Glycol Ether SDS Explained
Key hazard sections for buyers & formulators - a practical walkthrough of all 16 SDS sections as they apply to glycol ethers, with the critical values to check before handling, formulating, or shipping.
1. What Is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? 📋
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - formerly known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - is a standardised document that provides comprehensive health, safety, handling, and regulatory information about a chemical substance or mixture. Under the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and its regional implementations (EU CLP, US OSHA HazCom 2012, China GBZ 230), every SDS follows a mandatory 16-section structure.
For glycol ethers, the SDS is not merely a compliance document - it is a rich technical resource that tells you the substance's physical properties, solvency characteristics, workplace exposure limits, regulatory status across multiple jurisdictions, and environmental fate. A buyer who reads only Section 1 (identification) is missing most of the value.
⭐ = Sections of particular importance for glycol ether buyers and formulators
💡 SDS vs TDS vs COA: The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) covers hazards and handling. The TDS (Technical Data Sheet) covers performance properties such as solvency, Hansen parameters, and formulation guidance. The COA (Certificate of Analysis) confirms the purity and quality of the specific production batch. For glycol ether procurement, you need all three - not just the SDS. Sinolook Chemical provides all three documents for every grade.
2. SDS Sections 1 & 2: Identity & Hazards ⚠️
Section 1 - Identification: What to Verify
Section 1 contains the product name, CAS number, supplier details, and recommended use. For glycol ethers, the most critical check is the CAS number - not the trade name. Trade names vary widely: "Butyl Cellosolve," "Butyl Glycol," "BCS," and "EGBE" all refer to CAS 111-76-2, but a buyer who orders by trade name alone can receive the wrong product. Always cross-reference CAS numbers against the table below.
| IUPAC / Common Name | CAS No. | Common Trade Names & Abbreviations |
|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | 111-76-2 | EGMBE, EB, BCS, Butyl Cellosolve, Butyl Glycol, 2-Butoxyethanol |
| Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | 112-34-5 | DEGMBE, DB, Butyl Carbitol, Butyl Diglycol, 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol |
| Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | 143-22-6 | TEGMBE, Butyl Triglycol, 2-[2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol |
| Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether | 109-86-4 | EGMME, Methyl Cellosolve, 2-Methoxyethanol, MCS |
| Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether | 111-77-3 | DEGMME, Methyl Carbitol, Methyl Diglycol, 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol |
| Propylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | 5131-66-8 | PGMBE, PnB, Propylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether, 1-Butoxy-2-propanol |
| Dipropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether | 29911-28-2 | DPGMBE, DnPB, Dowanol DnPB, PPG-2 n-Butyl Ether |
| Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether | 34590-94-8 | DPGME, DPM, Dowanol DPM, PPG-2 Methyl Ether |
Section 2 - Hazard Identification: Reading the GHS Classification
Section 2 contains the GHS hazard classification and the signal word, hazard statements (H-phrases), and precautionary statements (P-phrases). For glycol ethers, the key classifications to look for are:
GHS Category 2 (FP <23°C, initial BP >35°C) or Category 3 (FP 23–60°C). PM (FP 32°C) = Category 3; EGMBE (FP 61°C) = Category 4 (combustible in US). Check H226 or H224/H225.
Category 1B (H360) = prohibited in EU consumer products. Category 2 (H361) = suspected. Only affects EGMME, EGMEE, and EGMPE. All other commercial grades: no Repro. Tox. classification.
Most glycol ethers are Category 2 skin irritants and cause reversible eye damage (Category 2A). EGMBE and EGMME carry skin absorption notations. Concentrated forms are more irritating than dilute solutions.
Some glycol ethers have STOT SE (Specific Target Organ Toxicity, Single Exposure) or STOT RE (Repeated Exposure) classifications. EGMBE: STOT RE Category 1 (blood effects). Read Section 11 for details.
3. SDS Sections 3 & 4: Composition & First Aid 🩺
Section 3 - Composition / Ingredients
For a pure glycol ether substance, Section 3 confirms the chemical identity (name, CAS, EC number) and purity. Key things to check: (1) Is the CAS number exactly what you ordered? (2) Are there any listed impurities above threshold concentrations? For glycol ethers, the common impurity to watch for is residual glycol (e.g. ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) which can affect performance in solvency-critical applications. For electronics-grade material, the impurity section should note metal content is below specification.
💡 Isomeric Mixtures (DPM, DPGMBE, TPGMBE): P-series glycol ethers derived from propylene oxide are produced as isomeric mixtures - the CAS number and SDS refer to the mixture as a whole. For example, DPM (CAS 34590-94-8) is the registered mixture of all dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether isomers. This is normal and standard practice. The SDS for an isomeric mixture will either list the single mixture CAS or list the component isomers with their individual CAS numbers. Both approaches are acceptable under GHS.
Section 4 - First-Aid Measures
Section 4 provides emergency response guidance for skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion. For glycol ethers, the most important first-aid notes are:
👁️ Eye Contact
Flush immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. For glycol ethers with H319 (serious eye irritation), this is sufficient and corneal damage is unlikely. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
🖐️ Skin Contact
⚠️ For EGMME and EGMEE: remove contaminated clothing immediately, wash thoroughly with soap and water. These grades are absorbed through skin - speed of decontamination matters for reducing systemic exposure. For other grades: wash with soap and water.
🫁 Inhalation
Move person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. For high-boiling grades (DEGMBE, DPGMBE), inhalation exposure at room temperature is very low (vapour pressure <0.1 mmHg). For PM and EGMME, inhalation risk is higher.
🍽️ Ingestion
Do NOT induce vomiting - aspiration of glycol ether into lungs is more dangerous than ingestion. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention. Note: accidental ingestion of industrial glycol ethers warrants hospital evaluation even if the person feels well initially.
4. SDS Sections 5–8: Fire, Spills, Handling & PPE 🔥
Section 5 - Fire-Fighting Measures
The key fire-fighting data for glycol ethers is the flash point (the lowest temperature at which the vapour can ignite), the auto-ignition temperature, and the explosive limits (LEL/UEL). Most glycol ethers are combustible liquids with flash points above 23 °C - they require specific conditions to ignite and are not extremely flammable under ambient conditions.
| Grade | Flash Point | Auto-Ignition | LEL | UEL | UN Packing Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGMME | 39 °C | 285 °C | 1.8% | 14% | III (Flammable) |
| PM (PGME) | 32 °C | 270 °C | 1.7% | 13.1% | III (Flammable) |
| EGMBE | 61 °C | 238 °C | 1.1% | 10.6% | III (Combustible) |
| DEGMBE | 78 °C | 228 °C | 0.9% | - | III (Combustible) |
| PGMBE | 60 °C | 240 °C | 1.1% | - | III (Combustible) |
| DPGMBE | 75–93 °C | 245 °C | 0.9% | - | III (Combustible) |
Appropriate extinguishing media for all glycol ethers: CO₂, dry chemical, foam, or water spray. Do NOT use a direct water jet on burning liquid (may spread fire). For large fires involving PM or EGMME, use alcohol-resistant foam.
Section 7 - Handling & Storage
Section 7 contains practical handling and storage guidance. Key points for glycol ethers:
- Storage temperature: Store at 15–30 °C, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Do not store near strong oxidisers or acids.
- Container materials: Compatible with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and HDPE. Avoid PVC, polystyrene, and polycarbonate containers for concentrated material.
- Segregation: Store separately from oxidising agents, strong acids, and strong bases. For PM and EGMME, also segregate from ignition sources (flammable liquid storage rules apply).
- Container sealing: Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use - glycol ethers absorb atmospheric moisture (hygroscopic) and lower-boiling grades can evaporate significantly from open containers.
- Shelf life: Glycol ethers are chemically stable. Shelf life is typically 2–3 years in sealed original containers at ambient temperature, provided contamination is avoided.
Section 8 - Exposure Controls & PPE
Section 8 is one of the most practically important sections for anyone handling glycol ethers in the workplace. It lists workplace exposure limits (OELs/TWAs) and specifies the required personal protective equipment.
🧤 Gloves
EGMME / EGMEE: Butyl rubber or neoprene (min. 0.5 mm) - latex/nitrile insufficient.
EGMBE: Nitrile (min. 0.3 mm).
P-series, DEGMBE: Nitrile recommended. Breakthrough times: verify with glove manufacturer.
👓 Eye Protection
Chemical splash goggles (indirect-vent) for pouring or transfer operations. Safety glasses with side shields are adequate for low-splash tasks. Face shield if large volumes are handled.
💨 Respiratory Protection
High-boiling grades (DEGMBE, DPGMBE) rarely require respiratory protection at room temperature - vapour pressure is too low. For EGMME and PM in poorly ventilated spaces: half-face respirator with organic vapour cartridge. Engineering controls (ventilation) are preferred over respiratory PPE.
👔 Body Protection
Chemical-resistant apron or coverall for bulk handling. Regular work clothes are adequate for normal lab-scale use with other grades. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse - especially critical for EGMME and EGMEE.
5. SDS Section 9: Physical & Chemical Properties ⭐
Section 9 is arguably the most technically useful section of the SDS for formulators. It contains the physical property data that determines whether a glycol ether is fit for a particular formulation or application. Key values to check and what they mean:
🌡️ Boiling Point / Evaporation Rate
Boiling point determines EU VOC classification (≤250 °C = VOC). Evaporation rate (relative to nBuAc) determines dry time and dwell time in cleaning/coating applications. A low evaporation rate number means SLOW evaporation. Cross-check these two values together when selecting a grade.
💧 Solubility in Water
"Miscible in all proportions" means the solvent blends completely with water - ideal for water-based formulations and easy cleanup. "Slightly soluble" or "limited" miscibility means phase separation may occur at higher concentrations or in the presence of high electrolyte levels.
📊 Vapour Pressure
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mmHg or hPa) determines the inhalation risk at room temperature. EGMME: ~10 mmHg (significant vapour). DPGMBE: <0.1 mmHg (negligible vapour). A high vapour pressure grade needs better ventilation; a low vapour pressure grade is safer to handle in open areas.
⚖️ Density / Specific Gravity
All glycol ethers are slightly denser than water (0.90–0.97 g/mL). This affects weight-to-volume conversion for bulk purchasing (kg vs litres), formulation calculations (weight% vs volume%), and spill response (the liquid will not float on water - important for containment).
🔗 Viscosity
Viscosity (mPa·s or cP at 20 °C) affects pump selection, flow behaviour, and formulation viscosity contribution. EGMME: ~1.7 cP (water-like). DPGMBE: ~6.5 cP (noticeably viscous). For mixing and blending at scale, viscosity determines agitation requirements.
🔥 Flash Point (Cross-Check)
Always cross-check the flash point in Section 9 against the GHS classification in Section 2 - they must be consistent. Flash point ≤23 °C = Flammable (H224/H225); 23–60 °C = Combustible Flammable Liquid (H226); >60 °C = less regulated. This determines storage area classification and ATEX requirements.
Section 10 - Stability & Reactivity
Glycol ethers are generally chemically stable under normal conditions. Section 10 will confirm no hazardous polymerisation, list incompatibilities (strong oxidisers and strong acids are the main ones), and identify hazardous decomposition products. For glycol ethers, the main thermal decomposition products are CO, CO₂, and aldehydes - relevant for fire response planning but not for normal storage and use.
⚠️ Peroxide Formation: Glycol ethers with primary or secondary ether bonds can slowly form peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air and light. Section 10 should note this risk. In practice, glycol ethers in original sealed containers do not pose a peroxide hazard - but material that has been stored for years in unsealed or partially used containers exposed to air should be tested for peroxide content before use in high-temperature or distillation processes.
6. SDS Sections 11 & 12: Toxicology & Ecology ⭐
Section 11 - Toxicological Information
Section 11 is the most important section for understanding the health hazards of a glycol ether. It provides acute toxicity data (LD50, LC50), skin/eye irritation results, sensitisation data, and - critically for glycol ethers - reproductive toxicity, STOT (specific target organ toxicity), and carcinogenicity information. Key values to check:
| Grade | Oral LD₅₀ (rat) | Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) | Repro. Tox. | STOT RE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGMME | 2,460 mg/kg | 3,540 mg/kg | Cat. 1B ⚠️ | Cat. 1 (testes) |
| EGMEE | 3,000 mg/kg | 3,300 mg/kg | Cat. 1B ⚠️ | Cat. 2 (blood) |
| EGMBE | 1,480 mg/kg | 1,060 mg/kg | None | Cat. 1 (blood/RBC) |
| DEGMBE | 6,560 mg/kg | >2,000 mg/kg | None | None |
| PGMBE | >2,000 mg/kg | >2,000 mg/kg | None | None |
| DPGMBE | >2,000 mg/kg | >2,000 mg/kg | None | None |
LD₅₀ values: higher number = lower acute oral toxicity. A value >2,000 mg/kg typically means not classifiable as acutely toxic under GHS. All values from published literature and ECHA data.
Section 12 - Ecological Information
Section 12 covers aquatic toxicity (LC50 for fish, EC50 for daphnia), biodegradability, and bioaccumulation potential. Key findings for glycol ethers:
- Aquatic toxicity: Most glycol ethers have LC50 values >100 mg/L for fish and daphnia - classified as "not acutely hazardous to aquatic organisms" at typical environmental concentrations. EGMBE has a fish LC50 of ~1,490 mg/L (practically non-toxic to aquatic life).
- Biodegradability: All commercial glycol ethers are readily biodegradable (OECD 301B / 301F test). BOD₅/COD ratios of 0.5–0.7 confirm rapid biological degradation. This makes glycol ether wastewater amenable to conventional biological treatment.
- Bioaccumulation: Log Kow values for most glycol ethers are <1 (EGMME: −0.77; EGMBE: 0.83). Very low bioaccumulation potential - they do not concentrate in aquatic food chains.
7. SDS Sections 13–15: Disposal, Transport & Regulatory ⭐
Section 13 - Disposal
Glycol ethers should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Due to their high BOD and water miscibility, dilute aqueous glycol ether solutions (cleaning rinse waters, process wash waters) are generally acceptable for municipal biological treatment at concentrations below local consent limits (typically <500 ppm). Concentrated glycol ether waste should be collected for incineration or solvent recovery. Never pour concentrated glycol ethers into surface water drains or soil.
Section 14 - Transport Information ⭐
Section 14 contains the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, and special provisions for transport by road (ADR), sea (IMDG), and air (IATA). This section is critical for logistics and customs documentation.
| Grade | UN No. | Hazard Class | Packing Group | Proper Shipping Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGMME | UN 1188 | Class 3 | III | Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether |
| PM (PGME) | UN 3092 | Class 3 | III | 1-Methoxypropan-2-ol |
| EGMBE | UN 2369 | Class 3 | III | Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether |
| DEGMBE | UN 3271 | Class 3 | III | Ethers, n.o.s. |
| PGMBE | UN 3272 | Class 3 | III | Esters, n.o.s. or Ethers, n.o.s. |
| DPGMBE / TEGMBE / TPGMBE | Not regulated | - | - | High-boiling grades not subject to transport hazmat regs ✅ |
High-boiling glycol ethers (DPGMBE, TEGMBE, TPGMBE) are typically not subject to hazardous materials transport regulations - a significant logistics advantage for bulk shipping. Always verify current UN/ADR/IMDG classification with the actual SDS for the specific product.
Section 15 - Regulatory Information ⭐
Section 15 is the regulatory status summary. For glycol ethers sold globally, a well-prepared SDS Section 15 should address:
- EU REACH: REACH registration number (should be present for all substances sold in the EU >1 tonne/year), SVHC status, Annex XIV/XVII restrictions.
- EU CLP: Harmonised classification in Annex VI of CLP, or self-classification if no harmonised classification exists.
- US TSCA: Whether the substance is listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (required for US import/manufacture).
- US EPA HAP: Whether the substance is listed as a Hazardous Air Pollutant under the Clean Air Act (key for manufacturing facility permitting).
- China IECSC: Whether the substance is listed on China's Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (required for China import).
- Cosmetics prohibition: Whether the substance is prohibited or restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II or III.
8. GHS Pictograms You Will See on Glycol Ether SDS ⚠️
GHS pictograms are the red-bordered diamond symbols that communicate hazard categories at a glance. The following pictograms appear most commonly on glycol ether SDS documents:
💡 What to Do When You See GHS08 on a Glycol Ether SDS: The GHS08 Health Hazard pictogram covers a broad range of serious health effects. For glycol ethers, it appears either because of reproductive toxicity (EGMME, EGMEE) or because of specific target organ toxicity on repeated exposure (EGMBE affects red blood cells at high doses). Check Section 11 carefully to understand exactly which organ(s) are affected and at what exposure levels. GHS08 on an EGMME SDS is a much more serious concern than GHS08 on an EGMBE SDS - the former indicates reproductive toxicity, the latter indicates haematological effects at occupationally high exposures.
9. Quick-Reference Checklist: What to Check in Any Glycol Ether SDS ✅
Before signing off on a glycol ether for purchase, formulation, or handling, work through this checklist against the SDS you have received.
🛒 For Buyers / Procurement
⚗️ For Formulators
🏭 For Warehouse & EHS Teams
10. Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: What is the difference between an SDS and an MSDS?
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) refer to the same type of document. The term MSDS was replaced by SDS when the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS) was adopted - GHS mandates a strict 16-section format, while older MSDS documents often had varying formats. In most jurisdictions (EU, US, China, Japan), the current requirement is for GHS-format SDS. When a supplier provides an MSDS rather than an SDS, it may indicate the document is outdated and the classification may not reflect current EU CLP or US HazCom 2012 standards.
Q: How do I request an SDS for glycol ethers from Sinolook Chemical?
Sinolook Chemical provides SDS documents for all glycol ether grades as standard documentation accompanying every order. SDS are available in English, Simplified Chinese, German, and Spanish. For pre-order evaluation or compliance review, contact sales@sinolookchem.com and specify the grade (by CAS number or product name), the target market jurisdiction (EU, US, China, etc.), and the required language. We typically provide SDS within 24 hours of request.
Q: Does the glycol ether SDS tell me the VOC status of the product?
The SDS does not always explicitly state "VOC-exempt" or "non-VOC" - this determination requires the reader to interpret Section 9 (boiling point) against the applicable regulation. For the EU: if Section 9 shows BP >250 °C, the substance is outside the EU VOC Directive definition. For the US: you need to cross-reference the substance against the EPA's list of VOC-exempt compounds (40 CFR §51.100(s)), which is not typically referenced in the SDS itself. Section 15 of a well-prepared SDS may mention VOC-exempt status, but this is not universally required. Always verify VOC status independently against the applicable regulatory list.
Q: What does "skin" notation mean in Section 8 of a glycol ether SDS?
The "skin" notation (sometimes written as "Sk" or included in the precautionary statements) indicates that the substance can be absorbed through intact skin at toxicologically significant rates. For substances with a skin notation, the inhalation OEL alone is insufficient to protect workers - skin contact must also be controlled. For EGMME and EGMEE, skin absorption is particularly significant because they are reproductive toxins - even brief dermal exposure contributes to the systemic dose. Appropriate gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene, not latex) must be worn whenever these grades are handled.
Q: Are high-boiling glycol ethers (TEGMBE, DPGMBE, TPGMBE) subject to transport regulations?
No - generally not. Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TEGMBE), Dipropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DPGMBE), and Tripropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TPGMBE) are high-boiling liquids that do not meet the criteria for a GHS flammable liquid classification (flash points typically >60°C for DPGMBE, or not applicable for the highest-boiling grades). They are generally not assigned UN numbers and ship as non-regulated goods (NRG) under ADR/IMDG/IATA - a significant cost and documentation advantage for bulk international shipments. Always confirm with the specific product SDS and consult your freight forwarder.
📚 Official SDS & Regulatory Resources
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