Purchase and Sale of Butyl Glycol

Petro Alton Tajhiz Company, as one of the leading suppliers of the paint, resin, and chemical solvent industries in Iran, provides high-quality Butyl Glycol (BG) in the shortest possible time.
For purchasing, pricing, and datasheet requests, please contact our experts at 021-59236.

What is Butyl Glycol?

Butyl Glycol is a clear, oily, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor and low volatility.
It is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide and n-butanol in the presence of a catalyst.

This compound is hygroscopic and miscible with water, ketones, alcohols, ethers, paraffins, and aromatic hydrocarbons at room temperature.
It is a neutral compound with a high boiling point, low volatility, and a mild odor, commonly used as a solvent and as a starting material for various syntheses.

Butyl Glycol has been commercially produced for over half a century, and due to its versatility, it is considered one of the high-volume industrial chemicals, with global production estimated between 300–500 kilotons per year.

It acts as an excellent coalescing solvent in water-based coating systems (aqueous paints), being completely miscible with both water and most common organic solvents at room temperature.

Chemical Structure and Formula

• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄O₂
• Composed of 6 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

Major Producers

• France: METRON
• United States: DOW

These are the most recognized manufacturers of Butyl Glycol worldwide.

Applications of Butyl Glycol

1. In the Paint and Coating Industry

The primary application of Butyl Glycol is as a solvent in paints and coatings.
Its low volatility and ability to improve flow and leveling make it particularly useful in brush-applied paints.
It enhances paint smoothness, reduces film thickness, and controls drying time, improving the overall finish.

It is used in:

• Spray paints
• Quick-drying lacquers
• Water-based paints
• Latex coatings

2. In Household Cleaning Products

Butyl Glycol is commonly found in glass cleaners, liquid soaps, and multi-purpose cleaning sprays due to its excellent degreasing power and ability to dissolve oils and grease.
It also imparts a characteristic odor to many household cleaning formulations.
Additionally, it is used in industrial and commercial cleaners and in adhesives for food packaging materials.

3. In the Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry

Butyl Glycol is widely used as an ingredient in skincare and cosmetic formulations, including:

• Cleansers
• Serums
• Moisturizers
• Sunscreens
• Peel-off masks
• Mascaras

It enhances skin hydration, improves product absorption, and helps maintain a youthful appearance by retaining skin moisture.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has confirmed that concentrations up to 10% are safe for use in hair and nail care products.

4. In the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries

Due to its ability to reduce surface tension, Butyl Glycol is used to stabilize fluids under high pressure.
As a surfactant, it is absorbed by both oil and water phases, helping to:

• Prevent gas accumulation
• Facilitate gas dispersion
• Stabilize drilling fluids
• Aid oil extraction processes
• Prevent gas hydrate formation

5. In the Leather and Wood Industries

Used in leather treatment processes and wood finishing for improved texture and solvent performance.

6. Other Industrial Applications

• Degreasing metals
• Solvent in printing inks (especially for leather colors)
• Textile dyeing
• Component in hydraulic fluids
• Intermediate in plastic production (reaction with phthalic anhydride)

Safety and Hazards

Butyl Glycol is a flammable substance that can ignite easily.
It may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract and is harmful if ingested.

Precautions:

• Read all safety instructions on the product label before use.
• Contact with skin at concentrations up to 10% is generally safe, but long-term exposure to high concentrations may lead to adrenal tumors in animals and humans.
• Symptoms of ingestion include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

First Aid Measures:

• In case of skin contact: wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• In case of eye contact: rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Contaminated clothing should be removed and washed before reuse.
• Avoid inhalation or ingestion.

Presence of Butyl Glycol in food products is extremely dangerous and must be strictly prevented.

Storage and Transportation

• Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from food and oxidizing agents.
• Use light-resistant containers made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or PTFE (Teflon).
• Transport either in bulk or in sealed drums.
• Protect from moisture, as exposure to air can lead to peroxide formation.
• Containers should be opened quickly and carefully, and the product should be stored under nitrogen gas.
• Maximum storage temperature: 40 °C
• Shelf life: Up to 12 months under recommended conditions.

Substitute for Butyl Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a safe alternative, widely used in skincare and as a food additive, offering similar solvent and moisturizing properties.

Factors Affecting Butyl Glycol Pricing

The market price depends on:

• Product volume
• Purity percentage
• Exchange rate
• Manufacturer or supplier

For the most up-to-date price, contact Petro Alton Tajhiz specialists at 021-59236.

Production Methods

Method 1: Ethoxylation Reaction

The most common method for industrial production:

Reaction between butanol and ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst.

Method 2: Etherification Process

Reaction between butanol and 2-chloroethanol.