[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of diethylene glycol methyl ether, is diethylene glycol dimethyl ether toxic?

Properties of diethylene glycol methyl ether

Diethylene glycol methyl ether (Diethylene Glycol Methyl Ether, DEGME) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H12O3. It is a colorless transparent liquid with a faint ether fragrance. Diethylene glycol methyl ether has a boiling point of about 194°C, a flash point of 83°C, and a density of about 0.965g/cm³(20°C). The substance has good solubility and is miscible with water and most organic solvents.

physical and chemical properties

The vapor pressure of diethylene glycol methyl ether is low, and the evaporation rate is slow under normal temperature and pressure. Its viscosity is moderate and has a low surface tension. These properties make it an excellent solvent for many industrial applications. DEGME is chemically relatively stable and does not easily undergo oxidation or reduction reactions, but may decompose in a strong acid or alkali environment.

Use

Due to its good solubility and relatively low toxicity, diethylene glycol methyl ether is widely used in coatings, paints, inks and cleaners. It can be used as a solvent in the paint, helping to uniformly disperse the pigment and adjust the viscosity of the paint. DEGME is also commonly used in the manufacture of agricultural chemicals and is an ideal solvent for certain pesticides and herbicides. In the electronics industry, DEGME is also used as a cleaning agent to help remove oil and debris from electronic components.

Upstream raw materials

The main upstream feedstocks for the production of diethylene glycol methyl ether are diethylene glycol (DEG) and methanol. In industrial production, diethylene glycol is usually produced by the reaction of ethylene glycol and ethylene oxide, and then the etherification reaction with methanol in the presence of a catalyst produces diethylene glycol methyl ether. This process requires precise control of reaction conditions to ensure product purity and yield.

Production process

The production process of diethylene glycol methyl ether is relatively mature, which mainly includes three steps: reaction, separation and purification. Diethylene glycol and methanol are etherified in the presence of a catalyst to produce the target product. The mixture after the reaction was separated by distillation to remove unreacted starting materials and by-products. Further purification by distillation to obtain high purity diethylene glycol methyl ether. In this process, the reaction temperature, pressure and the choice of catalyst are the key factors.

Downstream Products

As an intermediate, diethylene glycol methyl ether is involved in the synthesis of many chemicals. In addition to being used as a solvent, it can also be used to produce other ethers and esters, which have a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical, pesticide and plastics industries. For example, the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical intermediates requires the use of DEGME as a reaction medium or solvent.

storage method

Due to the flammability and volatility of diethylene glycol methyl ether, its storage requires special attention. It should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry warehouse, away from fire source, heat source and oxidant. The container should be closed to prevent evaporation and leakage. The storage area shall be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, such as foam fire extinguishers, dry powder fire extinguishers, etc. Workers should wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid skin contact and inhalation of steam.

Safety Precautions

When handling diethylene glycol methyl ether, it is necessary to pay attention to its potential harm to the human body. Although it is less toxic, long-term exposure may cause irritation of the skin and eyes, as well as effects on the respiratory system. It is recommended to maintain good ventilation and wear protective gloves and goggles during use. In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

Environmental impact

In terms of environmental protection, diethylene glycol methyl ether has certain biodegradability, but its leakage may cause pollution to water and soil. Therefore, waste disposal should strictly comply with environmental regulations and avoid direct discharge into the environment. It can be innocuously treated by incineration or professional waste disposal institutions to reduce its environmental impact.

Market Prospects

With the continuous advancement of industrialization and the enhancement of environmental awareness, the market demand for diethylene glycol methyl ether is expected to continue to grow. Its wide application in paint, ink and detergent industries, especially in the application of environmentally friendly coatings, makes its market prospect very broad. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the development of new applications, the application scope and market scale of DEGME are expected to be further expanded.

Summary

Diethylene glycol methyl ether is an important organic solvent with good physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Through reasonable production processes and storage methods, its advantages can be effectively used while reducing potential safety and environmental risks. With the increase of market demand and the development of technology, the application prospect of diethylene glycol methyl ether will be broader.