1. OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
  2. 2-BUTOXYETHANOL
Label abbreviations descriptions

2-BUTOXYETHANOL†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 111-76-2
Formula

C₆H₁₄O₂
Synonyms

butyl cellosolve; butyl oxitol; EGBE
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Physical description Colorless liquid with a mild, ether-like odor.
Boiling point 339°F Molecular weight 118.2
Freezing point/melting point -107°F Vapor pressure 0.8 mmHg
Flash point 143°F Vapor density 4.07
Specific gravity 0.9 Ionization potential 10.00 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 1.1% at 200°F Upper explosive limit (UEL) 12.7% at 275°F
NFPA health rating 3 NFPA fire rating 2
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 0435
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media 2 Anasorb 747 sampling tubes (6 mm glass tubes, the front tube contains 400 and the back 200 mg of sorbent) connected in series [SKC 226-82]
Sampling time*

240 min
Sampling volume (TWA)*

12 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

0.05 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments GC-FID
Method reference OSHA 5001 (fully validated)
Notes
Special requirements

Separate and seal each tube after sampling.

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Wipe Method
Wipe Method
Sampler/Sampling media
 

 
Bulk Method
Bulk Method
 

 
On-Site Screening Techniques
On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)
Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA
 

50 ppm (240 mg/m³)

 REL-TWA
 

5 ppm (24 mg/m³)

 TLV-TWA
 

20 ppm [1996]

 PEL-TWA
 

20 ppm (97 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL
 

 

 REL-STEL
 

 

 TLV-STEL
 

 

 PEL-STEL
 

 
PEL-C
 

 

 REL-C
 

 

 TLV-C
 

 

 PEL-C
 

 
Skin notation
 

Y

 Skin notation
 

Y

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

Y
Notes:
 

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

BEI®

 Notes:
 

 
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

700 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A3, EPA-NL, IARC-3 Notes:
 

 
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

 
Additional Resources and Literature References
Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - 2-Butoxyethanol

Literature References

 
  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) -2-Butoxyethanol. See annual publication for most recent information.
  • ATSDR: Toxicological Profile for 2-Butoxyethanol and 2-Butoxyethanol Acetate. 1998.
  • California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board: Initial and Final Statement of Reasons. July 6, 2006.
  • EPA: Integrated Risk Information System - Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE)(2-Butoxyethanol) (CASRN 111-76-2). 2010.
  • Haufroid, V., Thirion, F., Mertens, P., Buchet, J.-P. and Lison, D.: Biological monitoring of workers exposed to low levels of 2-butoxyethanol. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 70(4): 232-236, 1997.
  • Hung PC, Cheng SF, Liou SH, Tsai SW: Biological monitoring of low-level 2-butoxyethanol exposure in decal transfer workers in bicycle manufacturing factories. Occup Environ Med. 68(10):777-82, October 2011.
  • Jakasa, I., Mohammadi, N., Kruse, J. and Kezic, S.: Percutaneous absorption of neat and aqueous solutions of 2-butoxyethanol in volunteers. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 77(2): 79-84, 2004.
  • Jones, K., Cocker, J., Dodd, L.J. and Fraser, I.: Factors affecting the extent of dermal absorption of solvent vapors - a human volunteer study to investigate biological monitoring methods for 2-butoxyethanol. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 47(2): 145-150, 2003.
  • Jones, K. and Cocker, J.: A human exposure study to investigate biological monitoring methods for 2-butoxyethanol. Biomarkers 8(5): 360-370, 2003.
  • NIOSH: Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether and Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Acetate. September 1990.
  • NTP: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies 2-Butoxyethanol (CAS NO. 111-76-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies). TR 484, 2000.
  • Raymond, L.W., Williford, L.S. and Burke, W.A.: Eruptive cherry angiomas and irritant symptoms after one acute exposure to the glycol ether solvent 2-butoxyethanol. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 40(12): 1059-1064, 1998.
  • Tyl RW, Millicovsky G, Dodd DE, et al. 1984. Teratologic evaluation of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether in Fischer 344 rats and New Zealand white rabbits following inhalation exposure. Environ Health Perspect 57:47-68.

Last Updated Date : 06/30/2021