Glycol Ethers (E-Series)
The name “glycol ethers” covers a whole host of compounds derived from the reactions of alcohols with ethylene oxide (E-series) and propylene oxide (P-series). For the purpose of this text, the discussion is limited to the E-series glycol ethers, those derived from ethylene oxide (EO).
Glycol ethers are produced by reacting EO and an alcohol in an anhydrous liquid phase. The alcohol can be, but is not limited to, methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, or n-hexanol. Downstream of the reactor, excess alcohol is removed and recycled back to the reactor.
The product line ranges from methyl, ethyl, and butyl ethers of MEG and DEG that as a group are used in architectural and industrial coatings, hard surface cleaners, electronics cleaners, jet fuel additives, and hydraulic fluids. A second significant use is as a chemical intermediate, reacted with acetic acid to produce the corresponding acetate esters, which are also mostly used in coatings, inks, and cleaners.