Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol commonly used in paints. These solvents typically have a higher boiling point, together with the favorable solvent properties of lower-molecular weight ethers and alcohols. The word "Cellosolve" was registered in 1924 as a United States trademark by Carbide & Carbon Chemicals Corp. (later named Union Carbide Corp.) for "Solvents for Gums, Resins, Cellulose Esters, and the Like",; the first one was ethyl cellosolve (ethylene glycol monoethyl ether), with the name now generic for glycol ethers.

Glycol ethers are either "e-series" or "p-series" glycol ethers, depending on whether they are made from ethylene or propylene, respectively. Typically, e-series glycol ethers are found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water based paints, while p-series glycol ethers are used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives. E-series glycol ethers are higher in molecular weights, and can be used as intermedites that undergo further chemical reactions. P-series glycol ethers are generally high performance industrial solvents. Most glycol ethers are relatively water soluble, biodegradable and only a few are considered toxic. Therefore, they are unlikely to pose an adverse risk to the environment.

Recent study suggests that occupational exposure to glycol ethers is related to low motile sperm count in men, but the finding has been disputed by others.