Butyl Glycol Acetate (also known as 2-butoxyethyl acetate; ethylene glycol butyl ether acetate; and 2-butoxyethanol acetate) has the chemical formula C8H16O3, and is a clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid. It has a mild and pleasant ester odour and is only sparingly soluble in water but is miscible with many common organic solvents, for example, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, glycols, and glycol ethers. It is this solvent power, combined with its’ low volatility, that sees Butyl Glycol Acetate employed in many branches of industry.
Butyl Glycol Acetate is stable under standard conditions and has a specific gravity of 0.9422 and a Flash point of 71.1o C (closed cup). It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area that is away from all possible sources of ignition, and the container should be tightly sealed until ready for use.
Butyl Glycol Acetate is usually transported in carbon steel, or stainless steel, drums or in tank cars. It is not regulated for transport but is Flammable and should also be labelled as Xn, as it is Harmful when ingested.