Ethylene Glycol Tert-Butyl Ether

About This Product

Ethylene glycol tert-butyl ether, EGTBE, has the formula C6H14O2 and CAS number 7580-85-0. It is an isomer of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, carrying the same atoms in a different arrangement: a branched tertiary butyl group in place of the straight n-butyl chain. Branching has consistent and predictable effects on a solvent. A branched molecule is more compact and packs less efficiently, so intermolecular attraction is weaker, boiling point falls and evaporation rate rises compared with the linear isomer of identical molecular weight. It also changes solvency character, generally reducing affinity for polar resins while improving compatibility with aliphatic hydrocarbons. The tertiary carbon is additionally resistant to oxidation, which can improve stability in formulations where a primary alcohol group would be attacked. Formulators choose between the two isomers when a formulation needs the solvency profile of a C6 glycol ether but the flash-off timing of a lighter one, a substitution that changes drying without changing solvent class. It is used in coatings and inks, cleaning formulations, as a coupling solvent and as a chemical intermediate. Bio Green Chem supplies ethylene glycol tert-butyl ether to specification on assay, isomer purity, water content, acidity, colour and residue.