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Glycol Ether & Oxygenated Solvents

Glycol ether and companion solvents for grease cutting and soil penetration in hard-surface and industrial cleaners u2014 butyl glycol ether (EGBE), propylene glycol n-butyl ether, plus d-limonene and IPA.

Overview

Glycol ether solvents are coupling solvents that dissolve both oily soils and water,nwhich makes them the core grease-cutting solvent in hard-surface and industrial cleaners.nA small amount in an aqueous cleaner lets the formula carry organic soil into a water rinse insteadnof smearing it. They are the workhorse where a cleaner has to cut baked-on grease without anflammable, all-solvent base.

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Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE, 2-butoxyethanol) is the standard grease-cutting glycolnether for all-purpose and heavy-duty cleaners. Where a lower-VOC profile is required, propylenenglycol n-butyl ether (PnB) is the common P-series substitution. The trade-off is evaporation andnregulation: EGBE is well characterized but evaporates slowly and carries occupational exposurenlimits, while P-series ethers often help a formula meet tighter VOC rules. Confirm VOC and exposurenstatus for your application and jurisdiction.

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Two companion solvents round out the cleaning toolkit; they are specified alongside glycol ethers,nnot as glycol ethers themselves. D-limonene is a citrus terpene used for premium degreasing wherenodor profile and a bio-based origin matter; isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a fast-evaporating alcoholnfor glass and quick-dry cleaners. Terpenes cost more and carry a strong odor, so weigh that againstnthe marketing pull of a citrus, bio-based degreaser.

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Where it's used
  • All-purpose and hard-surface spray cleaners
  • Industrial and heavy-duty degreasers
  • Glass and streak-free cleaners (fast-evaporating IPA)
  • Floor strippers and maintenance cleaners
  • Low-VOC / reduced-VOC cleaner reformulation
Frequently asked questions
What glycol ether solvents does RawSource supply for cleaning?
RawSource sources ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE / 2-butoxyethanol), the standard grease-cutting glycol ether, and propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) for lower-VOC formulas. The companion cleaning solvents d-limonene and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are also available for degreasing and glass applications.
Does RawSource supply butyl glycol ether (EGBE) in bulk?
Yes. EGBE and the other cleaning solvents ship in drums, totes, IBCs, and bulk for hard-surface, industrial, and degreaser formulators, each with CAS number, SDS, TDS, and COA documentation.
Is d-limonene or IPA a glycol ether?
No. D-limonene is a citrus terpene and IPA is an alcohol; neither is a glycol ether. They are companion solvents specified alongside glycol ethers in cleaning formulas u2014 d-limonene for premium degreasing odor and bio-based origin, IPA for fast evaporation in glass cleaners.
Which solvent suits low-VOC cleaner formulations?
Propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB) and other P-series glycol ethers are commonly used to help meet tighter VOC rules versus slower-evaporating EGBE. Confirm VOC and exposure status for your application and jurisdiction before finalizing a formula.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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