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Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 34590-94-8
  • IUPAC: 1-methoxy-2-(2-methoxypropoxy)propane

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (CAS 34590-94-8) appears in 9 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

H227 (combustible liquid) is the only GHS classification. Low acute toxicity by all routes. No skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity concerns. Safe at typical 1–30% product concentrations with normal handling.

Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPGME, Dowanol DPM) is a glycol ether solvent widely used in water-based automotive cleaners, dressings, and coatings. It functions as a coupling agent that enables stable emulsions of water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients.

DPGME has an excellent safety profile compared to other glycol ethers: it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, does not cause reproductive toxicity, and is not classified as a carcinogen or skin sensitizer. The H227 classification (combustible liquid, flash point ~75°C) is the only GHS hazard. At typical product concentrations of 1–30%, DPGME poses minimal health risk for normal detailing use.

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: Coupling agent; helps water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients coexist in a single aqueous formulation

Common questions about Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

What is Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether used for in car care?
Coupling agent; helps water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients coexist in a single aqueous formulation
Is Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether a VOC?
Yes. Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether biodegradable?
Yes. Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

9 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.