2-Butoxyethanol

2-Butoxyethanol, which has many names, is an organic solvent with the formula CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH2CH2OH. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour.

Production
In 2006, the total European production of all butyl glycol ethers amount to 181 kt/a. Approximately 50% of this is 2-butoxyethanol, viz., 90 kt/a. World production is estimated to be 200 to 500 kt/a, of which 75% for paints and coatings.

Main producers include:
 * ICI
 * Union Carbide
 * BP Chemicals
 * Shell Chemicals

Uses
The main use of 2-butoxyethanol is as a solvent in paints and surface coatings, followed by cleaning products and inks. Other products which contain 2-butoxyethanol include acrylic resin formulations, asphalt release agents, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants and photographic strip solutions. 2-Butoxyethanol is a primary ingredient of various whiteboard cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, and latex paints. It also seems to be excellent at killing most insects and arachnids.

It is the main ingredient of many home, commercial, and industrial cleaning solutions. It is manufactured by the Eastman Kodak company under catalog # EK1364579, and Kodak Laboratory Chemicals catalog # P2270.

Environmental impact
Butoxyethanol usually decomposes in the environment within a few days and has not been identified as a major environmental contaminant. It is not known to build up in any plant or animal species.

2-butoxyethanol, also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), is on California's list of toxic air contaminants. Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as testicular damage, reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects. People exposed to high levels of EGBE for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths. In addition to inhaling 2-butoxyethanol vapor, research has shown that skin can also absorb 2-butoxyethanol vapor from the air, making skin a major pathway of exposure to this chemical.

2-butoxyethanol is frequently found in popular cleaning products such as Windex Aerosol and Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner. It's difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers aren't required to list it on the label.