Ethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether

What Is Ethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (EGHE / Hexyl Cellosolve / 2-Hexyloxyethanol)?

Ethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether (EGHE, CAS 112-25-4) - also known as 2-Hexyloxyethanol or Hexyl Cellosolve - is produced by the base- or acid-catalyzed addition of n-hexanol to ethylene oxide, or by direct monoetherification of ethylene glycol with n-hexanol. Molecular formula C₈H₁₈O₂, MW 146.23 g/mol. EGHE is the hexyl (C6) homolog of the E-series glycol ether family - the highest commercially available short-chain E-series member, following EGBE (C4) and EGPE (C5) in the series. Its defining physical characteristic is its partial water miscibility (solubility ~4–6% w/w at 20 °C) - a consequence of the long n-hexyl chain's hydrophobic mass outweighing the ethylene glycol ether group's hydrophilicity - fundamentally shaping its application profile toward hydrophobic solvent, amphiphilic coupling agent, and oil-phase component roles.

EGHE's KB value of ~90 is the highest in the commercial short-chain E-series glycol ether family - reflecting the long hexyl chain's substantially stronger dissolving power for resins, oils, waxes, bituminous materials, and high-MW polymer residues. Boiling point 208–215 °C, flash point ~82–85 °C (combustible liquid - safer storage and transport vs. EGBE flammable liquid). Density 0.886 g/cm³ - notably lower than shorter-chain homologs. The long n-hexyl end-group also confers an emollient skin-softening character - enabling premium personal care applications (sunscreen UV filter solubilizer, hair care conditioning) unavailable to shorter glycol ether solvents.

Sinolook also supplies companion products DEGHE (CAS 112-59-4, Hexyl Carbitol) - the diethylene glycol homolog with ultra-high boiling point (~259–261 °C) and non-flammable classification - and EGBE (CAS 111-76-2). Purity ≥99.0% standard (≥99.5% on request). ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.

🧪 Highest KB Solvency (~90) - Superior EGBE Alternative for Heavy Soils

EGHE's Kauri-Butanol value of ~90 is the highest of any commercially available short-chain E-series glycol ether - substantially exceeding EGBE (~70), EGPE (~63), and DEGBE (~65). This elevated solvency reflects the long n-hexyl chain's substantially stronger dissolving power for non-polar materials: thick mineral oil deposits, bituminous coatings, polymerized cutting oil residues, silicone greases, high-MW wax deposits, cured resin contamination, and rubber-based adhesive residues. In industrial maintenance cleaning concentrates, EGHE delivers grease-cutting performance that EGBE cannot match at equivalent concentrations - enabling formulators to achieve the same or better cleaning result at lower active ingredient loading, reducing product cost while improving performance on the most tenacious heavy soils. In alkyd and oil-based coatings, EGHE's higher KB value dissolves resin systems more completely than EGBE, improving compatibility and reducing haze in high-solids formulations. The solvency advantage is particularly pronounced in metalworking fluid concentrates where the hexyl chain's hydrophobic affinity for oil-phase lubricant components improves emulsion stability and cutting performance.

🇺🇸 Not US HAP Listed - Non-HAP High-Solvency EGBE Upgrade

EGHE 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 (DTXSID5021669). Unlike EGBE (HAP listed), EGHE carries no US air emission monitoring, MACT standard, or NESHAPs reporting obligations for large manufacturing facilities under 40 CFR Part 63. This non-HAP status combined with EGHE's higher KB solvency creates a dual advantage: US cleaning product and industrial coating manufacturers can simultaneously eliminate EGBE's HAP compliance burden AND upgrade to a more effective solvent - reducing cleaning product formulation cost (lower loading for equivalent performance) while removing regulatory complexity from facility air permit management. The combination of superior solvency AND non-HAP compliance makes EGHE the technically preferred and regulatorily preferred EGBE alternative for high-performance industrial applications. Sinolook provides formal non-HAP confirmation letters for EPA air permit applications, Title V facility compliance records, and government procurement requirements.

⚙️ Partial Water Miscibility - Metalworking Fluid Amphiphilic Advantage

EGHE's partial water miscibility (~4–6% w/w at 20 °C) is a unique property in the short-chain E-series glycol ether family - all shorter homologs (EGME, EGEE, EGPE, EGBE) are fully water-miscible. This partial miscibility is a direct consequence of the long n-hexyl chain's hydrophobic mass and fundamentally enables EGHE's metalworking fluid applications. In water-soluble metalworking fluid concentrates (cutting fluids, rolling emulsions, grinding fluids), EGHE functions as an amphiphilic coupling agent that stabilizes the oil-water interface across dilution ratios. Its hexyl chain partitions preferentially into the oil phase, forming a film-forming co-component that contributes to lubrication performance at the tool-workpiece interface. In aluminum alloy machining, EGHE's partially hydrophobic character reduces white-rust (aluminum hydroxide deposit) formation - a critical quality advantage vs. fully water-miscible glycol ethers which promote excessive hydration of freshly machined aluminum surfaces. Also enables effective coupling in agrochemical EC formulations and fragrance-in-water personal care systems with minimal surfactant loading.

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

EGHE is not classified as Repr. 1B/2 under EU CLP - no reproductive toxicant designation, no CMR classification, no REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction, not SVHC listed. REACH registered (EC 203-951-1), confirmed by ECHA substance dossier. Fully eligible as co-formulant in EU-authorized plant protection products under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 - unlike EGME (Repr. 1B, restricted) and EGEE (Repr. 1B, restricted). For agrochemical formulators developing formulations requiring simultaneous EU and US regulatory compliance, EGHE's combined non-CMR (EU) + non-HAP (US) profile provides a fully compliant high-solvency co-solvent solution for highly lipophilic active ingredient systems (log P >5). EGHE shares this non-CMR EU regulatory profile with EGBE, but improves on EGBE in US regulatory compliance (non-HAP vs. EGBE HAP listed), solvency (KB ~90 vs. ~70), and safety classification (combustible vs. flammable for EGBE). Not Prop 65 listed.

🔥 Combustible - FP ~82–85 °C - Safer Storage & Transport vs. EGBE

EGHE's flash point of ~82–85 °C classifies it as a combustible liquid (not a flammable liquid) under GHS criteria - a meaningful safety classification advantage over EGBE (~61 °C, Class 3 Flammable Liquid, DG transport UN 2369). Combustible liquid classification eliminates the need for explosion-proof electrical requirements at ambient storage temperatures, simplifies fire safety infrastructure vs. flammable solvent storage, and reduces hazard labeling obligations in formulated cleaning and coating products. In international transport, EGBE must be declared as a Class 3 Dangerous Good with UN number placarding and DG documentation; EGHE at ~82–85 °C flash point simplifies DG handling requirements. For formulators replacing EGBE with EGHE in industrial cleaning concentrates, the storage safety upgrade (combustible vs. flammable) is an additional operational benefit alongside the solvency improvement and HAP compliance advantage. DEGHE companion (FP ~127 °C) available for applications requiring non-flammable classification.

💧 Emollient Hexyl Character + DEGHE Companion Solvent

EGHE's long n-hexyl chain imparts an emollient, skin-softening sensory character that shorter glycol ether solvents (EGBE, EGPE, EGME) do not exhibit - making it suitable for premium personal care applications where solvent functionality combines with a positive skin sensory effect. In sunscreen formulations: effective solubilizer for oil-soluble UV-B filters (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3) and UV-A filters; improves UV filter dispersion and stability in emulsion and clear gel systems. In hair care: fragrance solubilization, silicone conditioning agent compatibility, non-greasy emollient at application. Amphiphilic coupling in fragrance-in-water systems with minimal surfactant loading for 'clean beauty' formulations. DEGHE (Diethylene Glycol Monohexyl Ether, CAS 112-59-4) available from Sinolook as companion product - ultra-high boiling point (~259–261 °C), flash point ~127 °C (non-flammable classification), extremely limited water miscibility, even stronger non-polar solvency; the natural step up from EGHE when even slower evaporation or non-flammable classification is required. Combined EGHE + DEGHE quotation available.

Metalworking Fluids - Coupling Agent & Anti-Rust Additive

EGHE's most technically distinctive application. In water-soluble metalworking fluid concentrates (cutting fluids, rolling emulsions, grinding fluids), EGHE functions as an amphiphilic coupling agent stabilizing the oil-water interface across dilution ratios and enhancing wetting of metal surfaces with the lubricating oil phase during cutting or forming operations. Hexyl chain length provides sufficient hydrophobicity to partition preferentially into the oil phase, contributing to lubrication film performance at the tool-workpiece interface. In aluminum alloy machining: EGHE's partially hydrophobic character provides a protective, less corrosive metal surface interaction that reduces white-rust (aluminum hydroxide deposit) formation while maintaining adequate cooling and chip flushing - a critical advantage vs. fully water-miscible glycol ethers that promote excessive hydration of freshly machined aluminum surfaces. In synthetic and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids, EGHE is primary solvent for hydrophobic ester and fatty acid components, improving their dispersion stability in the aqueous phase and extending concentrate service life. Non-HAP status eliminates air emission compliance obligations for US metalworking fluid manufacturing facilities.

Industrial Cleaning & Heavy-Duty Degreasing - Highest KB Solvency

KB value ~90 - among the highest of any commercial glycol ether - makes EGHE exceptionally effective for dissolving the most tenacious non-polar industrial soils: thick mineral oil deposits, bituminous coatings, polymerized cutting oil residues, silicone greases, high-MW wax deposits, and cured resin contamination. In industrial maintenance cleaning concentrates, EGHE delivers grease-cutting performance that EGBE (~70 KB) cannot match at equivalent concentrations - enabling formulators to achieve effective soil removal at lower active ingredient loading, reducing product cost while maintaining cleaning performance. For US cleaning product manufacturers, EGHE's non-HAP status eliminates air emission compliance obligations that EGBE's HAP listing imposes under 40 CFR Part 63 and NESHAPs. In aerosol maintenance degreasers and precision cleaning sprays, EGHE's slower evaporation rate (BP 208–215 °C) extends contact and penetration time with heavy soils, improving cleaning efficiency without repeated applications. Compatible with alkaline builder systems, surfactants, and sequestrants across the full range of hard-surface and metal degreasing product types.

Paints & Coatings - High-KB Coalescing Agent

In waterborne coating systems, EGHE's high boiling point (208–215 °C) and high KB solvency make it an effective coalescing agent and flow additive in latex and acrylic coatings - particularly for applications on hydrophobic or marginally prepared surfaces where shorter-chain coalescing solvents struggle with substrate wetting. The n-hexyl chain's strong hydrophobic character enables EGHE to interact more effectively with the non-polar surface regions of polymer latex particles, facilitating deformation and coalescence in high-Tg polymer systems that resist coalescence with lower-solvency agents. In oil-based and alkyd coating systems, EGHE functions as a high-solvency retarder and open-time extender, dissolving alkyd resin systems more effectively than EGBE and providing controlled slow-drying characteristics for brush and roller application on large surfaces. Non-HAP status makes it the preferred EGBE replacement in US-market architectural and industrial maintenance coating formulations where HAP-free product positioning is required. In high-solids industrial coatings, higher KB dissolves resin more completely - reducing haze and improving compatibility in demanding formulations.

Printing Inks - Slow-Evaporating Retarder for High-Speed Lines

In gravure, flexographic, and specialty industrial printing inks, EGHE serves as a very slow-evaporating retarder in high-speed printing operations where conventional retarder solvents evaporate too quickly to prevent plate blocking above 300 m/min. Near-combustible-liquid flash point and high boiling point (208–215 °C) give EGHE a much longer residence time in the ink at press-side operating temperatures compared to EGBE, maintaining ink fluidity and transfer efficiency through extended production runs without frequent press cleaning or ink replenishment. In specialty architectural decoration inks and direct-to-substrate digital inks, EGHE's strong solvency for polymer resin binders and good wetting of both polar and non-polar substrate surfaces contributes to superior ink adhesion and scratch resistance in the dried ink film - valuable in point-of-purchase display and signage printing applications on rigid polymer panels and coated boards.

Agrochemical Formulations - High Log P Actives & EC/ME Systems

In crop protection formulation, EGHE's high KB solvency and long hexyl chain make it an effective co-solvent for active ingredients with extreme lipophilicity (log P >5) that resist dissolution in conventional EC co-solvent systems using EGBE or DEGBE alone. Its partial water miscibility supports use in self-emulsifying EC systems: EGHE partitions into the oil phase to dissolve the lipophilic active ingredient, then participates in spontaneous emulsification upon dilution with water in the spray tank. Improves emulsion stability and spray spreading on waxy crop canopy surfaces. Not CMR classified; eligible as co-formulant in EU-authorized plant protection products under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Combined non-CMR (EU) + non-HAP (US) profile provides dual-market compliance for global agrochemical registrations. Sinolook provides REACH compliance documentation (EC 203-951-1) and non-CMR declaration for national competent authority co-formulant submissions.

Personal Care & Sunscreen - Emollient UV Filter Solubilizer

Long hexyl chain imparts an emollient, skin-softening character that shorter glycol ether solvents (EGBE, EGPE) do not exhibit. In sunscreen formulations: solubilizer for oil-soluble UV-B filters (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3) and UV-A filters - improves UV filter dispersion and stability in emulsion and clear gel sunscreen systems. In hair care (conditioning treatments, leave-in sprays, styling products): fragrance solubilization; compatibility between silicone conditioning agents and aqueous polymer gel matrices; light, non-greasy emollient at application. Amphiphilic coupling agent in fragrance-in-water emulsification systems using minimal surfactant loading - valuable in 'clean beauty' formulations. In adhesives and sealants: slow-evaporating plasticizing solvent in water-based contact adhesives and reactive sealant systems; provides extended tack window and improves adhesion to non-porous substrates. Companion: DEGHE (CAS 112-59-4) available for higher-boiling personal care, ultra-premium cosmetics, and non-flammable specialty applications - combined quotation available.

📦 MOQ & Grades

MOQ 1 MT standard ≥99.0%. High-purity ≥99.5% on request. Samples 0.5–5 kg refundable. 200 kg standard drums.

🚢 Delivery

EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Ningbo. Combustible liquid - simplified DG vs. EGBE (Class 3 Flammable).

⏱ 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.