DB Acetate (Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Acetate)

DB Acetate is a high-boiling glycol ether ester widely used in printing inks, in high-bake enamels, and as a coalescing aid in low-pH latex paints. It is especially useful in screen inks and as a retarder solvent in coil coatings. DB Acetate is exempt as an LVP-VOC under CARB’s consumer products rules.

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CAS number: 124-17-4
Chemical formula: C₁₀H₂₀O₄
Also known as: Diethylene glycol butyl ether acetate, Glycol Ether DBA

Key Attributes

  • CARB LVP-VOC exempt in consumer products
  • Slow evaporation rate
  • Excellent solvent activity; active solvent for nitrocellulose
  • High blush resistance (96% RH at 80 °F)
  • Efficient coalescent
  • High electrical resistance
  • Readily biodegradable

Applications

  • Auto OEM and auto refinish coatings, general industrial coatings, and paints and coatings
  • Commercial printing inks, especially screen inks
  • High-bake enamels
  • Retarder solvent in coil coatings
  • Coalescing aid in low-pH latex paints
  • Process solvent, including as a selective solvent for separating alcohols and ketones by distillation

Typical Properties

PropertyTypical value
Assay99.25 wt% min.
Acidity, as acetic acid0.03 wt% max.
Color, Pt-Co15 max.
Boiling range @ 760 mmHg235–250 °C (455–482 °F)
Evaporation rate (n-BuAc = 1)0.002
Flash point (Tag closed cup)105 °C (221 °F)
Flash point (Cleveland open cup)105 °C (221 °F)
Fire point128 °C (262 °F)
Autoignition temperature249 °C (480 °F)
Flammability limits in air (lower/upper)0.8 / 10.7 vol%
Freezing point−32 °C (−26 °F)
Vapor pressure @ 20 °C0.04 mmHg
Specific gravity @ 20/20 °C0.98
Weight per volume @ 20 °C0.98 kg/L (8.16 lb/gal)
Solubility in water @ 20 °C6.5 wt%
Water in DB Acetate @ 20 °C3.7 wt%
Viscosity @ 25 °C3.2 cP
Surface tension @ 20 °C30 dynes/cm
Refractive index @ 20 °C1.43
Total Hansen solubility parameter18.4 (MPa)½
Dilution ratio (toluene / VMP naphtha)1.8 / 0.9
Electrical resistance>20 megohms
Maximum Incremental Reactivity1.29 g O₃/g
Federal VOC statusVOC
CARB LVP-VOC exempt (consumer products)Yes

Packaging: 55 Gallon Drums, Totes, Bulk Related: PMA vs. EB Acetate vs. DB Acetate | EB Acetate