2-butoxyethanol
Other names: 2-butoxyethanol, butylcellosolve, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, n-butoxyethanol, n-butoxyethanol sodium salt, butyl glycol ether, butoxyethanol, BEA, EGBEA
Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)
2-butoxyethanol, also known by the names 2-butoxyethanol, butylcellosolve, ethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, n-butoxyethanol, n-butoxyethanol sodium salt, butyl glycol ether, butoxyethanol, BEA or EGBEA, is an organic compound. It is a colorless, water-soluble liquid with a pleasant etherglycol odor. It is most commonly produced by the reaction of n-butanol with ethylene oxide. 2-Butoxyethanol is classified as a glycol ether, but is sometimes misclassified as an alcohol.
The main applications of 2-butoxyethanol are industrial and household cleaning and disinfecting products. It is an effective cleaning and dissolving agent used in a wide range of products, including cleaning products, glass cleaners, paints, paint removers and machine cleaners. It is also an important component of coatings, inks and adhesives. Due to its characteristic odour, it is also used in perfumery.