What is Di Methoxy Propanol (DPM)?
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (also known as Methoxy Propoxy Propanol, Oxybispropanol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, DPM, and Dowanol DPM) is a propylene oxide-based/P series glycol ether and has the formula C7H16O3. It is a clear, colourless, viscous liquid which has a slight ether odour.
Dowanol DPM is completely soluble in water and is miscible with a number of organic solvents, for example ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, petroleum ether and monochlorobenzene. It is also practically non- toxic and hygroscopic, and thus lends itself well to commercial and industrial use.
How is it produced?
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether is produced by the reaction of propylene oxide with methanol using a catalyst.
How is it stored and distributed?
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether is stored in mild steel and /or stainless steel tanks and/or drums and can be transported by bulk vessels or tank trucks. It should be stored away from heat and sources of ignition in a cool and well-ventilated area. Dowanol DPM has a specific gravity of 0.95 and a flashpoint of 75oC (closed cup) and is not regulated for any form of transport.
What is Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Used For?
Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether is a very useful industrial and commercial chemical. One of its main commercial uses is as a solvent for paints, varnishes, inks, strippers, and degreasers. It is also utilised as a coalescing agent for water-based paints and inks where it promotes polymer fusing during the drying process. It is also a component of wood and coil coatings, as well as coatings used in the automotive industry, industrial maintainence, and metal finishing. It is also a component of hydraulic fluids and industrial degreasers and is a chemical additive in the oil production and drilling industry.
Dowanol DPM is a very useful chemical building block in the manufacture of many products. This is due to its reaction with acids, forming esters and oxidising agents which produce aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alkali metals therefore creating alcoholates and acetals.
It is this flexibility that supports the use of DPM across a range of industries and therefore makes it a component of many household items that people use every day. It is found in ceiling and wall paints and in many common cleaners including glass and surface cleaners, paint-brush cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, carpet cleaners and disinfectant cleaners. It is also found in cosmetics where it provides emollient properties and product stabilisation as well as floor and aluminium polish, leather and textile dyes, rust removers and pesticides where it acts as a stabiliser.
Dipropylene glycol methyl ether is also a chemical intermediate in the production of Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate or DPMA.
