Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME) is a type of glycol ether and is a colorless, stable hygroscopic liquid with an agreeable odor. It is completely miscible with water, ketones, alcohol, ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons. More specifically, it is miscible with acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl ether, methanol and water. Exposure to diEGBE is unlikely to occur via inhalation unless it is heated.
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether is a solvent for dyes, oils, fats, waxes, many natural and synthetic resins, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate. It is used as a high-boiling solvent in such formulations as printing inks ond pastes, stamp pad inks, textile dye pastes, lacquers, and synthetic resin coatings. Its presence in lacquers eases brushability and flow-out, and minimizes lifting of undercoats.
DEGME is an ethylene-series or E-series glycol ether and is sold by Dow under the tradename Methyl CARBITOL™ solvent. DEGME has a high dilution ratio and a low evaporation rate.It is stable under recommended storage conditions and readily biodegradable.
