Glycol Ether PMA is a colorless, low-toxicity liquid with a characteristic ester odor. It dissolves 18% in water at 20 °C and has excellent solvency for a variety of substances, including acrylic, nitrocellulose, and urethane coating resins. PMA can substitute for certain ethylene glycol (E-series) ether acetates, particularly EEA and EMA.
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Chemical formula: C₆H₁₂O₃
Also known as: 1-Methoxy-2-propanol acetate, methoxy propanol acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, 1-methoxy propanol acetate
Applications
- Coatings. PMA is used extensively in decorative and protective coatings. In acrylic-epoxy baking enamels it matches EEA’s evaporation rate and solvency, and it has been found to give better gloss and image distinction.
- Solvent-based cleaning. PMA is being evaluated, alone or blended with other solvents, as a replacement for chlorinated solvents in metal degreasing and specialized equipment cleaning. Its solvency matches that of chlorinated solvents more closely than glycol ethers and alcohols do.
- Electronics. PMA has replaced EEA in positive photoresist formulations for semiconductor processing, and it is used to clean and degrease circuit boards and remove solder flux.
- Other uses: agricultural, cosmetic, ink, textile, and adhesive products.
For very alkaline water-based cleaners, propylene glycol ethers are generally recommended over their acetates, because acetates can hydrolyze in those conditions.
Specifications
| Property | Specification | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity @ 25/25 °C | 0.963–0.966 | ASTM D-891 |
| Distillation @ 760 mmHg | IBP 140 °C min., DP 150 °C max. | ASTM D-1078 |
| Acidity, as acetic acid | 0.02 wt% max. | ASTM D-1613 |
| Water | 0.05 wt% max. | ASTM E-203 |
| Color, APHA | 10 max. | ASTM E-1209 |
| GC purity | 99.0 wt% min. | ACC 8314 |
PMA contains 75–150 ppm BHT to control peroxides.
Typical Properties
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Evaporation rate (n-BuAc = 1) | 0.34 |
| Flash point (Tag closed cup) | 47 °C (116 °F) |
| Autoignition temperature | 272 °C (522 °F) |
| Flammability limits (lower/upper) | 1.5 / 10 vol% |
| Vapor pressure @ 25 °C | 3.8 mmHg |
| Density @ 25 °C | 8.0 lb/gal |
| Solubility in water @ 20 °C | 18 wt% |
| Water in PMA @ 20 °C | 6 wt% |
| Viscosity @ 25 °C | 1.1 cSt |
| Surface tension @ 25 °C | 27 dynes/cm |
| Refractive index @ 25 °C | 1.40 |
| Total Hansen solubility parameter | 9.2 |
| Maximum Incremental Reactivity | 1.63 g O₃/g |
| Federal VOC status | VOC |
| CARB LVP-VOC exempt (consumer products) | No |
Storage and Handling
General industry practice is to store PMA in carbon steel vessels. Properly lined steel or stainless steel avoids slight discoloration from mild steel. Avoid contact with air during long-term storage, since the product can absorb water. Glycol ethers should never be stored or handled in copper or copper alloys.
Keep containers tightly closed and properly vented, away from heat, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizers. Use non-sparking tools and ground containers before transfer. Empty containers retain flammable residue. Stainless steel is recommended for valves, pumps, and filters, and Teflon is suitable for gaskets. Buna N, butylene polymers, and neoprene swell in contact with PMA.
PMA is a flammable liquid under SARA Title III, Section 311/312, but is not subject to SARA 313 reporting.
| Rating | Health | Flammability | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMIS | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| NFPA | 0 | 2 | 0 |