Methyl cellosolve

2-Methoxyethanol

Names
IUPAC name 2-Methoxyethanol
Systematic IUPAC name 2-Methoxyethanol
Other names Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether EGME Methyl cellosolve
Identifiers
CAS Registry Number	109-86-4
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES OCCOC
Properties
Chemical formula	C3H8O2
Molar mass	76.09 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	Ethereal
Density	0.965 g/cm3
Melting point	−85 °C (−121 °F; 188 K)
Boiling point	124 to 125 °C (255 to 257 °F; 397 to 398 K)
Solubility in water	Miscible
Solubility	Miscible with alcohols
Vapor pressure	6 mmHg (20 °C)
Hazards
Safety data sheet	Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point	39 °C (102 °F; 312 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds	Ethylene glycol
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

2-Methoxyethanol, also known as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether or methyl cellosolve, is a common solvent.

Properties

Chemical

Methyl cellosolve is both a primary alcohol and an ether.

Physical

Methyl cellosolve is a colorless liquid, with an ethereal odor. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents.

Availability

Many OTC paint and dye solvents have this compound in their composition. Fractional distillation is required to isolate the compound.

Preparation

Industrially, methyl cellosolve is produced by the reaction of methanol with ethylene oxide.

Projects

• Paint stripper

Handling

Safety

Methyl cellosolve is an endocrine disruptor. It is toxic to the bone marrow and testes.

Storage

2-Methoxyethanol should be kept in closed bottles. BHT is sometimes added as stabilizer.

Disposal

Incineration outside should suffice.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Synthesis of symmetrical polyethers, how is it done?