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Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 111-90-0
  • IUPAC: 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol

Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (CAS 111-90-0) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low acute toxicity in animal models (oral LD50 5,500 mg/kg rat). Not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin. WEEL long-term value 25 ppm (airborne exposure). No skin sensitization or respiratory sensitization classification. SARA Section 313 reportable substance — typically present at 2.5–10% in concentrate formulations.

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME, CAS 111-90-0) — also known as DGEE or ethoxydiglycol — is a glycol ether co-solvent used in cleaning products to improve soil-lifting performance on greasy residues and to stabilize the product formulation. Unlike the glycol butyl ethers (2-butoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), which carry documented aquatic toxicity and H411 classifications, DGME does not carry GHS aquatic hazard codes at typical product-use concentrations.

DGME is readily biodegradable and shows a more favorable toxicological profile than the shorter-chain glycol ethers. At working-solution dilutions (1:10 or more), its contribution to systemic exposure is negligible. The WEEL (Workplace Environmental Exposure Limit) of 25 ppm reflects low inhalation hazard under occupational conditions — consumer use generates far lower airborne concentrations.

DGME is listed under SARA Section 313 as a reportable toxic chemical, reflecting the regulatory tracking obligation for industrial releases rather than evidence of consumer health risk.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
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 co-solvent — improves product stability and enhances cleaning performance on greasy soils

Common questions about Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether

What is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether used for in car care?
Glycol ether co-solvent — improves product stability and enhances cleaning performance on greasy soils
Is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether a VOC?
No. Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether biodegradable?
Yes. Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product 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.