Methyl Glycol, Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, Methoxyethanol, EGME, 109-86-4

METHYL GLYCOL (ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER - EGME)

Methyl Glycol / Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (EGME) / Methoxyethanol / 2-Methoxyethanol
CAS Number: 109-86-4
EC Number: 203-713-7

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Methyl Glycol is a colorless liquid belonging to the glycol ether family with a mild, ether-like odor. It is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with methanol. It is completely miscible with water, alcohols, ether, acetone, and other organic solvents. Methyl Glycol is widely used in coatings, inks, cleaning products, and organic synthesis due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and low surface tension. It is also used as an antifreeze agent in aviation fuels. However, Methyl Glycol is known to have significant toxicological effects, including reproductive toxicity and hematological effects. Exposure limits must be strictly observed, and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Methyl Glycol is a colorless liquid with a density of 0.965 g/cm³. The melting point is -85°C, and the boiling point is 124-125°C. The flash point is 38°C (closed cup), classifying it as a flammable liquid. The vapor pressure at 20°C is 9.6 mmHg, indicating moderate volatility. The vapor density is 2.62 (air=1), meaning its vapor is approximately 2.6 times heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas. It is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its low viscosity (1.72 cP) and good solvent properties make it an excellent solvent for coatings, inks, and cleaning applications.

3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Methyl Glycol is a glycol ether containing both ether and alcohol functional groups. This structure gives it unique chemical properties and reactivity.

Esterification:

Methyl Glycol reacts with acids to form esters, which are used as solvents and intermediates.

Ether Formation:

Methyl Glycol can react with alkyl halides or sulfates to form diethers.

Oxidation:

Methyl Glycol can be oxidized by oxidizing agents to form various products (e.g., methoxyacetaldehyde, methoxyacetic acid).

Dehydration:

In the presence of acidic catalysts, Methyl Glycol can dehydrate to form dimethyl ether and other ethers.

Nucleophilic Substitution:

The hydroxyl group of Methyl Glycol can undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions to form various derivatives.

Alkoxide Formation:

Methyl Glycol reacts with strong bases to form the methoxide anion (CH₃OCH₂CH₂O⁻), which can be used as a nucleophile in organic synthesis.

4. PRODUCTION METHODS

Methyl Glycol is produced industrially by the reaction of ethylene oxide with methanol.

Detailed Production Process (Ethylene Oxide Methanolysis - Most Common):

1. Reaction: Ethylene oxide and methanol are reacted at 100-200°C and 10-20 atm pressure in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst:

C₂H₄O + CH₃OH → CH₃OCH₂CH₂OH (Methyl Glycol)

2. Distillation: The reaction mixture is subjected to fractional distillation to remove unreacted methanol and byproducts.

3. Purification: Methyl Glycol is further purified by additional distillation steps (e.g., vacuum distillation) to obtain high-purity product.

Reaction Equation:

C₂H₄O + CH₃OH → CH₃OCH₂CH₂OH

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

Methyl Glycol is a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate with a wide range of applications.

6.1. Solvent Applications (Most Important Application)

Methyl Glycol is an excellent solvent for many resins, polymers, and coatings due to its high solvency power, moderate evaporation rate, and low surface tension. It is widely used in nitrocellulose, acrylic, cellulosic, and epoxy coatings. It is also used in printing inks, industrial cleaners, degreasers, electronics cleaners, and adhesives. In semiconductor manufacturing, it is used as a solvent in photoresist formulations.

6.2. Antifreeze Applications

Methyl Glycol is used as an antifreeze agent in aviation fuels (jet fuel) to prevent ice formation. It is also used in hydraulic fluid formulations.

6.3. Organic Synthesis and Chemical Intermediate

Methyl Glycol is used as a starting material for the production of various intermediates in organic synthesis. It is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes, and pigments.

6.4. Other Applications

7. HEALTH EFFECTS AND TOXICOLOGY

Methyl Glycol has significant toxicological effects, including reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and hematological effects. It requires very careful handling due to its reproductive toxicity and effects on the fetus.

7.1. Toxicological Data

7.2. Health Effects

Acute Exposure:

Chronic Exposure:

• Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: Methyl Glycol is known to cause damage to the male and female reproductive systems (testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, infertility) and developmental anomalies in the fetus (birth defects). These effects have been observed in animal studies at low doses (50-100 ppm).

• Hematological Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause hematological effects (anemia, leukopenia, decreased hemoglobin, decreased red blood cell count).

• Central Nervous System Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and memory impairment.

• Kidney and Liver Effects: Long-term high-level exposure may affect kidney and liver function.

Special Warning: Methyl Glycol has a higher reproductive and developmental toxicity potential compared to other glycol ethers. Even low-dose exposure poses a risk. Workplace exposure limits must be strictly observed, and special protective measures must be taken for female workers (especially those of childbearing age).

8. FIRST AID MEASURES

9. SAFETY INFORMATION (GHS CLASSIFICATION)

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):

10. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

11. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

12. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Methyl Glycol should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, away from ignition sources, heat, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases). Containers should be tightly closed, grounded, and bonded to prevent static electricity accumulation. Storage areas should be equipped with fire suppression equipment and spill containment systems. The flash point of 38°C requires careful handling away from ignition sources. Shelf life under proper storage conditions is typically 12-24 months.

Handling Notes:

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Keep away from ignition sources

• Avoid static electricity accumulation (ground all equipment)

• Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing

• Avoid breathing vapor or mist

• Use only with appropriate personal protective equipment

• Avoid release to the environment

• Reproductive toxicity risk; women of childbearing age should take special protective measures

13. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Methyl Glycol is classified as a dangerous good with UN number 1188. Hazard class is 3 (Flammable Liquid) and Packing Group III. During transport, it should be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources. Containers should be grounded and bonded. Proper labeling and documentation are required.

14. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Regulatory Status:

15. OTHER NAMES AND DATABASE IDENTIFIERS

Database Identifiers:

16. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

17. COMPARISON WITH OTHER GLYCOL ETHERS

Methyl Glycol has higher reproductive toxicity compared to other glycol ethers. Therefore, its use is increasingly restricted, and safer alternatives (e.g., propylene glycol-based ethers) are preferred.

18. INDUSTRY SUITABILITY TABLE

19. DOWNSTREAM AND UPSTREAM PRODUCTS

19.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

19.2. Derivative Products (Downstream)

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Methyl Glycol (C₃H₈O₂, CAS 109-86-4) is a colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor. The molecular weight is 76.09 g/mol, density is 0.965 g/cm³, boiling point is 124-125°C, and flash point is 38°C. It is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with methanol. Due to its excellent solvent properties, it is widely used in paints, coatings, inks, cleaning products, and organic synthesis. It is also used as an antifreeze agent in aviation fuels. However, it has significant toxicological effects, including reproductive toxicity and hematological effects. It is listed on the EU REACH SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) candidate list. UN 1188 (Class 3 - Flammable Liquid, Packing Group III). It is stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources and incompatible materials.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• FLAMMABLE LIQUID: Flash point 38°C; keep away from all ignition sources

• REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (H361)

• ORGAN DAMAGE: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373)

• IRRITANT: Causes skin and eye irritation

• HARMFUL: Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin

• STORAGE: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

• PPE REQUIRED: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing, respiratory protection

• SVHC: Listed on EU REACH SVHC candidate list; subject to special regulations

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: Methyl Glycol is known to cause damage to the male and female reproductive systems (testicular atrophy, decreased sperm count, infertility) and developmental anomalies in the fetus (birth defects). These effects have been observed in animal studies at low doses (50-100 ppm). Female workers of childbearing age must take special protective measures and avoid exposure. The ACGIH TLV-TWA is 5 ppm (15 mg/m³), and this limit must be strictly observed.

SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern): Methyl Glycol is listed on the EU REACH SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) candidate list due to its reproductive toxicity. This means the substance is subject to special regulations. Users must comply with these regulations and consider safer alternatives where possible.

Skin Absorption: Methyl Glycol is readily absorbed through the skin. Skin contact can cause exposure levels equivalent to or higher than inhalation exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing are mandatory. Nitrile or neoprene gloves are recommended.

Flammability: With a flash point of 38°C, Methyl Glycol is a flammable liquid. Vapors are heavier than air (vapor density 2.62) and may travel to ignition sources, causing flashback. Explosive limits range from 1.8-14.0% by volume. Static electricity accumulation can cause ignition. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment, proper grounding, and non-sparking tools.

Solvent Properties: Methyl Glycol is an excellent solvent for many resins, polymers, and coatings due to its high solvency power, moderate evaporation rate, and low surface tension. It is particularly useful in nitrocellulose, acrylic, cellulosic, and epoxy coatings. However, due to toxicity concerns, its use is increasingly restricted, and safer alternatives (e.g., propylene glycol-based ethers) are preferred.

Environmental Considerations: Methyl Glycol is readily biodegradable and has low bioaccumulation potential (LogP -0.77). However, it is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50, Fish, 96h: 1,000-2,000 mg/L). Release to the environment should be avoided.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Methyl Glycol.