Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether DPM Solvent
CAS# 34590-94-8

Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (commonly known as DPGME or DPM), with the CAS registry number 34590-94-8, is a highly versatile and high-performance organic solvent. This product exists as a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant, ether-like odor. Belonging to the oxygenated solvent family (specifically P-series glycol ethers), commercial DPM is a mixture of four structural isomers, which provides it with superior solvency characteristics for flexible application in various complex chemical formulations.

The most outstanding feature of DPM is its incredibly strong solvency. This solvent is 100% completely miscible in water and can be mixed with a wide variety of both polar and non-polar organic solvents. Thanks to its amphiphilic molecular structure, which provides both hydrogen bonding capabilities and lipophilic characteristics, it acts as an excellent coupling agent. DPM has a mid-to-slow evaporation rate and a relatively low vapor pressure. Physically, DPM has a boiling point around 189.6 - 190°C, a freezing point of -83°C, and a flash point of approximately 75°C, classifying it as a combustible liquid.

DPM is an indispensable component in the paint and coatings industry. Because of its excellent solvency for a broad range of resins—including acrylics, epoxies, alkyds, polyesters, nitrocellulose, and polyurethanes—it is used as an active solvent and coalescing agent. DPM is especially crucial for water-borne coatings and systems designed to meet low-VOC standards. Furthermore, DPM is an ideal ingredient for industrial and household cleaning products (such as floor cleaners, wax strippers, degreasers, and hard surface cleaners) because it reduces surface tension, maintains a low odor profile, and effectively dissolves grease and oils.

The versatility of DPM extends across numerous specialized fields. In the printing and textile industries, it serves as a primary solvent for printing inks (such as silk screen, gravure, and flexographic inks) and acts as a dye carrier. For cosmetics and personal care, DPM is utilized as a coupling agent, a skin care ingredient, and a fragrance carrier (widely popular in liquid reed diffusers). Additionally, this solvent is used as a stabilizer for agricultural pesticides, a cleaning agent for electronic components, and a constituent in hydraulic brake fluids due to its high boiling point and stability.

DPM possesses a very positive safety and environmental profile. The chemical has low acute toxicity across all routes of exposure (oral, dermal, and inhalation) and is not classified as hazardous under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It poses low concern to human health and the environment at typical exposure levels. DPM is readily biodegradable in natural conditions and does not bioaccumulate, making it a safer alternative to many older generation solvents. However, because it is a combustible liquid, it must be stored and handled in well-ventilated areas, kept away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames.