What Is Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TeEGMME)?
Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TeEGMME, CAS 23783-42-8) - also known as Methyl Tetraglycol or 2-[2-[2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol - is a colorless, clear, low-odor liquid with molecular formula C₉H₂₀O₅ (MW 208.25 g/mol). TeEGMME is the fourth homolog in the methyl-terminated E-series glycol ether family, featuring four ethyleneoxy units in its backbone - one more than TEGMME, two more than DEGMME, and three more than EGMME.
This extended chain gives TeEGMME the most extreme performance properties in the series: a boiling point of ~285 °C, the lowest vapor pressure, the highest flash point (~160 °C), and the slowest evaporation rate of any methyl glycol ether. These characteristics translate into maximum open time in high-solids coatings, the longest cleaning contact time in heavy-duty degreasing, exceptional humectancy in personal care formulations, and outstanding safety for industrial handling - all while retaining complete miscibility with water and most organic solvents. TeEGMME's amphiphilic structure (four hydrophilic ethyleneoxy units + terminal hydrophobic methyl group) makes it a powerful coupling agent and phase-bridging solvent.
Like DEGMME and TEGMME, TeEGMME is not classified as a reproductive toxicant and is not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restrictions - in contrast to EGMME (Repr. 1B, H360D). Its very low vapor pressure further reduces inhalation exposure risk in industrial handling. Sinolook Chemical supplies TeEGMME at purity ≥99.0%, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with full COA, SDS, and REACH compliance documentation for B2B buyers worldwide.
Key Performance Advantages of TeEGMME
As the highest-chain member of the methyl glycol ether E-series, Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether offers the most extreme combination of low volatility, high flash point, and sustained hydrophilicity - properties that make it uniquely suited to applications where slower-chain homologs still evaporate too quickly or present fire safety limitations.
🌡️ Highest Boiling Point in the Series - ~285 °C
With a boiling point of ~285 °C, TeEGMME is the slowest-evaporating solvent in the methyl glycol ether series - surpassing TEGMME (230–250 °C), DEGMME (191–198 °C), and EGMME (124–125 °C) by a significant margin. Its near-negligible vapor pressure at ambient temperature makes it effectively non-volatile under standard industrial conditions. This translates to maximum open time in high-solids and waterborne coatings, minimum evaporative loss during high-temperature processing, and the longest soil-contact time in industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations - particularly critical in warm-climate application conditions.
🔥 Ultra-High Flash Point - ~160 °C
TeEGMME's flash point of ~160 °C is the highest in the methyl glycol ether series and among the highest of any industrial organic solvent. This makes TeEGMME essentially non-flammable under all normal industrial conditions - dramatically simplifying fire safety infrastructure, ATEX compliance, and regulatory requirements in coatings manufacturing, industrial cleaning suites, and pharmaceutical processing environments. Compared to TEGMME (~127 °C), DEGMME (88 °C), and EGMME (39 °C), TeEGMME offers the greatest fire safety margin and the simplest handling conditions.
💧 Sustained Hydrophilicity & Humectancy
TeEGMME's four ethyleneoxy units provide an exceptionally high hydrophilic character - even higher than TEGMME - making it completely miscible with water in all proportions and an effective humectant that retains moisture in formulations and on surfaces. In personal care applications, this property delivers a long-lasting moisturization effect and a smooth, substantive skin feel. In waterborne coatings and cleaning formulations, TeEGMME's strong hydrophilicity ensures complete compatibility with the aqueous phase at all dilution ratios, without risk of phase separation during storage or application.
🔗 Coupling Power & Broad Solvency
Despite its dominant hydrophilicity, TeEGMME retains the terminal methyl ether group that bridges aqueous and organic phases - maintaining its role as a coupling solvent for formulations combining water-soluble and oil-soluble components. It dissolves a wide range of resins, waxes, oils, polymers, and active ingredients, serving as a co-solvent and compatibilizer in complex multi-component systems. Particularly valuable in high-water-content formulations where lower-chain glycol ethers with shorter EO chains may lose sufficient coupling capacity at high aqueous dilution.
🛡️ Favorable Regulatory Profile - Non-Repr., Non-SVHC
TeEGMME is not classified as a reproductive toxicant (no Repr. 1B/2 designation) and carries no EU REACH Annex XVII consumer product restriction - in contrast to EGMME (Repr. 1B, H360D, Annex XVII restricted). This enables use in pharmaceutical formulations, personal care products, consumer cleaning products, and cosmetics where EGMME is excluded. REACH registered; not SVHC listed. Its near-negligible vapor pressure at ambient temperature further minimizes inhalation exposure risk in all standard industrial handling scenarios - essentially eliminating airborne exposure concerns without engineering controls.
✨ Premium Skin Feel & Texture in Personal Care
TeEGMME's high molecular weight (208.25 g/mol), non-volatile nature, and strong hydrophilicity combine to deliver the most substantive, long-lasting moisturization and the smoothest, least-drying skin feel among the methyl glycol ether series. As a multi-functional personal care ingredient - simultaneously humectant, solubilizer, and texture modifier - it is increasingly valued in premium skin care serums, moisturizers, hair care formulations, and cosmetic products requiring a luxurious, non-greasy sensory profile. Its low irritation potential supports use in sensitive-skin formulations.
📌 Methyl Glycol Ether E-Series - Full Homolog Comparison
The four methyl-terminated E-series glycol ethers form a homologous series with progressively higher boiling points, lower vapor pressures, and higher flash points: EGMME (CAS 109-86-4, BP 124 °C, FP 39 °C, Repr. 1B ⚠) → DEGMME (CAS 111-77-3, BP 191–198 °C, FP 88 °C) → TEGMME (CAS 112-35-6, BP 230–250 °C, FP ~127 °C) → TeEGMME (CAS 23783-42-8, BP ~285 °C, FP ~160 °C).
TeEGMME is the definitive choice when absolute minimum evaporation, maximum fire safety, and sustained humectancy are required - and where even TEGMME still evaporates too quickly. DEGMME, TEGMME, and TeEGMME share a benign reproductive toxicology profile (unlike EGMME). All four products available from Sinolook - contact our technical team for selection guidance.
Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Uses & Applications
TeEGMME (CAS 23783-42-8) serves as a slow-evaporating coalescing agent, powerful coupling solvent, humectant, and specialty chemical intermediate across five major industrial sectors - selected specifically when the slower-chain homologs TEGMME or DEGMME still evaporate too quickly or where maximum fire safety and non-volatile behavior are required.
High-Solids Paints, Coatings & Varnishes
Premium coalescing agent and open-time extender in high-solids waterborne and solvent-borne coating systems where even TEGMME evaporates too rapidly. Improves flow, leveling, and film formation in water-based latex paints applied in warm, dry climates or on large substrates requiring extended working time. Enhances stability and durability of the coating by allowing optimal polymer particle fusion before drying. Compatible with a wide range of binders, dispersants, and rheology modifiers in architectural, industrial maintenance, and decorative coating formulations.
Industrial Cleaning & Heavy-Duty Degreasing
Effective solvent for oils, greases, synthetic lubricants, waxes, polymeric residues, and tenacious soils from machinery, equipment, and precision components. Slow evaporation maximizes contact time with soils in soak-tank and spray-cleaning processes. Ultra-high flash point (~160 °C) makes TeEGMME the safest solvent option in large-scale industrial cleaning systems - practically eliminating fire and explosion risk and simplifying ATEX compliance. Used in degreasers, surface cleaners, and industrial cleaning concentrates where non-volatile, water-rinsable performance is required.
Pharmaceuticals & Liquid Formulations
Co-solvent for poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in oral liquid preparations (solutions, syrups, elixirs), topical gels and creams, and injectable formulations. Low toxicity profile, absence of reproductive toxicant classification, and physiological compatibility support use in pharmaceutical formulations under ICH Q3C residual solvent guidelines. High boiling point and non-volatile nature are advantageous in manufacturing processes requiring elevated temperatures without solvent loss. Pharmaceutical-grade TeEGMME with dedicated documentation available on request.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Multi-functional cosmetic ingredient - humectant, solubilizer, and texture modifier - in skin creams, body lotions, facial serums, hair conditioners, and color cosmetics. Delivers the most sustained moisture retention and the smoothest, most substantive skin feel in the methyl glycol ether series, owing to its highest hydrophilicity and non-volatile nature. Solubilizes fragrances, vitamins, botanical extracts, and lipophilic actives in water-dominant formulations. Compatible with surfactant systems, polymeric thickeners, film-formers, and standard cosmetic preservatives. Low irritation potential supports use in sensitive-skin products.
Agrochemical Formulations
Carrier and co-solvent in emulsifiable concentrate (EC), suspension concentrate (SC), and soluble liquid (SL) formulations of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. High molecular weight and non-volatile nature reduce evaporative losses of the carrier during manufacturing and storage. Excellent coupling power maintains single-phase stability in complex formulations combining hydrophilic and lipophilic active ingredients. Improves spreading and adhesion on crop surfaces, extending active ingredient contact time and improving biological efficacy.
Chemical Manufacturing & Specialty Synthesis
High-boiling polar reaction solvent for synthesis requiring temperatures above 200 °C where lower-chain glycol ethers would evaporate. Intermediate in the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, specialty polymers, and detergent additives. Used as a carrier fluid and dispersing medium in hydraulic fluids, textile processing auxiliaries, and leather finishing chemicals. Its non-volatile nature makes it ideal for formulations that must retain solvent content throughout extended manufacturing processes or long product shelf lives.
Technical Specifications & COA
Sinolook's Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is manufactured under strict quality control with every production batch tested against the parameters below. A full Certificate of Analysis (COA), TeEGMME SDS / MSDS (GHS-compliant), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are provided with every shipment. Higher-purity pharmaceutical grades are available on request.
TeEGMME (Methyl Tetraglycol, CAS 23783-42-8) - Quality Specifications & Typical COA
| Parameter | Specification | Typical COA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid, free of suspended matter | Clear colorless liquid |
| Purity (GC), wt% | ≥99.0% | 99.1 – 99.4% |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer), wt% | ≤0.1% | 0.03 – 0.08% |
| Density (20 °C), g/cm³ | 1.045 – 1.052 | 1.047 – 1.050 |
| Boiling Point, °C | ~285 °C (1 atm) | 282 – 288 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup), °C | ≥150 °C | ~160 °C |
| Color (Pt-Co / APHA) | ≤30 | ≤15 |
| Viscosity (25 °C), mPa·s | ~10 – 12 | 10 – 12 |
| Acidity (as acetic acid), wt% | ≤0.005% | <0.002% |
| Residue on Evaporation, wt% | ≤0.02% | <0.01% |
Pharmaceutical & Specialty Grades: Higher-purity TeEGMME (≥99.5% GC) with low heavy metal content and enhanced analytical documentation is available on request for pharmaceutical and precision industrial applications. Standard packaging: 200 kg iron drums; 1,000 kg IBC tanks for larger orders. Contact sales@sinolookchem.com with your target specification.
TeEGMME SDS, Safety & Regulatory
Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether has the most favorable safety profile of any solvent in the methyl glycol ether E-series. Its flash point (~160 °C) means it is not classified as a flammable or combustible liquid under GHS criteria in most jurisdictions. It is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restrictions, and essentially non-volatile at ambient temperature - minimizing inhalation exposure without engineering controls. TeEGMME 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 | ~160 °C (closed cup) - not classified as flammable or combustible under GHS in most jurisdictions; standard storage and handling conditions apply |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified - no Repr. 1B/2 designation; no EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction |
| Vapor Pressure | Near-negligible at ambient temperature - inhalation exposure under standard industrial conditions is essentially eliminated without engineering controls |
| PPE Recommended | Safety glasses; nitrile or neoprene gloves; avoid prolonged skin and eye contact; standard industrial hygiene practices |
| REACH / SVHC Status | REACH registered; Not SVHC listed; No Annex XVII restriction; REACH compliance letter available on request |
| 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 24 hours |
TeEGMME Price, Packaging & B2B Supply
Tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether price reflects its higher molecular weight and multi-step synthesis relative to lower-chain homologs. As a direct manufacturer, Sinolook offers transparent, competitive pricing with volume discount tiers and long-term fixed-price supply contracts. Request a customized TeEGMME price quote - response within 24 hours.
| Order Volume | Packaging | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 5 kg (Sample) | Sample bottle / small drum | COA, TeEGMME 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; full export documentation; priority scheduling |
| 20 MT+ (Bulk / Contract) | IBC tanks / ISO tank containers | Best TeEGMME price; fixed-price annual supply contract; reserved production capacity; 24/7 support |
📦 MOQ
1 MT standard grade. Qualification samples (1–5 kg) at nominal charge, refundable against first commercial order.
🚢 Delivery Terms
FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP. Ex-Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Guangzhou. 50+ countries worldwide.
⏱ Lead Time
Price quote within 24 hours. Production and export: 10–15 business days from order confirmation. Shelf life 24 months.
🔍 Inspection
Third-party inspection by SGS or Intertek available at buyer's cost. Pre-shipment samples and COA provided for all orders.
- ✓ ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified - every batch QC tested for GC purity, Karl Fischer, density, color, flash point, viscosity, and acidity
- ✓ Full export documentation: COA, TeEGMME SDS/MSDS, TDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list, commercial invoice, fumigation certificate
- ✓ REACH compliance letter, SVHC declaration, RoHS documentation, and Prop 65 statement available on request
- ✓ Higher-purity pharmaceutical grade (≥99.5%) with GMP-aligned documentation available for life-science buyers
- ✓ Full methyl glycol ether series available: EGMME · DEGMME · TEGMME · TeEGMME - consolidate shipments for lower per-unit freight cost
- ✓ Technical support: coalescing agent selection, series homolog comparison, solvent blend design, pharmaceutical formulation guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About TeEGMME
Technical and commercial questions about Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (CAS 23783-42-8) from B2B buyers in coatings, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial cleaning industries.
What is Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TeEGMME) and what is it used for?
Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TeEGMME, CAS 23783-42-8), also known as Methyl Tetraglycol, is the highest-chain member of the methyl E-series glycol ether family - a colorless, near-non-volatile liquid completely miscible with water. Primary uses include: coalescing agent with maximum open time in high-solids waterborne coatings; heavy-duty industrial cleaning solvent with ultra-high flash point (~160 °C) and prolonged soil-contact time; pharmaceutical co-solvent for oral solutions, topical formulations, and injectables; humectant and texture modifier in premium personal care and cosmetic products; carrier/co-solvent in agrochemical EC, SC, and SL formulations; and a high-boiling reaction solvent in specialty chemical synthesis above 200 °C.
What is the difference between TeEGMME, TEGMME, DEGMME, and EGMME?
All four are methyl-terminated E-series glycol ether homologs, differing in the number of ethyleneoxy units (1–4 respectively). As chain length increases: boiling point rises (124 °C → 191 °C → 230 °C → 285 °C), flash point rises (39 °C → 88 °C → 127 °C → 160 °C), evaporation rate decreases, and humectancy increases. TeEGMME has the highest boiling point, highest flash point, lowest evaporation rate, and strongest moisture-retention properties in the series. Crucially, EGMME carries Repr. 1B (H360D) reproductive toxicant classification and EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restriction; DEGMME, TEGMME, and TeEGMME do not. Choose TeEGMME when maximum open time, fire safety, non-volatility, or humectancy is the primary requirement. All four available from Sinolook.
What are the synonyms for Tetraethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether?
TeEGMME is also known as Methyl Tetraglycol (most common trade name) and 2-[2-[2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol (IUPAC systematic name). CAS number: 23783-42-8. In procurement and formulation documents, "TeEGMME" and "Methyl Tetraglycol" are both widely used. Note: "TEGMME" by itself most commonly refers to Triethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (CAS 112-35-6) - the three-unit homolog. Always specify CAS number 23783-42-8 when ordering Tetraethylene (four-unit) Glycol Monomethyl Ether to avoid confusion.
Is TeEGMME safe for pharmaceutical and personal care use?
Yes. TeEGMME has a low toxicity profile, is not classified as a reproductive toxicant, and is not subject to EU REACH Annex XVII consumer restrictions. Its near-zero vapor pressure eliminates inhalation exposure risk in standard handling conditions. For pharmaceutical applications, residual solvent levels should be evaluated per ICH Q3C guidelines for the specific dosage form. Sinolook can supply TeEGMME with pharmaceutical-grade documentation on request. In personal care applications, it is used as a humectant and solubilizer in skin care, hair care, and cosmetic formulations - its low irritation potential and non-volatile nature supporting use in sensitive-skin and leave-on products.
Why choose TeEGMME over TEGMME as a coalescing agent?
TeEGMME is preferred over TEGMME when the application demands even slower evaporation, higher fire safety margin, or greater humectancy than TEGMME provides. Specific scenarios favoring TeEGMME: high-solids coating application in hot, dry climates where TEGMME evaporates too quickly causing film defects; industrial cleaning systems where flash point compliance above 150 °C is required; personal care formulations where maximum sustained moisturization is the primary performance target; and high-temperature synthesis reactions above ~230 °C where TEGMME would partially evaporate. TEGMME remains the standard choice when TeEGMME's higher viscosity and price premium are not justified by the application requirements.
How do I get a TeEGMME price quote or sample?
Qualification samples (1–5 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, delivery terms (FOB/CIF/DDP), and destination port.
- Step 2: Receive a detailed TeEGMME 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 placing a commercial order.
- Step 4: Confirm your order - production scheduling, packaging, full export documentation (COA, SDS, Certificate of Origin, packing list), and freight booking handled end-to-end.
- Step 5: Receive your shipment on time with complete traceability documentation. Ask about consolidating with EGMME, DEGMME, or TEGMME to reduce per-unit freight cost.
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