Butyl Diglycol Acetate, Diethylene Glycol Butylether Acetate, BDGA, 124-17-4

Butyl Diglycol Acetate, Diethylene Glycol Butylether Acetate, BDGA, 124-17-4

BUTYL DIGLYCOL ACETATE (BDGA)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Note: In the FAQ section of your source text, CAS number “112-34-5” is incorrectly referenced. That number belongs to Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl diglycol) – the non-acetylated parent alcohol. The correct CAS for Butyl diglycol acetate is 124-17-4.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

• Physical form: Clear, colourless, mobile liquid.

• Boiling point: 230 °C (at 760 mmHg)

• Melting point: −68 °C

• Density: ~0.954 g/cm³ at 20 °C

• Vapour pressure: <0.01 hPa (at 20 °C)

• Flash point: 105 °C (closed cup)

• Evaporation rate: Very slow (butyl acetate = 1.0, BDGA = <0.01)

• Solubility:

  • Limited solubility in water (approx. 6.5% by weight).

  • Completely miscible with alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

• Viscosity: ~3.6 mPa·s at 20 °C

• Refractive index (n₂₀/D): ~1.426

• Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions; avoid prolonged exposure to air and strong oxidising agents. An ester, so will slowly hydrolyse in the presence of water under acidic or alkaline conditions.

3. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

• Coalescing agent: Promotes particle fusion to form a continuous, durable film in waterborne coatings, adhesives, and inks.

• Solvent (low volatility): Excellent solvency power combined with very slow evaporation, providing long wet-edge time and smooth flow-out.

• Flow/levelling agent: Improves surface smoothness by reducing surface defects (orange peel, craters) in paints and lacquers.

• Coupling agent: Can bridge aqueous and hydrophobic phases, improving formulation homogeneity.

• Retarder (drying retardant): Extends drying/curing time in coatings and printing inks, preventing skinning and clogging.

• Cleaning agent: Effective solvent for greasy soils; used in industrial and household cleaners.

4. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Butyl diglycol acetate (BDGA)

• Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate

• Diethylene glycol butyl ether acetate

• 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate

• Butyl carbitol acetate

• Diethylene glycol monobutyl acetate

• Butoxyethoxyethyl acetate

• Diglycol monobutyl ether acetate

• DE Acetate

• Commercial names: Butasol V, Hykleen 340, CELTOL BDGAC, Butysenol 20 acetate

5. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS, USAGE RATES, AND EXAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Example Formulations:

• Waterborne Wall Paint (Interior, Semi-Gloss):

  • Acrylic emulsion (50% solids): 45 kg

  • Titanium dioxide: 20 kg

  • Calcium carbonate filler: 15 kg

  • BDGA (coalescing agent): 3.0 kg

  • Texanol (coalescent, optional): 1.0 kg

  • Dispersant, wetting agent: 1.0 kg

  • Thickener, defoamer, biocide: q.s.

  • Water: to 100 kg
    Add BDGA to the grind or letdown phase for optimal film formation at low temperature.

• Flexographic Printing Ink (Water-Based):

  • Acrylic solution resin: 30 kg

  • Organic pigment dispersion: 20 kg

  • BDGA (retarder/flow agent): 4.0 kg

  • Propylene glycol: 2.0 kg

  • Defoamer: 0.5 kg

  • Water: 43.5 kg
    BDGA prevents drying on the anilox roll and promotes even transfer and dot formation.

• Heavy-Duty Degreaser (Trigger Spray):

  • BDGA: 8.0 kg

  • Non-ionic surfactant (ethoxylated alcohol): 5.0 kg

  • Sodium metasilicate: 1.5 kg

  • Corrosion inhibitor: 0.5 kg

  • Dye, fragrance: q.s.

  • Water: 85.0 kg
    BDGA dissolves grease and also couples the surfactant system.

6. REGULATORY STATUS AND SAFETY

• CAS Number: 124-17-4

• EC Number: 204-685-9

• GHS Classification (according to CLP):

  • Signal word: Warning

  • Hazard statements:

    • H226: Flammable liquid and vapour.

    • H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

  • Precautionary statements: P210, P261, P271, P304+P340, P312.

• Occupational exposure limits: No harmonised binding OEL; recommended to maintain <50 ppm TWA for glycol ether acetates as good practice.

• Toxicology:

  • Inhalation: High vapour concentrations may cause CNS effects (dizziness, headache, nausea).

  • Skin: Mild irritant; repeated contact may cause defatting and dermatitis.

  • Eyes: Moderate irritant; splashes cause discomfort.

  • Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

• Environmental: Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days, OECD 301). Low bioaccumulation potential (log Kow ~1.5). Not classified as PBT/vPvB.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Avoid prolonged contact with air and moisture. Protect from freezing (MP −68 °C).

• Disposal: Dispose of waste and residues according to local regulations. Incineration in a licensed facility is the preferred method for bulk quantities.

7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What is the correct CAS number for Butyl diglycol acetate?
The correct CAS number is 124-17-4. The number 112-34-5 refers to the parent alcohol, Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl diglycol), not the acetate ester. These are two different products.

Q2. How does Butyl diglycol acetate work as a coalescing agent?
In waterborne coatings, BDGA softens the polymer particles (lowers the minimum film forming temperature, MFFT) so they can fuse together into a smooth, continuous film. As the coating dries, BDGA evaporates slowly, allowing complete coalescence without defects.

Q3. Is Butyl diglycol acetate toxic?
It has a favourable toxicological profile compared to ethylene glycol ether acetates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acetate). It is not classified as a mutagen, carcinogen, or reproductive toxicant. The main hazard is flammability (flash point 105 °C) and transient CNS effects from high vapour inhalation. Use with adequate ventilation.

Q4. Can BDGA be used in water-based systems?
Yes. Although it has limited water solubility, it can be emulsified or incorporated using surfactants/common co-solvents (e.g., butyl glycol, propylene glycol). Many waterborne coating formulations use BDGA as a performance coalescent.

Q5. What is the difference between Butyl glycol acetate and Butyl diglycol acetate?

• Butyl glycol acetate (BCA): Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (CAS 112-07-2). Faster evaporation, lower boiling point (~192 °C).

• Butyl diglycol acetate (BDGA): Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (CAS 124-17-4). Slower evaporation, higher boiling point (~230 °C), better for long open-time applications.

Q6. Is BDGA classified as a VOC?
Yes, under most regulations, BDGA has a vapour pressure of <0.01 hPa at 20 °C, which may exempt it in some VOC categories; however, in practice, it is often considered a low-volatility solvent and is subject to local VOC directives.

Q7. Can Butyl diglycol acetate be mixed with other solvents?
Yes, it is miscible with most organic solvents including alcohols, ketones, esters, glycol ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons. This broad compatibility makes it an excellent tail solvent and coupling agent.

Q8. What are the storage requirements for BDGA?
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area (<30 °C). Avoid contact with strong oxidisers, strong acids, and alkalis. Keep away from ignition sources – although the flash point is 105 °C, heated liquid can form ignitable vapour mixtures. The product may absorb moisture over time; keep containers closed when not in use.