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Glycol ethers

2-Methoxyethanol

Also known as Methyl cellosolve, Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, Ethanol, 2-methoxy-

CAS 109-86-4Formula C3H8O2Molar mass 76.10 g/molEC 203-713-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard 77 suppliers listed
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2-Methoxyethanol chemical structure, C3H8O2, CAS 109-86-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-85.1 °C
Boiling point
124.1 °C
Density
0.9647 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
42 °C
HS code
290944
Category
Glycol ethers
UN number
UN 1188
Illustrative photo, clear colourless liquid in a glass reagent bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 2-Methoxyethanol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

2-methoxyethanol is a hydroxyether that is ethanol substituted by a methoxy group at position 2. It has a role as a solvent and a protic solvent.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-methoxyethanol
CAS number
109-86-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 32718-54-0
EC numbers
203-713-7, 251-174-1
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
UNII
EK1L6XWI56
MDL number
MFCD00002867, MFCD00084416
INCI name
METHOXYETHANOL
InChIKey
XNWFRZJHXBZDAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H8O2/c1-5-3-2-4/h4H,2-3H2,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COCCO

Synonyms

  • Methyl cellosolve
  • Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
  • Ethanol, 2-methoxy-
  • Methyl oxitol
  • 2-Methoxy-1-ethanol
  • Dowanol EM
  • Methylglykol
  • EGME
  • Methoxyhydroxyethane
  • 3-Oxa-1-butanol
  • Monomethyl glycol
  • Glycol ether EM
  • Prist
  • Glycol monomethyl ether
  • 1-Hydroxy-2-methoxyethane
  • Jeffersol EM
  • MECS
  • Metil cellosolve
  • 2-Metossietanolo
  • Amsco-Solv EE
  • 2-Methoxy-aethanol
  • Methylcelosolv
  • methylcellosolve
  • Metoksyetylowy alkohol
  • 2-Methoxyethyl alcohol
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Dowanol 7
  • beta-Methoxyethanol
  • HOCH2CH2OCH3
  • Monomethyl ether of ethylene glycol
  • Aethylenglykol-monomethylaether
  • Ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether
  • Glycolmethyl ether
  • Monoethylene glycol methyl ether
  • Monomethyl ethylene glycol ether
  • 2-Hydroxyethyl methyl ether
  • Methyl ethoxol
  • Ether monomethylique de l'ethylene-glycol
  • Hisolve mc

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
Mild agreeable odorexp.
Taste
Bitterexp.
Melting point
-85.1 °Cexp.
Boiling point
124.1 °Cexp.
Density
0.9647 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
42 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
285 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible with waterexp.
Vapour pressure
9.5 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
76.10 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
76.0524 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.37calc.
Topological polar surface area
29.46 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H360FDMay damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1188
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

2-Methoxyethanol suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 77 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

77 suppliers in 15 countries

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2-Methoxyethanol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled.".

Solvent for nitrocellulose, ... solvent mixtures, lacquers, ... perfume fixative, ... jet fuel deicing additive.

Solvent for low viscosity cellulose acetate, natural resins, some synthetic resins and some alc-sol dyes, in dyeing leather, sealing moisture-proof cellophane, in nail polishes, quick drying varnishes and enamels, wood stains. In modified Karl Fischer reagent.

Industrial uses: Solvent, Absorbent, Humectant, Fuel agents, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Adhesion/cohesion promoter, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Solvent, Fuel agents.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name METHOXYETHANOL(solvent, viscosity controlling)

Pharmacological actions

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Teratogens

Roles

  • Bronsted acid
  • acid
  • donor
  • polar solvent
  • protic solvent
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Drier
  • Flow promoter
  • Fragrance
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Solvent
  • Viscosity controlling

How it is made

Preparation from ethylene oxide + methanol, ... from ethylene glycol +diazomethane.

By reacting ethylene chlorohydrin or ethylene glycol with (sodium hydroxide) (NaOH) and a dialkyl sulfate ...

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 603-011-00-4

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: 2-Methoxyethanol [1] and its acetate (2-Methoxyethyl acetate) [2], Ref no: 665, Annex ref: II/665

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Significant new use rule

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 2-Methoxyethanol is traded under.

HS 2909.44Indicative HS code

Monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol not elsewhere classified in heading 2909

World exports in 2024
$212M
−10.4% vs 2023, imports $217M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States34.9%
  2. Belgium14.4%
  3. China13.6%
Top importers
  1. South Korea12.8%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported8.6%
  3. Belgium7.9%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 2-Methoxyethanol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 2-Methoxyethanol, based on the data on this page

What is 2-Methoxyethanol?

2-methoxyethanol is a hydroxyether that is ethanol substituted by a methoxy group at position 2. It has a role as a solvent and a protic solvent.

What is the CAS number of 2-Methoxyethanol?

The CAS registry number of 2-Methoxyethanol is 109-86-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 32718-54-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 2-Methoxyethanol?

The molecular formula of 2-Methoxyethanol is C3H8O2 and its molar mass is 76.10 g/mol.

What is 2-Methoxyethanol used for?

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled.". Solvent for nitrocellulose, ... solvent mixtures, lacquers, ... perfume fixative, ... jet fuel deicing additive.

Is 2-Methoxyethanol hazardous?

2-Methoxyethanol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 2-Methoxyethanol?

2-Methoxyethanol is usually classified under HS code 290944 (Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 2-Methoxyethanol?

CompoundList lists 77 suppliers of 2-Methoxyethanol in China, United States, India, Japan and 11 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy 2-Methoxyethanol in India?

11 suppliers in India list 2-Methoxyethanol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of 2-Methoxyethanol?

Suppliers quote 2-Methoxyethanol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle 2-Methoxyethanol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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