Chemical Properties
Almost colorless liquid; slight odor. Slightly soluble in water. Combustible.
Uses
High-boiling inert solvent; specialized solvent and extraction applications.
General Description
Colorless liquid.
Air & Water Reactions
Oxidizes in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164].
Reactivity Profile
ETHYLENE GLYCOL DI-N-BUTYL ETHER may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with alkali metals, nitrides, and other strong reducing agents. May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. Relatively inert in other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond.
Health Hazard
Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Irritates skin and eyes.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: On decomposition, ETHYLENE GLYCOL DI-N-BUTYL ETHER emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Purification Methods
Shake the ether with aqueous 5% Na2CO3, dry with MgSO4 and store it with chromatographic alumina to prevent peroxide formation. [Beilstein 1 III 2083, 1 IV 2382.]
China
