Bis[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] ether

Description

Tetraethylene glycol is a polymer consisting of ethylene glycol monomer units and two terminal hydroxyl groups. The hydroxyl groups can react to further derivatize the compound. Ethylene glycol compounds have hydrophilic characteristics. The solubility of the polymer increases as the number of ethylene glycol groups increase.

Chemical Properties

Tetraethylene glycol is a high-boiling, clear liquid of low volatility. hygroscopic. It is completely miscible with water and a wide variety of organic solvents. insoluble in benzene, toluene, or gasoline. Combustible. For certain aliphatic hydrocarbons, it has a very slight affinity. Tetraethylene glycol is used as a coupling agent for blending water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds in such formulations as lubricants, glues, cork and textile products, etc.

Uses

Tetraethylene glycol is used as a solvent to dissolve water-insoluble compounds. It is employed as a nitrocellulose solvent, a plasticizer, a natural gas desiccant, a hydraulic fluid and in lacquers and coatings. Furthermore, it is used in the synthesis of tetraethylene glycol methacrylate monomer. It acts as a chemical intermediate and acts as a solvent for the manufacturing of inks and dyes. In addition, it serves as a coupling agent in the production of textile lubricants and formulations.

Uses

Solvent for nitrocellulose, plasticizer, lacquers, coating compositions.

Production Methods

Tetraethylene glycol is prepared commercially by adding ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or water in the presence of a suitable catalyst.

Definition

ChEBI: Tetraethylene glycol is a poly(ethylene glycol).

General Description

Colorless to straw-colored liquid with a mild odor. Sinks and mixes with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Bis[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] ether is a ether-alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. May attack some forms of plastics [USCG, 1999].

Health Hazard

Compound is nonirritating. No symptoms observed by any exposure route.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by ingestion. A sktn and eye irritant. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidzing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, water, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.