What Is Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DEGMME)?
Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DEGMME, CAS 111-77-3) - also known as Methyl Carbitol or 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol - is a colorless, nearly odorless liquid produced by the sequential etherification of diethylene glycol with methanol. Its molecular formula is C₅H₁₂O₃ (MW 120.15 g/mol). DEGMME belongs to the glycol ether E-series family and is the diethylene glycol analogue of EGMME - with an additional ethyleneoxy unit in the chain that raises its boiling point (191–198 °C), lowers its vapor pressure, and increases its molecular weight relative to EGMME.
This bifunctional structure - combining an ether linkage and a terminal hydroxyl group - gives DEGMME its distinctive ability to bridge aqueous and non-aqueous phases simultaneously. It is completely miscible with water and with most common organic solvents, making it an outstanding coupling solvent, coalescing agent, and wetting agent. Its high boiling point and slow evaporation rate provide extended open time in coatings and cleaning formulations - a key advantage over lower-boiling glycol ethers such as EGMME or EGBE.
Unlike EGMME (which carries EU Repr. 1B classification), DEGMME has a significantly more favorable toxicological and regulatory profile. It is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, is not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restrictions, and exhibits lower inhalation risk under standard industrial conditions - making it suitable for pharmaceutical, personal care, and food-adjacent manufacturing environments where EGMME cannot be used. Sinolook Chemical manufactures DEGMME at purity ≥99.5%, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with full COA, SDS, and REACH documentation provided to B2B buyers in over 40 countries.
Key Performance Advantages of DEGMME
Six functional properties make Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether one of the most versatile high-boiling glycol ether solvents in industrial use - particularly valued in applications where low vapor pressure, slow evaporation, and favorable regulatory status are all required simultaneously.
🔗 Excellent Coupling Power & Water Miscibility
DEGMME is completely miscible with water in all proportions and simultaneously dissolves a broad range of organic resins, oils, and hydrophobic substances. This dual compatibility makes it an outstanding coupling solvent - bridging aqueous and organic phases in mixed systems to prevent phase separation and enable stable, single-phase formulations from otherwise incompatible components. Indispensable in waterborne coatings, water-based cleaning concentrates, and agrochemical formulations combining hydrophilic and lipophilic actives.
🌡️ High Boiling Point & Slow Evaporation
With a boiling point of 191–198 °C and a low vapor pressure, DEGMME is among the slowest-evaporating glycol ether solvents. This property is highly valuable in coatings applications where extended open time, improved leveling, and reduced brush marks are required. In cleaning formulations, slow evaporation increases contact time with soils, improving cleaning efficiency in soak and spray applications. Also reduces solvent loss during industrial processing and extends pot-life in two-component systems.
🛡️ Favorable Regulatory & Toxicological Profile
Unlike EGMME (Repr. 1B, REACH Annex XVII restricted), DEGMME is not classified as a reproductive toxicant and is not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restrictions. Its lower inhalation risk (lower vapor pressure) and more benign toxicological classification make it suitable for pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetic, and food-adjacent manufacturing environments where E-series ethers with reproductive toxicity concerns cannot be used. REACH registered; not SVHC listed.
🧪 Broad Resin & API Solubility
DEGMME dissolves a wide range of industrial resins (acrylics, alkyds, epoxies, polyurethanes, cellulose esters), active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with poor aqueous solubility, cosmetic actives and fragrances, and agrochemical active ingredients. Its broad solubility parameter coverage (balancing dispersive, polar, and hydrogen-bonding forces) enables use as a single co-solvent across diverse industrial formulation systems, reducing complexity and the number of solvents required in multi-component blends.
🔥 High Flash Point - Safer Industrial Handling
DEGMME's flash point of 88 °C means it is classified as a combustible liquid (not flammable) under standard GHS criteria - a significant practical safety advantage over lower-boiling solvents like EGMME (39 °C), EGBE (60 °C), or acetone (−20 °C). This higher flash point reduces fire and explosion risk in industrial cleaning baths, large-scale coating operations, and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, simplifying safety infrastructure requirements and reducing compliance costs.
✨ Excellent Coalescing & Film-Formation
As a coalescing agent in waterborne latex and acrylic coating systems, DEGMME temporarily softens polymer particles during film formation, allowing them to fuse into a continuous, defect-free coating film as water evaporates. Its slow evaporation rate ensures the coalescing effect persists long enough for complete particle fusion before the solvent is lost - producing smoother, better-leveled films compared to faster-evaporating coalescents. Particularly effective in architectural coatings, industrial maintenance paints, and floor finishes.
📌 DEGMME vs EGMME - Key Differences & Selection Guide
DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3) and EGMME (CAS 109-86-4) are both E-series glycol ethers from the methyl-terminated homologous series, but differ significantly in properties and regulatory status. DEGMME's higher boiling point (191–198 °C vs 124–125 °C), lower vapor pressure, and higher flash point (88 °C vs 39 °C) make it the preferred choice when slow evaporation, extended open time, and reduced flammability risk are required.
Most importantly: DEGMME does not carry EGMME's Repr. 1B reproductive toxicant classification or EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction - making DEGMME the suitable choice for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and consumer-product applications where EGMME is restricted. Both products are available from Sinolook. Contact our technical team for application-specific selection guidance.
Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Uses & Applications
DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3) serves as a high-performance solvent, coalescing agent, and coupling agent across seven major industrial sectors. Its unique combination of high boiling point, complete water miscibility, broad resin solubility, and favorable regulatory profile makes it one of the most broadly applicable high-boiling glycol ether solvents in global industrial use.
Paints, Coatings & Inks
Primary coalescing agent and slow-evaporating co-solvent in waterborne latex and acrylic coating systems. Improves film formation, leveling, brush and roller application, and gloss in architectural coatings, industrial maintenance paints, and floor finishes. Extends open time in two-component polyurethane systems and UV-cure inks. Reduces brush marks and orange-peel defects in high-build and semi-gloss formulations.
Industrial Cleaning & Degreasing
Dissolves cutting oils, lubricants, silicone compounds, flux residues, and greases from metal, ceramic, and PCB surfaces. High flash point (88 °C) reduces flammability risk in large-scale degreasing baths compared to ketone- or alcohol-based alternatives. Used in photoresist strippers and post-etch cleaning formulations in electronics manufacturing. Key ingredient in household and commercial hard-surface cleaners requiring strong degreasing performance.
Pharmaceuticals
Recognized acceptable solvent by regulatory authorities for oral solutions, topical formulations, and injectable preparations. Enhances solubility of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in liquid dosage forms and topical gels. Favorable skin penetration properties make it suitable for transdermal drug delivery systems. Low toxicity profile and absence of reproductive toxicant classification allow use in pharmaceutical manufacturing where EGMME is excluded.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Improves texture and solubility in creams, serums, shampoos, nail-care products, and color cosmetics. Provides a non-greasy skin feel while acting as an effective solubilizer for fragrances and lipophilic actives. Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactant systems. Its benign regulatory profile (non-Repr. 1B, not REACH Annex XVII restricted) allows direct use in finished consumer cosmetic products where EGMME would be excluded.
Agrochemical Formulations
Co-solvent and carrier fluid in emulsifiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC), and soluble liquid (SL) formulations of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Improves solubility of active ingredients difficult to formulate by other means, enhances spreading and penetration on plant surfaces, and improves biological efficacy. Its water miscibility enables stable EC/SL concentrates combining hydrophilic and lipophilic components in a single-phase system.
Chemical Synthesis & Intermediates
Reaction solvent and intermediate in the production of surfactants, detergents, specialty agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Used as a high-boiling polar solvent for reactions requiring elevated temperatures where low-boiling solvents would evaporate. Also serves as a precursor for DEGMME acetate and other diethylene glycol ether derivatives. Its stability at elevated temperatures and compatibility with a wide range of reactants and catalysts make it a versatile process solvent.
Technical Specifications & COA
Sinolook's Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is manufactured under strict quality control with every production batch tested against the parameters below. A full Certificate of Analysis (COA), DEGMME SDS / MSDS (GHS-compliant), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are issued with every shipment. Higher-purity grades (≥99.8%) for pharmaceutical and electronic applications are available upon request.
DEGMME (Methyl Carbitol, CAS 111-77-3) - Quality Specifications & Typical COA
| Parameter | Specification | Typical COA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless transparent 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 | 1.038 – 1.042 | 1.039 – 1.041 |
| Boiling Point, °C | 191 – 198 °C (1 atm) | 193 – 196 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | ≥85 °C | 88 °C |
| Color (Pt-Co / APHA) | ≤10 | ≤5 |
| Viscosity (25 °C), mPa·s | ~3.5 | 3.3 – 3.7 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid), wt% | ≤0.005% | <0.002% |
| Residue on Evaporation, wt% | ≤0.01% | <0.005% |
Higher-Purity Grades: Pharmaceutical grade (≥99.8% GC, low heavy metals) and electronic grade (≥99.8%, reduced particulates) are available upon request for specialized applications. Contact our sales team with your target specification and intended use. Full COA, SDS/MSDS, and TDS are provided with every shipment.
DEGMME SDS, Safety & Regulatory
Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether has a significantly more favorable safety and regulatory profile than lower-boiling E-series glycol ethers such as EGMME or EGEE. It is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restrictions, and classified as a combustible liquid (not flammable) due to its high flash point (88 °C). DEGMME SDS / MSDS are GHS-compliant and available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.
| Safety / Regulatory Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Combustible Liquid (Flash Point 88 °C); Eye Irrit. 2; Skin Irrit. 2 - not classified as reproductive toxicant |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
| Flash Point | 88 °C (closed cup) - Combustible Liquid; not classified as flammable under GHS; standard industrial storage conditions apply |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified - no EU Repr. 1B / Repr. 2 classification; no REACH Annex XVII consumer product restriction |
| PPE Recommended | Safety glasses; nitrile or neoprene gloves; avoid prolonged skin and eye contact; adequate ventilation in enclosed workspaces |
| REACH / SVHC Status | ECHA registered (EC No. 203-906-6); Not SVHC listed; No Annex XVII restriction |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; 5–35 °C; sealed containers; away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases; 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 12 hours |
DEGMME Price, Packaging & B2B Supply
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether price depends on order volume, packaging format, and delivery terms. As a direct manufacturer in China, Sinolook eliminates intermediary markups and passes the cost advantage directly to customers. Volume-based pricing tiers and long-term fixed-price supply contracts are available. Request a customized DEGMME price quote - response within 24 hours.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 5 kg (Sample) | Sample bottle / small drum | COA, DEGMME 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; dedicated account manager; priority scheduling; full export documentation |
| 20 MT+ (Bulk / Contract) | IBC tanks / ISO tank containers | Best DEGMME price; fixed-price supply contract; 24/7 technical support; SGS/Intertek inspection available |
📦 MOQ
1 MT standard grade. Samples (1–5 kg) available for qualification testing prior to commercial orders.
🚢 Delivery Terms
FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou. North America, Europe, SEA, Middle East, South America.
⏱ Lead Time
Price quote within 24 hours. Production and delivery: 7–15 business days from order confirmation. Shelf life 24 months.
🔍 Inspection
Third-party inspection by SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas can be arranged at buyer's cost. Pre-shipment samples available.
- ✓ ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified - every batch QC tested for GC purity, Karl Fischer, density, color, flash point, and acidity
- ✓ Full export documentation: COA, DEGMME SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- ✓ EU REACH compliance letter (EC No. 203-906-6), SVHC declaration, and RoHS documentation provided on request
- ✓ Higher-purity pharmaceutical (≥99.8%) and electronic grades available upon request with custom COA specifications
- ✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees; volume discounts at 5 MT, 20 MT, and 100 MT tiers; spot and contract supply options
- ✓ Technical support: coalescing agent selection, solvent blend design, DEGMME vs EGMME or PGME comparison, formulation guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About DEGMME
Technical and commercial questions about Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (CAS 111-77-3) from B2B buyers in coatings, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial cleaning industries.
What is Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DEGMME) and what is it used for?
Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DEGMME, CAS 111-77-3) - also known as Methyl Carbitol or 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol - is a high-boiling, low-odor glycol ether solvent completely miscible with water and most organic solvents. Primary DEGMME uses include: coalescing agent in waterborne latex and acrylic coating systems; slow-evaporating co-solvent in industrial coatings, inks, and adhesives; precision cleaning solvent for electronics and metal parts (high flash point 88 °C); pharmaceutical co-solvent for oral solutions, topical gels, and transdermal formulations; personal care solubilizer for fragrances and lipophilic actives; and co-solvent / carrier in agrochemical EC, SC, and SL formulations.
Is DEGMME the same as Methyl Carbitol?
Yes. Methyl Carbitol is a Dow Chemical trade name for Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (CAS 111-77-3). Other synonyms include 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol (IUPAC name), Methyl Digol, DGMME, and Methyl Dioxitol. All names refer to the same compound. In modern trade and regulatory documentation, DEGMME and 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol are the preferred designations, while Methyl Carbitol remains widely used in older formulation literature and some regional markets.
What is the difference between DEGMME and EGMME?
DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3) and EGMME (CAS 109-86-4) are both methyl-terminated E-series glycol ether solvents, but DEGMME has an additional ethyleneoxy unit in the chain, resulting in a higher boiling point (191–198 °C vs 124–125 °C), lower vapor pressure, higher flash point (88 °C vs 39 °C), and slower evaporation rate. The most important practical difference is regulatory: EGMME is classified as Repr. 1B (H360D) and restricted in consumer products under EU REACH Annex XVII, while DEGMME carries no reproductive toxicant classification and no consumer product restriction - making it the preferred choice in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, and consumer cleaning applications where EGMME is excluded.
What is the difference between DEGMME and DGME (Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether)?
DEGMME (Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, CAS 111-77-3) and DGME / DEGEE (Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, CAS 111-90-0, Carbitol) are both diethylene glycol ethers but differ in the terminal alkyl group - methyl vs. ethyl. DEGMME has a slightly higher boiling point, stronger hydrogen-bonding capacity, and higher water affinity (lower log P) compared to DGME. DEGMME is generally preferred in applications requiring higher water compatibility and slower evaporation; DGME (Carbitol) may be preferred where slightly higher solvency for nonpolar compounds is desired. Both are available from Sinolook - contact our technical team for selection guidance.
Can Sinolook provide REACH and RoHS compliance documentation for DEGMME?
Yes. DEGMME is registered under EU REACH (EC No. 203-906-6) and is not classified as an SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern). Sinolook provides REACH compliance letters, SVHC declarations, and RoHS compliance documentation as required by customers in the EU and other regulated markets. Full regulatory documentation is issued with every commercial shipment at no additional charge. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com to request documentation in advance of your first order.
What purity grades of DEGMME are available from Sinolook?
Sinolook's standard commercial grade is ≥99.5% purity (GC). Higher-purity pharmaceutical grade (≥99.8% GC, low heavy metals) and electronic grade (≥99.8%, reduced particulates) are available upon request for specialized applications. Contact our sales team with your target specification, intended application, and required analytical parameters - we will confirm availability and provide a customized COA template and pricing.
How do I get a DEGMME price quote or sample?
Qualification samples (1–5 kg) are available prior to commercial orders. Contact us with your grade, quantity, destination, and Incoterms preference.
- Step 1: Contact us with your requirements - grade, quantity (MT or KG), packaging, delivery terms (FOB/CIF/DDP), and destination port.
- Step 2: Receive a detailed DEGMME price quote within 24 hours, including specifications, lead time, and documentation list.
- Step 3: Request a qualification sample (1–5 kg) for application testing and quality verification before commercial order.
- Step 4: Confirm your order - production, packaging, documentation (COA, SDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list), and freight are handled end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive your shipment on time with full traceability documentation. Third-party inspection (SGS/Intertek/BV) available at buyer's request.
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