Butyl Glycol

Butyl glycol (2-butoxyethanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, EGBE, C6H14O2, CAS 111-76-2) is a clear, colourless solvent supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 99% minimum purity, boiling point 171 °C, flash point 61 °C and specific gravity 0.902, in 200 L drums, 1,000 L IBCs and bulk from stock in Muscat. Its molecule has an ether end that dissolves oils, resins and grease and an alcohol end that mixes with water, so it couples oil and water phases that would otherwise separate; that single property explains most of its uses.

In the oilfield it is the mutual solvent. Added at 5–10% to acid treatments it water-wets the formation and the fines, lowers surface tension, prevents emulsion and sludge between acid and crude, and helps the spent acid flow back; in production chemistry it is the coupling solvent that keeps corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers and scale inhibitors stable in water-based packages, and the cleaning solvent for wellhead, rig and equipment degreasing. The oilfield chemicals guide linked on this page lists the acids and inhibitors it is blended with.

Industrial uses: the slow-evaporating coalescent and co-solvent of water-based paints and coatings, where it helps latex particles form a continuous film and improves flow, gloss and brushability; a solvent for nitrocellulose, alkyd and epoxy coatings and printing inks; the degreasing and coupling solvent in heavy-duty cleaners, glass cleaners, floor strippers and metal cleaners, typically at 2–10%; and a component of hydraulic fluids and textile auxiliaries.

Handling: butyl glycol is a combustible liquid and is harmful by skin absorption, inhalation and ingestion, irritating the eyes and skin. Use it in ventilated areas, wear butyl or nitrile gloves and goggles, and keep vapour within the workplace exposure limit; store drums closed in a cool, shaded, bunded area away from oxidisers and ignition sources, in carbon-steel, stainless or HDPE containers. Like other glycol ethers it can form peroxides on long storage in air, so rotate stock. Every delivery carries a certificate of analysis giving purity, water and acidity, a technical data sheet and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, to the interior fields by arrangement, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the pack type and monthly volume.