Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE) – Versatile Solvent for Coatings, Cleaners & Inks
Introduction:
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (DEGBE) is a transparent and colourless viscous liquid with a gentle, ether-like odor. It is a slow-evaporating glycol ether used widely in paints, coatings, cleaning products, inks, textiles, and other industrial applications. becuase of its excellent solvency, low volatility, and compatibility with both water and organic solvents, DEGBE is a highly versatile ingredient in many formulations.
DEGBE belongs to the glycol ether family and is often referred to by other names such as Butyl Carbitol or 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol. Its differnet chemical structure allows it to dissolve a wide range of resins, oils, waxes, and other substances while maintaining low odor and high stability. It is especially valued in applications requiring slower drying, better flow, and improved leveling.
Chemical information:
Chemical name: Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
Common name: Butyl Carbitol
CAS number: 112-34-5
Molecular formula: C8H18O3
Molecular weight: 162.23 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
Boiling point: ~230°C
Flash point: ~96°C (closed cup)
Density: ~0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
How Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is made:
DEGBE is manufactured through the etherification process, typically involving the reaction of butanol with diethylene glycol in the presence of an acid catalyst. This process forms a stable monoether compound with good solvent properties and high boiling point.
The raw materials used include:
Diethylene Glycol
Butanol
Acid catalyst (e.g., sulfuric acid or ion exchange resin)
To guarantee constant quality and purity and to eliminate any remaining reactants, the product is refined by distillation after synthesis. For usage in industrial chemicals, cleansers, and coatings, the finished product satisfies the requirements.
Industrial usage:
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is used in industries due to its balanced evaporation rate, solvency, and low odor profile
Paint and Coatings industry:
In the paint and coatings industry, DEGBE is used as a coalescent and solvent in water-based and solvent-based paints. It improves film formation, flow, and leveling, particularly in architectural coatings, metal finishes, and wood coatings. Its slow evaporation helps reduce brush marks and improves gloss.
Cleaning Products:
In cleaning products, DEGBE is a common ingredient in glass cleaners, degreasers, and all-purpose cleaners. It effectively dissolves greases, oils, and soil while being mild on surfaces. It is used in both household and industrial-grade cleaning formulations.
Printing Inks:
In printing inks, DEGBE helps control viscosity, enhances flow, and prevents ink drying on the press. It is suitable for water-based and solvent-based ink systems used in flexographic and gravure printing.
Textile Processing:
In textile processing, DEGBE acts as a carrier for dyes and finishes. It improves penetration of fabrics and is used in printing pastes and textile coatings.
Agricultural Formulations
In agricultural formulations, DEGBE serves as a carrier solvent for herbicides and pesticides. Its low phytotoxicity and good spreading properties help improve spray efficiency.
In chemical synthesis, DEGBE is used as a solvent and intermediate in producing plasticizers, stabilizers, and resins.
Countries of origin:
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is manufactured in many countries with advanced chemical production industries.
China:
China produces large quantity and exports of DEGBE, offering both industrial-grade and high-purity grades for global use.
India:
India also has a strong production base for glycol ethers, supplying DEGBE to the domestic market and exporting to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Germany:
Germany and other European countries produce REACH-compliant DEGBE for use in coatings, electronics, and pharmaceutical applications.
South Korea:
South Korea and Japan supply high-purity glycol ethers for sensitive industrial processes such as electronics and specialty coatings.
United States:
The United States manufactures DEGBE primarily for coatings, cleaning chemicals, and export to Latin America and North America.
Abdul Sattar Sons sources DEGBE from reliable manufacturers in these regions to supply global customers with consistent, high-quality product.
Packaging we offer:
Abdul Sattar Sons supplies Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether in a range of packaging choices to satisfy the demands of global purchasers and industrial users:
200-liter steel drums :
suitable for bulk and mid-size industrial consumption.
1000-liter IBC totes:
Ideal for large-volume users and export logistics
ISO tank containers:
for bulk international shipments
Custom packaging – available upon request with private labeling, shrink-wrapping, and palletization
All packaging is compliant with international transport regulations and includes GHS labeling, UN markings, and necessary documentation such as SDS and Certificate of Analysis.
Benefits of Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether:
Excellent solvency for resins, waxes, and oils
Balanced evaporation rate for improved film formation
Low odor and low toxicity, safer for indoor and enclosed environments
Miscible with both water and organic solvents
Suitable for a variety of pH levels
Compatible with multiple formulation systems (cleaners, coatings, inks)
REACH compliant and biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Enhances flow, leveling, and finish in coatings and cleaners
Abdul Sattar Sons – your trusted supplier of DEGBE worldwide
Abdul Sattar Sons is a trusted name in the global chemical trade, supplying high-quality Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether to industries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. With strong sourcing relationships and a global logistics network, we deliver consistent supply backed by documentation, compliance, and customer service.
We serve manufacturers in paints, coatings, cleaning products, adhesives, and industrial formulations. Our clients include both bulk buyers and niche suppliers who rely on DEGBE for performance and reliability.
Whether you need full-container loads, drums, or custom packaging, we can tailor our supply to meet your requirements. Abdul Sattar Sons handles everything from sourcing and export paperwork to documentation support and quality control.
For high-purity, competitively priced Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether with global reach and dependable service, choose Abdul Sattar Sons as your trusted partner.
