PE - Propylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

About This Product

Propylene glycol monoethyl ether, PE or PGEE, has the formula C5H12O2 and CAS number 1569-02-4. It is a clear colourless liquid, miscible with water and with common organic solvents, with a higher boiling point and slower evaporation than PM. The propylene series runs a ladder in the same way the ethylene series does: lengthening the alkyl group raises boiling point, slows evaporation, strengthens solvency for oils and resins and reduces water affinity. PE sits one rung above PM, so it is specified where PM flashes off too quickly to give a coating time to level, or where its solvency is insufficient for the resin system. What it retains from the series is the metabolic advantage. Propylene glycol ethers built on the alpha isomer are metabolised by oxidation to carbon dioxide rather than to the alkoxyacetic acids responsible for the reproductive effects of the short-chain ethylene ethers, so they carry no reproductive toxicity classification. Isomer content is specified for the same reason as with PM. It is used in coatings and printing inks, industrial cleaners and degreasers, electronics processing, and as a coupling and coalescing solvent. Bio Green Chem supplies PE to specification on assay, alpha isomer content, water, acidity, colour and residue.