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3-Butoxypropan-2-ol

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 5131-66-8
  • IUPAC: 1-(2-hydroxypropyl) butyl ether

3-Butoxypropan-2-ol (CAS 5131-66-8) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Causes skin irritation (H315) and eye irritation (H319) at ingredient level. Combustible liquid (H227). Signal word WARNING at ingredient level. At mixture concentrations of 1–<2.5%, mixture-level GHS classification is typically not triggered. Not CA Prop 65 listed.

3-Butoxypropan-2-ol (propylene glycol butyl ether, PGBE) is a glycol ether solvent used as a coalescing agent and carrier in water-based waxes, ceramic spray waxes, and detailers. It improves film formation and surface wetting.

At ingredient level, SDS Section 3 assigns H315 (skin irritation Cat 2), H319 (eye irritation Cat 2A), and H227 (combustible liquid) to this substance. At typical finished-product concentrations of 1–2.5% in a water-based formula, these ingredient-level hazards generally do not propagate to mixture-level GHS §2 classification.

Regulatory status

  • Not CA Prop 65 listed
  • SARA 313 reportable: No
  • RCRA: Not listed as hazardous waste

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
5/5
Purpose: Glycol ether solvent and coalescing agent in water-based waxes, coatings, and detailers

Common questions about 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol

What is 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol used for in car care?
Glycol ether solvent and coalescing agent in water-based waxes, coatings, and detailers
Is 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol a VOC?
Yes. 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol biodegradable?
Yes. 3-Butoxypropan-2-ol 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.