Substance profile
2-Butoxyethanol
2-Butoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-Butoxyethanol is
2-Butoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C6H14O2 and its molecular weight is 118.17 g/mol. It boils at 168 °C, melts at -74.8 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · Identifiers
2-Butoxyethanol identifiers and molecular data
2-Butoxyethanol CAS number and EC number
2-Butoxyethanol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for 2-Butoxyethanol
- ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
03 · GHS classification
2-Butoxyethanol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
2-Butoxyethanol pictograms and signal word
2-Butoxyethanol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H331 | GHS06 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
2-Butoxyethanol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to 2-Butoxyethanol. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for 2-Butoxyethanol
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of 2-Butoxyethanol issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
2-Butoxyethanol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 17 precautionary statements to 2-Butoxyethanol. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
2-Butoxyethanol name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | 2-бутоксиетанол монобутилов етер на етиленгликола |
| Spanish español | 2-Butoxietanol éter monobutílico de etilenglicol |
| Czech čeština | 2-butoxyethan-1-ol ethylenglykol-monobutyl-ether |
| Danish dansk | 2-butoxyethanol ethylenglycolmonobutylether |
| German Deutsch | 2-Butoxyethanol Ethylenglycolmonobutylether |
| Estonian eesti | 2-butoksüetanool etüleenglükoolmonobutüüleeter |
| Greek ελληνικά | 2-βουτοξυαιθανόλη μονοβουτυλικός αιθέρας αιθυλενογλυκόλης |
| English English | 2-butoxyethanol ethylene glycol monobutyl ether |
| French français | 2-butoxyéthanol éther monobutylique d’éthylène-glycol |
| Croatian hrvatski | 2-butoksietanol etilen-glikol-monobutil-eter |
| Italian italiano | 2-butossietanolo etilenglicol-monobutiletere |
| Latvian latviešu | 2-butoksietanols etilēnglikola monobutilēteris |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | 2-butoksietanolis etilenglikolio monobutileteris |
| Hungarian magyar | 2-butoxietanol etilén-glikol-monobutil-éter |
| Maltese Malti | 2-butossietanol monobutiletere glikol etileniku |
| Dutch Nederlands | 2-butoxyethanol ethyleenglycolmonobutylether |
| Polish polski | 2-butoksyetanol eter monobutylowy glikolu etylenowego |
| Portuguese português | 2-butoxietanol éter monobutílico de etilenoglicol |
| Romanian română | 2-butoxietanol eter monobutilic al etilenglicolului |
| Slovak slovenčina | 2-butoxyetanol etylénglykol monobutyléter |
| Slovenian slovenščina | 2-butoksietanol etilen glikol monobutil eter |
| Finnish suomi | 2-butoksietanoli etyleeniglykolin monobutyylieetteri |
| Swedish svenska | 2-butoxietanol etylenglykolmonobutyleter |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
2-Butoxyethanol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for 2-Butoxyethanol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
2-Butoxyethanol
- Toxic if inhaled.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- IF IN EYES:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open 2-Butoxyethanol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
2-Butoxyethanol health hazards and exposure limits
2-Butoxyethanol hazard summary
Severe hemoglobinuria and changes in the lungs, kidneys, and liver are seen in mice after 7-hour lethal concentration studies. Volunteers showed no evidence of adverse effects other than mucous membrane irritation after 8 hour exposures to 200 ppm. No increase in red cell fragility was seen after these brief exposures. [ACGIH] For ethylene glycol ethers, there is limited positive evidence of spontaneous abortions and decreased sperm counts in humans and strong positive evidence of birth defects and testicular damage in animals. [ATSDR Case Studies # 29] Humans are resistant to butoxyethanol-induced red blood cell hemolysis. [Sullivan, p. 1204] See Glycol ethers.
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
2-Butoxyethanol carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2-butoxyethanol in male F344/N rats exposed to 31.2, 62.5, or 125 ppm. There was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2-butoxyethanol in female F344/N rats based on the increased combined incidences of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma (mainly benign) of the adrenal medulla. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2-butoxyethanol in male B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of hemangiosarcoma of the liver. A marginal increase in the incidences of forestomach squamous cell papilloma and an increase in the incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma may have been exposure related. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of 2-butoxyethanol in female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of fore stomach squamous cell papilloma or carcinoma (mainly papilloma).
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-484: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of 2-Butoxyethanol (CASRN 111-76-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (2000 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of 2-butoxyethanol. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of 2-butoxyethanol. Overall evaluation: 2-Butoxyethanol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
2-Butoxyethanol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 50.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 50 ppm (240 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 50 ppm (240 mg/m3) [skin] See Appendix G | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 5 ppm (24 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 5 ppm (24 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 700 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 700.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 700 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
2-Butoxyethanol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
2-Butoxyethanol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 168.4 °C (335.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 170.56 °C (339 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 171.11 °C (340 °F) | at 743 mmHg | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -74.8 °C (-102.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -77.22 °C (-107 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -70 °C (-94 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.9015 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.902 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethyl alcohol, ethyl ether; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in mineral oil, most organic solvents. | HSDB |
2-Butoxyethanol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.0075 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 0.6 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.88 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
2-Butoxyethanol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 61.67 °C (143 °F) | HSDB | |
| 60.56 °C (141 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 238 °C (460.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 244.44 °C (472 °F) | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 1.1 % by volume | at 93 °C | HSDB |
2-Butoxyethanol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10.6 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| 12.7 % by volume | at 93 °C | HSDB | |
| 12.7 % by volume | at 135 °C | NIOSH |
2-Butoxyethanol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 4.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.07 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
2-Butoxyethanol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Odor perception threshold is 9.3 mg/L. | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.1 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 0.35 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
2-Butoxyethanol critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 360.75 °C (681.4 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
2-Butoxyethanol fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
2-Butoxyethanol fire potential
Combustible liquid when exposed to hear or flame.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
2-Butoxyethanol storage and handling
2-Butoxyethanol peroxide formation
B*: Compounds that form peroxides on concentration (distillation/evaporation)
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
2-Butoxyethanol safe storage
Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2-Butoxyethanol storage conditions
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Butoxyethanol incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. ... Violent reaction with strong caustics adn strong oxidizers. Attacks some coatings, plastics and rubber. Attacks metallic aluminum at high temperatures.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
2-Butoxyethanol reactivity
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER may react with bases, aluminum and oxidizing materials. It is liable to form peroxides on exposure to air and light. It attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-Butoxyethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
2-Butoxyethanol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of 2-Butoxyethanol?
The CAS number of 2-Butoxyethanol is 111-76-2. Its EC number is 203-905-0.
What is the chemical formula of 2-Butoxyethanol?
The molecular formula of 2-Butoxyethanol is C6H14O2 and its molecular weight is 118.17 g/mol.
What does a 2-Butoxyethanol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for 2-Butoxyethanol carries the pictogram Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is 2-Butoxyethanol flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns 2-Butoxyethanol no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 61.67 °C (143 °F) (HSDB).
Is 2-Butoxyethanol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for 2-Butoxyethanol. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for 2-Butoxyethanol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for 2-Butoxyethanol is 50.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of 2-Butoxyethanol?
The boiling point reported for 2-Butoxyethanol is 168.4 °C (335.1 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of 2-Butoxyethanol?
The melting point reported for 2-Butoxyethanol is -74.8 °C (-102.6 °F) (HSDB).
How should 2-Butoxyethanol be stored?
Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to 2-Butoxyethanol
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