Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether: Chemical Properties, Use and Safety

What is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether?

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, also known as 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethanol or DEGEE, is a highly polar, slow evaporating, well water-soluble, low odour solvent that is widely used in the chemical, coatings, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Chemical Properties

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is a colourless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild pleasant odour, soluble in water and miscible with water and most organic liquids. In addition to this, it is characterised by good coupling efficiency, low volatility, low vapour pressure, easy biodegradation and slow evaporation.

Use of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether can be prepared by the chemical reaction of ethylene oxide and 2-ethoxyethanol in the presence of sulphur dioxide. 

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether has a variety of uses, mainly in the following areas:

• Used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins and dyes in the chemical and coatings industries. Solvent for dyes.

• Used as a solvent for certain pharmaceutical products

• Used in cosmetics and skin preparations

• Used as lubricants and brake fluids

• Used in textile printing

• Used in photography

• Used in varnishes and enamels

• Used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of ethyl 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) acrylate

• Used in the manufacture of soap

Safety of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is hazardous to human health, irritating to the eyes and skin, and ingestion of about 2000 mg/kg results in severe symptoms of central nervous and respiratory impairment (dyspnoea), thirst and acidosis. Albumin is present in urine. It also has an effect on the liver and kidneys. In cosmetic safety assessments, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is used in shampoos (rinses) in concentrations of up to 5 per cent and in creams (leave-on) in concentrations of up to 2 per cent. The substance should not be used in oral hygiene products and eye products. In conclusion, the substance is safe for consumers when used in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1.5 per cent, except for oral hygiene products.

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