What is Butyl Cellosolve?
Butyl Cellosolve, more formally known as 2-Butoxyethanol or Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGBE), is a glycol ether solvent widely sold and known in the market under two common trade names: Butyl Cellosolve and Butyl Glycol. Both names refer to the exact same chemical compound. It is a clear, colourless liquid with excellent solvency for both water-based and oil-based systems, making it one of the most versatile coupling solvents in the paint, coating, and cleaning product industries.
Polychem Industries supplies this glycol ether solvent — whether you know it as Butyl Cellosolve or Butyl Glycol — in industrial grade to paint and coating manufacturers, industrial cleaning product companies, and printing ink formulators across India and internationally. Its unique ability to act as a coupling agent between water and oil-based components makes it indispensable in water-based paint and cleaning formulations.
Flammability & Handling Notice
Butyl Cellosolve (Butyl Glycol) is a combustible liquid and should be stored away from heat, sparks, and open flame. It can cause skin and eye irritation on contact and respiratory irritation if vapours are inhaled in poorly ventilated areas. Use appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection, and ensure adequate ventilation during handling.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Grade | Clear colourless liquid | 99%+ (Industrial Grade) | Industrial | Paints, coatings, industrial cleaners, printing inks |
Applications & Uses
Paints & Coatings
One of the most important applications. Used as a coupling solvent in water-based paints and coatings, helping to combine water-soluble and oil-soluble components into a stable, uniform formulation while also improving flow, levelling, and film formation properties.
Industrial & Household Cleaners
Widely used in heavy-duty industrial degreasers, all-purpose cleaners, and glass cleaners due to its excellent ability to dissolve grease, oils, and other hydrophobic soils while remaining compatible with water-based cleaning formulations.
Printing Inks
Used as a solvent in certain printing ink formulations, particularly for flexographic and other water-based printing systems, helping control drying time, viscosity, and print quality.
Resin & Coating Production
Used as a processing solvent in the production of certain resins and coating intermediates, taking advantage of its solvency for a broad range of organic compounds during manufacturing.
Automotive Cleaning Products
Used in automotive cleaning and degreasing products, including engine cleaners and wheel cleaners, where its strong solvency for grease and grime makes it effective at removing stubborn automotive soils.
Textile Processing
Used in certain textile processing applications as a solvent and levelling agent, contributing to improved dye uptake and uniformity in specific textile finishing processes.
Technical Specifications
Butyl Cellosolve — Key Properties
Why Source Butyl Cellosolve from Polychem Industries?
- Industrial grade with full quality documentation, sold under both trade names
- Certificate of Analysis and MSDS available on request
- Excellent coupling solvent for water-based paint and cleaner formulations
- Reliable bulk supply for paint, coating and cleaning product manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent quality
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
