Tripropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TPM / TPGME)
Other Names
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TPGME
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TPM
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Tripropylene glycol methyl ether
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1-Methoxy-2-(2-(2-methoxypropoxy)propoxy)propane
CAS Number: 20324-32-7
📘 1. Definition
Tripropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TPM) is a high-boiling, low-volatility glycol ether solvent used in industrial applications requiring slow evaporation and strong solvent power.
It belongs to the propylene glycol ether family and is valued for:
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Mild odor
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High solvency
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Slow evaporation rate
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Good compatibility with resins and polymers
🧪 2. Chemical & Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C10H22O4 |
| Molecular Weight | ~206 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild, slightly ether-like |
| Boiling Point | ~250 °C (very high) |
| Flash Point | ~120 °C (high, improved safety) |
| Vapor Pressure | Very low |
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents; partially miscible with water |
| Evaporation Rate | Slow |
| Viscosity | Moderate |
Key Characteristics
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Excellent solvency for organics
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Ideal for high-temperature coatings
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Minimal odor and VOC-friendly
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Low skin & inhalation irritation compared to many solvents
🧰 3. Applications / Uses
A) Coatings & Paints
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High-performance industrial coatings
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Automotive refinishing
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Metal coatings
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Coil & can coatings
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Improves flow, leveling, and film formation
B) Printing Inks
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Used as a slow-evaporating solvent
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Prevents ink drying on printing plates
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Provides smooth printing performance
C) Cleaners & Degreasers
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Effective in removing oils, greases, resins
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Used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners
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Strong solvent power but low odor → operator-friendly
D) Chemical Intermediate
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Used in manufacturing surfactants, glycol ethers, and specialty chemicals
E) Electronics / High-Tech Uses
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Sometimes used as a slow-evaporating solvent in electronic cleaning fluids
⚠️ 4. Safety Notes
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Low acute toxicity
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High flash point → safer than low-boiling glycol ethers
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Avoid prolonged skin contact
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Use with ventilation in industrial settings
📌 5. Summary
Tripropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TPM / TPGME) is a versatile, slow-evaporating, high-boiling glycol ether solvent ideal for:
✔ Industrial coatings
✔ Printing inks
✔ Cleaners & degreasers
✔ Chemical synthesis
Its slow evaporation, high flash point, and strong solvency make it an important solvent for high-performance industrial formulations.
