Ethoxyethanol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-Ethoxyethanol, 110-80-5, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER, Ethyl cellosolve, Emkanol, Hydroxy ether, 2-Ethoxyethan-1-Ol, Dowanol EE, Ethylene glycol ethyl ether
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
2-Ethoxyethanol is a diluent in colour additive mixtures for marking food. 2-Ethoxyethanol, also known by the trademark Cellosolve or ethyl cellosolve, is a solvent used widely in commercial and industrial applications. It is a clear, colorless, nearly odorless liquid that is miscible with water, ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, and ethyl acetate. As with other glycol ethers, 2-ethoxyethanol has the useful property of being able to dissolve chemically diverse compounds. It will dissolve oils, resins, grease, waxes, nitrocellulose, and lacquers. This is an ideal property as a multi-purpose cleaner and therefore 2-ethoxyethanol is used in products such as varnish removers and degreasing solutions. 2-Ethoxyethanol belongs to the family of Primary Alcohols. These are compounds comprising the primary alcohol functional group, with the general strucuture RCOH (R=alkyl, aryl).
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C4H10O2
Mol. Weight
90.12
CAS #
110-80-5
Form
Liquid
State
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point of 120 °F. Less dense than water. Its vapors are heavier than air.
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Viscosity Controlling
Dissolves Ingredients
Controls Viscosity
Locks In Moisture
Dissolves other ingredients
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic solvent and humectant. Adopted by the cosmetics industry mid-century as a penetration enhancer and preservative booster in skincare and makeup formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
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Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR