DCAC - Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Acetate

About This Product

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, DCAC or carbitol acetate, has the formula C8H16O4 and CAS number 112-15-2. It is produced by acetylating DE and is supplied as a clear colourless liquid with a mild ester odour and a high boiling point. It occupies the middle of the slow acetate range, between the ethyl-capped DE acetate chemistry and the heavier butyl equivalent. Removing the hydroxyl through acetylation does three things in concert: it eliminates the active hydrogen that would react with isocyanate, it cuts water miscibility so the solvent stays in the organic phase, and it raises the boiling point further. In screen and pad printing inks, that slow evaporation is the whole point, since an ink that dries in the mesh blocks the screen and stops the run; a slow acetate keeps the ink open on the screen while still releasing cleanly from the printed film. In coatings it is used as a retarder, added in small proportion to extend flow time and eliminate blushing in humid conditions. It is used in screen and pad printing inks, industrial coatings, two-pack polyurethanes, wood finishes and as a retarder and flow aid. Bio Green Chem supplies DCAC to specification on assay, free glycol ether, acidity, water, colour and residue.