Glycols & Polyols Available — Bulk Only

Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate (PGMEA, PMA)

CAS 108-65-6 · Formula C6H12O3 · MW 132.16 g/mol

A high-boiling glycol-ether-acetate solvent combining strong resin solvency with the purity demanded by photoresist processing. It is used as a solvent for paints, inks, lacquers, varnishes, cleaners, and coatings, and is a standard carrier solvent in semiconductor photoresist formulations.

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UN Number
UN 3272
Hazard Class
Class 3
HS Code
2915.39
At a Glance
Material Family
Glycols & Polyols
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Solvency · Cleaning / Degreasing
Functional Roles
METHOXYISOPROPYL ACETATE
SOLVENT
Applications & Use Cases
  • Coatings & inks: Solvent for paints, lacquers, varnishes, and inks
  • Semiconductor processing: Carrier solvent in photoresist formulations
  • Cleaners: Solvent in industrial and electronic cleaners and ink removers
  • Coupling/diluent: Diluent and coupling solvent in surface coatings
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate is a colorless liquid with a sweet ether-like odor
Appearance
Colorless liquid at 15 °C and 1 atm
Odor
Sweet, ether-like
Boiling Point
BP: 150 °C = 150 °C = 423 K at 1 atm
Melting Point
-66 °C
Flash Point
45.5 °C (46 °C)
Solubility
In water, 198 g/L at 20 °C, pH 6.8
Density
Saturated liquid density: 8.090 lbs/cu ft at 20 °C. Saturated vapor pressure: 0.072 lbs/sq in at 68 °C
Vapor Density
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.6
Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 0.5
LogP
log Kow = 0.56
Autoignition Temperature
354 °C
Viscosity
1.23 sq mm/sec at 20 °C
Surface Tension
26.4 dynes/cm
Relative Evaporation Rate
0.34 (Butyl acetate = 1)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 3 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 3272
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 3
Packing GroupIII
Proper Shipping NameEsters, n.o.s. (propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate)

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 39
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.39
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
108-65-6
Molecular Formula
C6H12O3
Molecular Weight
132.16 g/mol
IUPAC Name
1-methoxypropan-2-yl acetate
INCI Name
METHOXYISOPROPYL ACETATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
LLHKCFNBLRBOGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate PGMEA cpd 1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate 1-methoxypropan-2-yl acetate Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 2-Acetoxy-1-methoxypropane 1-Methoxy-2-acetoxypropane METHOXYISOPROPYL ACETATE 2-Methoxy-1-methylethyl acetate 2-Propanol, 1-methoxy-, acetate 1-METHOXY-2-PROPANOL ACETATE Propyleneglycol monomethyl ether acetate Propylene glycol 1-methyl ether 2-acetate Acetic acid, 2-methoxy-1-methylethyl ester 2-Propanol, 1-methoxy-, 2-acetate PROPYLENEGLYCOLMETHYLETHERACETATE Propylene Glycol 1-Monomethyl Ether 2-Acetate 1,2-Propanediol monomethyl ether acetate
Full Description

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (CAS 108-65-6), abbreviated PGMEA or PMA, is a slow-evaporating ester-ether solvent. It is used as a solvent for paints, inks, lacquers, varnishes, cleaners, and coatings, and is a standard carrier solvent in semiconductor photoresist formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA) used for?

PMA/PGMEA (CAS 108-65-6) is a slow-evaporating ester-ether solvent for paints, inks, lacquers, varnishes, cleaners, and coatings. It is also a standard carrier solvent in semiconductor photoresist formulations and electronic cleaners.

What is another name for propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate?

It is commonly called PGMEA or PMA (CAS 108-65-6), and the transport name under UN 3271 is propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. Note that dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate is a different, heavier solvent.

What is the difference between PMA and PGME?

PMA (CAS 108-65-6) is the acetate ester and evaporates more slowly than PGME (CAS 107-98-2), the parent ether alcohol. The slower evaporation makes PMA the preferred carrier solvent in photoresists and high-build coatings.

Is PMA flammable, and how does it ship?

PMA is a flammable liquid transported under UN 3271 (propylene glycol methyl ether acetate). Consult the SDS for the flash point and GHS classification before handling and storage.

What bulk packaging and grades of PMA are available, including electronic grade?

RawSource supplies PMA in drums, IBC totes, and bulk to coatings and semiconductor manufacturers; high-purity/electronic-grade availability can be quoted on request. Submit your target quantity and purity spec for a bulk quote, with a CoA and SDS per lot.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.