1. Basic Information

IUPAC Name: 1-Methoxy-2-propanol
Common Name: Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME)
CAS Number: 107-98-2 Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O₂ (CH₃CHOHCH₂OCH₃) Molecular Weight: 90.12 g/mol Chemical Category: Glycol ether solvent

2.Key Industrial Applications

As a versatile glycol ether solvent, 1-Methoxy-2-propanol is widely used across multiple industries, primarily serving as a solvent, dispersant, coupling agent, or chemical intermediate. Its main applications are as follows:
Coatings & Inks Industry: It is a critical active solvent in water-based coatings (e.g., automotive coatings, industrial maintenance coatings) and solvent-based printing inks. It acts as a coupling agent to improve the compatibility between resin and water, enhancing coating film formation and gloss. It is also used in the formulation of ballpoint pen and fountain pen inks.

Chemical Intermediates: It serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of agricultural herbicides (such as metolachlor) and other fine chemicals. Through reactions like esterification or etherification, it can be converted into various functional derivatives.

Cleaning Products: It is incorporated into household and industrial cleaning formulations, including rust removers, hard surface cleaners, and glass cleaners. Often blended with propylene glycol n-butyl ether, it effectively dissolves grease, wax, and organic contaminants without causing excessive corrosion to most surfaces.

Agricultural Sector: Used as a solvent and co-solvent for agricultural pesticides (e.g., insecticides, fungicides), it improves the solubility and stability of pesticide active ingredients, enhancing their application efficacy.

Other Fields: It functions as an antifreeze additive in jet fuel and brake fluids due to its low freezing point. Additionally, it is used as an extractant in chemical separation processes, a flotation agent for non-ferrous metals, and a raw material in organic synthesis.