Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Derivatives

Abstract

E series Glycol ethers are alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol along with their acetate esters. They are commonly used in paints and cleaners and typically have a higher boiling point in conjunction with the favorable solvent properties of lower‐molecular weight ethers, esters, and alcohols. They are colorless liquids that have mild earthy or fruity odors. The ethers are miscible with water and/or with numerous organic solvents making them useful as solvents in oil‐water compositions. Their relatively slow rate of evaporation also makes them useful as solvents and coalescing agents in paints and inks. The surface tension and solvent properties of the ethers make them useful in cleaners. Other uses of the ethers include process solvents and deicers. The ethers of the higher glycols are used as hydraulic fluids. Occupational exposure to glycol ethers occurs dermally and by inhalation. Most glycol ethers have low acute, single‐dose toxicity to humans. The most notable and well‐known effect relevant to humans is toxicity to male fertility and developmental toxicity produced by those glycol ethers that can metabolize to produce significant amounts of methoxyacetic acid such as methoxy ethanol and the methyl glymes.