Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGMEE): Key Properties & Uses

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGMEE) is a mildly fragrant, slightly viscous, hygroscopic glycol ether solvent that is fully miscible with water and a broad range of common organic solvents, making it a versatile choice for research and formulation applications.

CAS / SKU

D1530146B (Aladdin SKU)

Odor

Slight, mild fragrance

Hygroscopicity

Readily absorbs moisture (hygroscopic)

Viscosity character

Slightly viscous liquid

Miscibility

Miscible with acetone, benzene, chloroform, pyridine, ethanol, diethyl ether, and water

Oral LD₅₀ (rat)

8.69 g/kg

Irritancy

Irritant — causes irritation on contact

What Is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DEGMEE)?

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGMEE) is a glycol ether compound characterized by its mild fragrance, slight viscosity, and notable hygroscopicity. It is a clear, water-miscible liquid widely used in research laboratories as a co-solvent, reaction medium, and formulation component. Its amphiphilic structure — combining a hydrophilic glycol backbone with a short ethyl ether chain — confers broad compatibility with both polar and nonpolar solvents.

Aladdin Scientific supplies DEGMEE under SKU D1530146B for research and laboratory use.

Solubility and Miscibility of DEGMEE

DEGMEE is fully miscible with a wide range of common laboratory solvents and with water. Confirmed miscible solvents include:

• Water
• Acetone
• Benzene
• Chloroform
• Pyridine
• Ethanol
• Diethyl ether

This broad miscibility makes DEGMEE highly useful as a co-solvent for dissolving substances that are poorly soluble in water alone, and as a bridging solvent in mixed-solvent systems.

Safety, Handling, and Storage of DEGMEE

Toxicity: The oral LD₅₀ in rats is reported as 8.69 g/kg, placing DEGMEE in a relatively low acute oral toxicity category. Nevertheless, it is classified as an irritant and can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes upon contact.

Handling precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood when handling larger quantities.

Storage: Because DEGMEE is hygroscopic, containers should be tightly sealed after each use and stored away from moisture sources. Store at room temperature in a dry location away from incompatible materials and ignition sources. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full hazard and storage information before use.

Common Laboratory Applications of DEGMEE

DEGMEE's combination of high miscibility, moderate viscosity, and low volatility supports a variety of research applications:

• Co-solvent systems: Used to enhance the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), dyes, and polymer additives in aqueous or mixed-solvent formulations.
• Reaction medium: Suitable as a polar, high-boiling solvent for reactions requiring elevated temperatures without rapid solvent evaporation.
• Extraction and separation: Applied in liquid–liquid extraction protocols where miscibility with both aqueous and organic phases is advantageous.
• Cleaning and rinsing: Used in laboratory cleaning solutions owing to its ability to dissolve a wide range of residues.

Note: Specific application suitability should be validated by the end user for each experimental context.

Frequently Asked Questions: Quick Reference

The FAQ section below addresses the most common questions received from research scientists and lab managers about DEGMEE's properties, safe use, and procurement from Aladdin Scientific. For questions not covered here, please contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

Frequently asked questions

Is DEGMEE miscible with water?

Yes. DEGMEE is fully miscible with water as well as with acetone, benzene, chloroform, pyridine, ethanol, and diethyl ether, making it highly versatile as a co-solvent in aqueous and organic systems.

How should I store DEGMEE to prevent moisture absorption?

Because DEGMEE is hygroscopic, always reseal the container tightly immediately after use. Store in a cool, dry location away from moisture and in a well-sealed container. Consider storing opened bottles under an inert gas blanket (e.g., nitrogen or argon) if moisture contamination is a concern for your application.

What is the acute oral toxicity of DEGMEE, and is it safe to use in the lab?

The oral LD₅₀ in rats is 8.69 g/kg, indicating relatively low acute oral toxicity. However, DEGMEE is an irritant and standard laboratory safety precautions apply: wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, work in a ventilated area, and consult the current SDS before use.

What does it mean that DEGMEE is hygroscopic, and how does this affect my experiment?

Hygroscopic means the solvent readily absorbs water from the surrounding atmosphere. For moisture-sensitive reactions or when precise solvent composition is required, water absorption can alter concentration and reactivity. Pre-drying DEGMEE over molecular sieves or confirming water content by Karl Fischer titration before use is recommended in such cases.

What Aladdin Scientific SKU should I order for DEGMEE?

DEGMEE is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU D1530146B. Contact Aladdin Scientific sales or visit the product page for current pricing, pack sizes, and availability.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGMEE), SKU D1530146B — product description and safety summary. Aladdin Scientific internal product data.
2. Safety Data Sheet: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. Oral LD50 (rat): 8.69 g/kg. [Source SDS to be confirmed and linked by technical team.]

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.