Glycol ethers (Figure 4.5) are ether alcohols, having both ether and alcohol functionality, that feature high polarity and a marked tendency to form hydrogen bonds. They are excellent solvents for a broad range of polar and semi-polar binders. Commercially impor
Figure 4.4: Examples of ester solvents
OH
1 — Methoxy-2-propanol
Figure 4.5: Examples of glycol ether solvents
tant glycol ethers are ethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Glycol ethers have strong solvency, slow evaporation rate, complete water miscibility, high flash point, and mild odor. Due to their water miscibility, they are very important as cosolvents in waterbased coatings.