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CarCareTruth

2-Propoxyethanol

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 2807-30-9
  • IUPAC: 2-propoxyethan-1-ol

2-Propoxyethanol (CAS 2807-30-9) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Harmful if swallowed (H302) and harmful in contact with skin (H312) at concentrate strength. Causes serious eye irritation (H319) and may cause drowsiness or dizziness from vapours (H336). VOC contributor — about 911 g/L pure. Less commonly used in detailing chemicals than its near-cousin 2-butoxyethanol but functionally similar.

2-Propoxyethanol (EGPE, propyl Cellosolve, Ektasolve EP) is a glycol ether co-solvent used in alkaline all-purpose cleaners and degreasers as a grease-cutting aid. Functionally similar to 2-butoxyethanol but with slightly different volatility and skin-penetration profile — propyl variant is somewhat less aggressively absorbed through skin than butyl.

SDS alert: Check Section 3 for CAS 2807-30-9. At concentrate strength (typically 1–5% in detailing APCs), the ingredient contributes to the H302/H312/H319 classifications. At 10:1 working dilution the contribution drops to 0.1–0.5% of working solution and the chemistry signals soften proportionally — but the VOC contribution carries through.

Regulatory status

  • Not CA Prop 65 listed
  • VOC under CARB and EPA Method 24 — counts toward total formula VOC
  • TEEL-1 emergency exposure limit: 2.2 ppm (vs. 24 ppm TEEL-2; 140 ppm TEEL-3)

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Glycol ether co-solvent and grease-cutting aid in alkaline all-purpose cleaners and degreasers

Common questions about 2-Propoxyethanol

What is 2-Propoxyethanol used for in car care?
Glycol ether co-solvent and grease-cutting aid in alkaline all-purpose cleaners and degreasers
Is 2-Propoxyethanol a VOC?
Yes. 2-Propoxyethanol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 2-Propoxyethanol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 2-Propoxyethanol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 2-Propoxyethanol biodegradable?
Yes. 2-Propoxyethanol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.