Product Overview 

Diethylene glycol ethyl ether, commonly known as carbitol, is an important high-boiling-point environmentally friendly solvent. It combines hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, has a slow evaporation rate, strong dissolving power, and excellent solubility and coupling ability for a variety of resins, oils, and organic substances. As a low-toxicity glycol ether solvent, it is a preferred alternative to many traditional toxic solvents, primarily used as a film-forming aid and solvent in high-performance coatings and inks, as well as a key component in industrial cleaners and paint removers. It also serves as a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis.

Technical Specifications 

The following table lists the standard specifications of our Diethylene Glycol Ethyl Ether. Consistent quality is guaranteed for your formulation stability.

Key Selling Points and Advantages

Superior High Boiling Point and Slow-Drying Properties: With a boiling point exceeding 202°C, as a slow-drying solvent, it effectively delays the surface drying time of coatings, promotes film flow and leveling, eliminates brush marks, and improves the final film quality of paints and inks.

Powerful Multifunctional Solubility and Coupling Ability: Possessing both hydrophilic and oleophilic properties, it is an excellent coupling solvent, enabling immiscible liquids (such as water and oil, resin and water) to form a stable and homogeneous system, widely applicable to water-based and solvent-based systems.

Better Safety and Environmental Profile: Compared to solvents such as ethylene glycol and ethyl ether, its toxicity is significantly reduced, making it a more ideal choice for modern formulations that prioritize environmental protection and worker safety.

Excellent Chemical Stability and Compatibility: Stable in nature, compatible with most organic solvents and a variety of resins, it is a reliable high-performance solvent and additive in formulations.

Diethylene glycol ethyl ether is a multifunctional solvent and additive with core applications including

Coatings and Ink Industry:

Film-forming aid: Used in water-based acrylic and polyurethane systems to help emulsion particles fuse into a continuous, dense film at low temperatures.

High-boiling-point solvent: Used in solvent-based coatings and printing inks to regulate drying speed and improve flowability, gloss, and adhesion.

Coupling agent: Improves the compatibility between different components in a formulation.

Industrial and Household Cleaning Agents: As a powerful cleaning solvent, used in metal cleaners, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, etc., effectively dissolving grease and dirt.

Paint Remover and Stripper: As a key solvent component, used in the formulation of highly effective paint and coating strippers.

Chemical Synthesis and Intermediates: Used as a reaction medium or intermediate in organic synthesis for the production of acetates and other chemicals.

Other Applications: Also used in dyes, leather, and electronic chemicals.

Quality Control and Support Documentation

We guarantee batch-to-batch consistency of our products and provide complete technical and safety documentation for your review to ensure your production compliance and formulation safety, including analytical certificates, material safety data sheets, and technical data sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between diethylene glycol ethyl ether (Carbitol) and ethylene glycol ethyl ether (CAC)?

Both are glycol ether solvents, but ethylene glycol ethyl ether is relatively more toxic and subject to stricter environmental regulations. Diethylene glycol ethyl ether (Carbitol) is less toxic, has a higher boiling point, and evaporates more slowly, making it a safer and more functional alternative or upgrade option in modern formulations, especially in applications requiring extended open times.

What precautions should be taken when storing and using Carbitol?

It should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from fire and oxidizers. Although it has lower toxicity, appropriate protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles) should still be worn during handling, ensuring good ventilation. Please refer to the product MSDS for specific safety measures.

How to determine the appropriate amount of diethylene glycol ethyl ether to add to water-based coatings?

The amount added depends on the minimum film-forming temperature of the emulsion system and the desired performance, typically 1% - 5% of the total formulation. It is recommended to determine the optimal ratio through film-forming property testing and film performance testing. Adding too much may result in a paint film that is too soft or dries too slowly.