Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether – Solvent for Coatings, Inks & Cleaners
Introduction:
Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (TEGBE) is a slow-evaporating, high-boiling point glycol ether that serves as a powerful solvent in numerous industrial and commercial applications. Known for its outstanding solvency, low odor, and excellent coupling properties, TEGBE plays a crucial role in coatings, cleaners, inks, and textile processes. It belongs to the family of glycol ethers and is particularly appreciated for its ability to mix with both water and a wide range of organic solvents.
This versatile liquid is widely used as a coalescent in latex paints, a coupling agent in cleaners, as well as a solvent carrier in pesticide and textile formulations. Its mild odor and low volatility make it suitable for indoor use and applications requiring slower evaporation rates.
Chemical Information
Chemical Name: Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
CAS Number: 143-22-6
Molecular Formula: C10H22O4
Molecular Weight: 206.28 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, ether-like
Boiling Point: Approx. 280°C
Flash Point: 143°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
How It Is Made
TEGBE is produced by the etherification of triethylene glycol with n-butyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The process involves controlled dehydration and substitution reactions, resulting in the formation of monoethers with high selectivity. The product is then purified through distillation to remove any unreacted alcohol or glycol and to ensure the final chemical meets commercial purity specifications.
Depending on the end use, it can be produced in various grades—technical grade for industrial cleaning and coatings, and higher-purity grades for more sensitive applications like inks and certain chemical syntheses.
Industrial Usage
Thanks to its balanced properties, Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is used in many industries:
Paints and Coatings
TEGBE acts as a coalescent and flow enhancer in water-based and solvent-based paints. It helps in the formation of uniform paint films, prevents cracking, and improves gloss and leveling. Its slow evaporation makes it ideal for hot climates or applications requiring longer open times.
Cleaners and Degreasers
It is commonly used in industrial and household cleaners as a coupling agent that helps combine water with oils and greases. It enhances cleaning performance in glass, metal, and hard-surface cleaning solutions.
Printing Inks
TEGBE improves print quality, shorter drying time and more even distribution of pigments, also helping control ink viscosity. Specialty, gravure and flexographic inks are all types of inks that use it.
Textile and Leather
In the textile industry, it serves as a dye carrier and wetting agent, ensuring deeper dye penetration and better finish quality. It is also used in leather processing for softening and chemical treatment.
Agricultural Chemicals
TEGBE is used in some agrochemical formulations as a solvent and carrier that ensures even distribution and absorption of active ingredients on crops.
Chemical Intermediary
It can also be used as an intermediate for synthesizing other glycol-based chemicals and specialty formulations in the chemical industry.
Countries of Origin
Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether is manufactured and supplied from several major chemical-producing regions:
China – provides affordable, large-scale production and exports to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
India – Supplies both technical and high-purity grades, particularly for cleaning, paints, and textile uses.
Germany and the EU – Known for manufacturing REACH-compliant TEGBE with consistent quality and environmental controls.
USA – Produces industrial and electronic grades for domestic use and international markets.
South Korea and Japan – Specialize in high-purity solvent production for advanced industrial applications.
Packaging We Offer
Abdul Sattar Sons provides Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether in a variety of safe and efficient packaging options to meet diverse industrial needs:
200-liter HDPE or steel drums – Ideal for bulk industrial and manufacturing use
IBC totes (1000 liters) – Preferred for large-scale consumption in processing plants
ISO tank containers – Used for global shipping in large quantities
Smaller packaging (25-liter cans) – For pilot runs, R&D use, or limited production
Custom labeling and palletization – Available on request for branded or export-ready packaging
All containers are labeled according to international transport standards with hazard classifications, batch numbers, and safety documentation including SDS, COA, and compliance with local and international regulatory requirements.
Benefits of Using TEGBE
Outstanding solvent for a variety of organic materials
Low odor and slow evaporation for safer indoor use
Compatible with both water and oil-based systems
Enhances flow, leveling, and film formation in coatings
Stable under storage and transport conditions
Environmentally preferred over more volatile solvents
Available in multiple grades to suit industry-specific needs
Abdul Sattar Sons – Trusted Global Supplier
Abdul Sattar Sons is a reliable exporter, broker, and trader of Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, connecting global industries with quality chemical solutions. Our company partners with top producers in China, India, Germany, and the USA, ensuring a consistent supply of TEGBE in compliance with international quality and safety standards.
We serve clients in coatings, textile, ink, agricultural, and cleaning industries across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. With an emphasis on transparency, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction, we manage everything from sourcing and packaging to logistics and documentation.
Whether you require regular shipments or custom sourcing, Abdul Sattar Sons is your global chemical partner for Triethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether and beyond.
For pricing, samples, and technical specifications, Simplify your chemical procurement by getting in touch with our sales staff right now.
