2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate

CAS ID#: 111-76-2, 112-07-2

Affected Organ Systems: Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hematological (Blood Forming), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System)

Cancer Classification: Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Nitrosamines/ethers/alcohols

Summary: 2-Butoxyethanol is a clear colorless liquid that smells like ether. It has many names including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, Butyl Cellusolve, butyl glycol, and butyl Oxitol. It is used as a solvent in spray lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints and as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers, and herbicides. It is also used in liquid soaps, cosmetics, industrial and household cleaners, and dry-cleaning compounds. 2-Butoxyethanol acetate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, butoxyethyl acetate, butyl glycol acetate, ethylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and acetic acid 2-butoxyethyl ester. It is used as a solvent for lacquers, varnishes, enamels, and epoxy resins. It is also used in some ink and spot remover compounds.

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Page last reviewed: February 10, 2021

Content source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry