Methyl di glycol (also known as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diglycol monomethyl ether, methoxy diglycol, ethylene diglycol monomethyl ether, DEGME, MDG and MDGE) is a clear, colourless, almost odourless liquid which has the formula C5H12O3. It is miscible in water and many organic solvents and has hygroscopic qualities.
Methyl di glycol is a product of the reaction of ethylene oxide and methanol in a high temperature and high pressure environment.
Methyl di glycol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of the direct sunlight. It is not classified as dangerous for any form of transport but is classed as harmful. It has a specific gravity of 1.021 and a flash point of 87o C (closed cup).
The primary uses for methyl di glycol are as a de-icing additive in aviation fuel, and as a solvent. It is utilised in the aviation industry as it has a relatively high flash point and it is utilised in both the paint, and printing industry because it combines high solvency with a low odour. This makes it a very effective solvent for resins, pastes, and nitro cellulose lacquers, and also for printing inks, stamp pad inks and ball point pen inks.
