Solvents Part 2: Glycoles und glycol ethers

Solvents of Donauchem GmbH

The product group of solvents is one of the most important product groups of Donauchem and therefore of great importance for many industrial applications across all sectors. Glycols and glycol ethers are two representatives of this group and are indispensable for various industrial applications. 

Thanks to our well-developed and flexible warehouses in our plants in Pischelsdorf/Lower Austria and Brückl/Carinthia, we are able to react very quickly to customer enquiries and orders, which enables us to supply the most important industries in Austria with solvents.

We offer our range of solvents in different container sizes or also in tankers. Using our state-of-the-art filling equipment, solvents can be filled in container sizes ranging from 25-1000L. For special customer requirements we can also fill our products in smaller containers.
 

Glycols

Glycols are dialcohols (bivalent alcohols) which are derived from ethylene glycol (so-called 1,2-diols). Examples are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. In addition, derivatives of ethylene glycol, such as methyl glycol (ethylene glycol monomethyl ether), as well as other diols whose hydroxyl groups are not arranged adjacently, such as trimethylene glycol or neopentyl glycol, are also called glycols. Diols which are formed by condensation of ethylene glycol, such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol(s) are called glycols.
 

Properties and uses

The main applications of glycols are in coolants, antifreezes and de-icers, as the freezing point of -10 to -15 °C is lower than that of water. In combination with water, the freezing point is even lower and can reach -55 °C, depending on the quantity ratio. Glycol-containing fluids are also used as brake fluids.

Propylene glycol-water mixtures are used as so-called fog fluids for fog machines. Propylene glycol is also a component of liquids for e-cigarettes. Glycols are also found in various toothpastes.
Industrially, they are mainly used as solvents and additives for varnishes, paints and cleaning agents. Triglycol is used in offshore petroleum extraction to dehumidify. It also has a drying effect on indoor air (hygroscopic).
 
Standard portfolio of Donauchem GmbH
- Monoethylene glycol
- Diethylene glycol
- Propylene glycol
- Dipropylene glycol
- Hexylene glycol
- Butylene glycol
- butyl diglycol
- triethylene glycol
- Tripropylene glycol
 

Glycol ethers

Glycol ethers are based on ethylene or diethylene glycol. As they have very positive properties as solvents, similar to those of ethers and alcohols, they are ideal for processing and are mainly used in paints, varnishes, glazes and plasters as well as a base for epoxy resins. 

Overview Glycol Ethers

Overview Dialkyl Ethers

Compared to glycol mono-ethers, their diethers have remarkably low ignition temperatures. This requires special protective precautions in chemical plants, because pipelines can reach surface temperatures of 220 °C at certain points.
 

Use of dialkyl ether

Both methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) play an important economic role as antiknock agents in petrol.
Dimethyl ether (H₃C–O–CH₃) is used as a propellant in spray cans.

In chemical laboratories, diethyl ether is often used as an extraction agent, and it is also used as a solvent for the formation of Grignard reagents.
 
If you have any questions regarding our solvents portfolio we are happy to answer them! Please contact us here.