| Request SDS / COA / TDS | sales@sinolookchem.com or WhatsApp +86 134 0071 5622 - issued within 24 hours |
EGEE Price, Packaging & B2B Supply
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether price depends on order volume, packaging format, and delivery terms. As a direct manufacturer in China, Sinolook eliminates intermediary markups and provides pricing benchmarked directly to raw material costs and market conditions. Volume-tiered pricing and annual supply contracts with price stability are available. Request a customized EGEE price quote - response within 24 hours.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 – 5 kg (Sample) | UN-approved sample container | COA, EGEE SDS/MSDS, TDS; nominal charge refundable against first commercial order |
| 1 MT – 20 MT (Regular) | 195 kg UN-approved iron drums / 1,000 kg IBC tanks | Volume discount; DG documentation; dedicated account manager; full export documentation |
| 20 MT+ (Bulk / Contract) | ISO tank containers (20–25 MT per tank) | Best EGEE price; fixed-price annual contract; reserved production capacity; SGS/Intertek inspection available |
📦 MOQ
1 MT standard grade. Qualification samples (0.5–5 kg) at nominal charge, refundable against first commercial order.
🚢 Delivery Terms
EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Ningbo. Full IMDG DG compliance.
⏱ Lead Time
Price quote within 24 hours. Production and export: 7–15 business days from confirmed order. Urgent orders accommodated.
🔍 Inspection
SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas inspection available at buyer's cost. Notify at order placement for scheduling.
- ✓ ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified - every batch QC tested for GC purity, Karl Fischer, density, refractive index, color, flash point, and acidity
- ✓ Full DG export documentation: COA, EGEE SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, dangerous goods declaration (UN 1171), packing list, bill of lading
- ✓ EU REACH compliance letter (EC 203-804-1), Annex XVII restriction status confirmation, CLP-compliant multi-language SDS provided
- ✓ California Prop 65 compliance statement and US OSHA HazCom documentation available on request
- ✓ Companion product EGEEA (CAS 111-15-9, Cellosolve Acetate) available - combined EGEE + EGEEA quotation on request
- ✓ 15+ years exporting Class 3 flammable liquids to 50+ countries - no shipment delays due to DG non-compliance
Frequently Asked Questions About EGEE
Technical and commercial questions about Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether / Cellosolve (CAS 110-80-5) from B2B buyers in paints, printing inks, semiconductor, and industrial cleaning industries.
What is Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE) and what is it used for?
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE, CAS 110-80-5) - also known as Cellosolve or 2-Ethoxyethanol - is a broad-spectrum industrial solvent with exceptional solvency for nitrocellulose and a wide range of resins, combined with complete water miscibility. Primary uses: paints and nitrocellulose lacquers (flow, leveling, latent solvent); gravure, flexographic, and screen-printing inks (primary solvent, controlled drying); semiconductor photoresist formulations and developer solutions; industrial cleaning and degreasing (metal pre-treatment, aerosol degreasers); agrochemical EC/SL co-solvent and emulsifier aid; textile and leather processing (dye leveling, finish adhesion); and as an intermediate in EGEEA (Cellosolve Acetate) synthesis.
What are the synonyms for EGEE and what is the CAS number?
The EGEE CAS number is 110-80-5 (EC 203-804-1). Synonyms include Cellosolve (Union Carbide trade name, now generic), 2-Ethoxyethanol (IUPAC name), Ethyl Cellosolve, Glycol Monoethyl Ether, and EE. In Chinese trade documentation: 乙二醇单乙醚. Always use CAS 110-80-5 when specifying EGEE in procurement documents to avoid confusion with EGMME (CAS 109-86-4, methyl-terminated, also Repr. 1B) or DEGEE (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, CAS 111-90-0, Carbitol).
What is Cellosolve Acetate (EGEEA) and how does it relate to EGEE?
Cellosolve Acetate (EGEEA, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate, CAS 111-15-9) is produced by esterification of EGEE with acetic acid. EGEEA is a slower-evaporating, less polar companion solvent widely used in high-gloss coating and ink formulations - providing extended flow time and improved gloss when combined with faster co-solvents. EGEE and EGEEA are frequently used together in the same formulation system to engineer a precise, balanced evaporation profile. Sinolook supplies EGEEA as a companion product alongside EGEE - contact our team for combined product specifications and pricing.
Is EGEE restricted in the EU? What are the REACH and CLP requirements?
Yes. Under EU CLP Regulation, EGEE is classified Repr. 1B (H360D) - may damage the unborn child. Under EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 30, concentrations ≥0.5% are restricted in consumer products. B2B industrial and professional supply is fully permitted with appropriate risk management measures including OEL compliance, SDS distribution, exposure assessment, and CLP-compliant labeling. EGEE is ECHA-registered (EC 203-804-1) and not on the SVHC candidate list. Sinolook provides REACH compliance letters, CLP-compliant SDS in required EU languages, and Annex XVII restriction status confirmation for import and downstream use compliance.
What is the difference between EGEE and EGMME?
EGEE (CAS 110-80-5, ethyl-terminated, MW 90.12 g/mol) and EGMME (CAS 109-86-4, methyl-terminated, MW 76.09 g/mol) are both short-chain Repr. 1B E-series glycol ethers. Key differences: EGEE boils slightly higher (133.5–138 °C vs 124–125 °C) for marginally longer open time; EGEE is the dominant solvent in printing inks and historically in semiconductor photoresist applications; EGMME (stronger KB value) is favored in certain specialty coatings and chemical synthesis. Both are subject to the same EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction. For applications where Repr. 1B classification is a barrier, consider P-series alternatives (PGMME, PGEE) or higher-chain E-series (DEGMME, TEGMME). All products available from Sinolook.
How do I get an EGEE price quote or free 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 your requirements - grade, quantity (MT or kg), packaging format, delivery terms (FOB/CIF/DDP), and destination port.
- Step 2: Receive a complete EGEE price quote within 24 hours, including unit price, packaging, freight estimate, lead time, and documentation scope.
- Step 3: Request a qualification sample (0.5–5 kg) for formulation testing and quality verification. Ask about combined EGEE + EGEEA sample sets.
- Step 4: Confirm order - Sinolook handles production, UN-approved Class 3 packaging, full DG documentation, and freight booking end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive shipment on time with complete documentation. Third-party inspection (SGS/Intertek/BV) and REACH compliance documentation available on request.
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