Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

Description

A clear, colorless liquid used as a Solvent. Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether is commonly called by its trademark name of methyl Cellosolve®. It is a powerful solvent that dissolves most natural resins and synthetic resins; it is used to make quick drying varnishes, enamels, inks, stains, and nail polishes. Methyl Cellosolve® is also used to print alcohol soluble dyes on textiles.

Synonyms and Related Terms

methyl Cellosolve® [Union Carbide]; 2-methoxyethanol; methoxyhydroxyethane

Risks

• Absorbs through plastic gloves
• Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption
• Potential carcinogen
• Combustible. Moderate fire risk
• MilliporeSigma: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Miscible with ethanol, water, ether, glycerol, acetone, and dimethylformamide.

Composition	HOCH2CH2OCH3
CAS	109-86-4
Melting Point	-85.1 C
Density	0.9663 g/ml
Molecular Weight	mol. wt.=106.9
Boiling Point	124.43 C

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 6118