Propylene glycol monoethyl ether

Synonyms

1(or 2)-Ethoxypropanol; Ethoxypropanol; Ethyl ether of propylene glycol; 1,2-Propanediol, monoethyl ether; Propanol, 1(or 2)-ethoxy-; Propanol, ethoxy- (9CI); [ChemIDplus] PGMEE; [CHEMINFO] Glycol ether PE; [MSDSonline]

Category

Glycol Ethers (P Series)

Description

Colorless liquid; [CAMEO] Clear colorless liquid with a mild odor like ether; Hygroscopic; [CHEMINFO]

Sources/Uses

Used to make lacquers, paints, leather finishes, wood stains, furniture polishes, inks, polyglycol ethers, and cleaning products; Also used as an antifreeze, solvent, extractant (pharmaceutical industry), and additive to adhesives, agrochemical formulations, and nail care products; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

Oxidized by air producing unstable peroxides that can spontaneously explode; An eye and nose irritant; [CAMEO] May form explosive peroxides on extended contact with air; Inhalation of high concentrations causes nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation and CNS depression; A severe eye irritant; Can be absorbed through skin; [CHEMINFO] A moderate skin and severe eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations causes respiratory tract irritation and CNS depression; Chronic exposure may cause nervous system, blood, and kidney damage; [MSDSonline] See "GLYCOL ETHERS."

Biomedical References

2.42 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) > 3,337 ppm/4h

Explanatory Notes

VP from ChemIDplus;

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Leather Tanning and Processing
• Painting (Solvents)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives