Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DPM Glycol Ether)
- Description
- Reviews (0)
Description
What is Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DPM)?
DPM, or Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, is a versatile glycol ether solvent used in a wide range of industrial formulations. It offers good solvency, controlled evaporation, and high water compatibility, making it useful for dissolving or blending various formulation components.
In addition, DPM can function as both a solvent and coupling agent, helping formulators incorporate components with different solubility characteristics. As a result, it is used in paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives and sealants, industrial cleaners, surface-care products, and other chemical formulations.
Furthermore, DPM has a mid- to slow-evaporation profile. This characteristic can provide useful working time and influence drying, flow, and leveling behavior in suitable coating and ink systems. DPM is a mid- to slow-evaporating, hydrophilic solvent with 100% water solubility.
Key Features
- Hydrophilic glycol ether solvent
- High water compatibility
- Mid- to slow-evaporation profile
- Effective coupling capability
- Suitable for water-based and solvent-based formulations
- Broad solvency for industrial formulation systems
- Useful for controlled solvent evaporation
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | DPM Glycol Ether |
| Synonym | Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether |
| CAS No. | 34590-94-8 |
| Chemical Formula | CH₃O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂H |
| Molecular Weight | 148.2 g/mol |
| Boiling Point @ 760 mmHg | 190°C |
| Flash Point, Setaflash Closed Cup | 75°C |
| Freezing Point | -83°C |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | 0.28 mmHg / 37.1 Pa |
| Specific Gravity @ 25/25°C | 0.951 |
| Liquid Density @ 20°C | 0.953 g/cm³ |
| Liquid Density @ 25°C | 0.948 g/cm³ |
| Vapor Density, Air = 1 | 5.11 |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 3.7 cP / mPa·s |
| Surface Tension @ 20°C | 68.7 mN/m at 1000 mg/L |
| Specific Heat @ 25°C | 2.25 J/g/°C |
| Heat of Vaporization at Normal Boiling Point | 267 J/g |
| Autoignition Temperature | 207°C |
| Evaporation Rate, n-Butyl Acetate = 1.0 | 0.035 |
| Solubility in Water @ 25°C | 100% |
| log Pow | 1.01 |
| Lower Flammable Limit | 1.1 vol.% in air |
| Upper Flammable Limit | 14 vol.% in air |
How Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPM) Functions?

DPM functions primarily as a solvent and coupling agent in industrial formulations. Because of its hydrophilic nature and high water solubility, it can help improve compatibility between aqueous and organic components in selected systems.
At the same time, its intermediate evaporation rate allows formulators to control solvent release during application and drying. Therefore, DPM can support formulation requirements where both solvency and controlled evaporation are important.
Depending on the formulation, DPM may function as a coupling agent, active solvent, mutual solvent, or coalescent. Engineered for versatility, DPM Glycol Ether performs exceptionally well in coatings, cleaners, inks, textile treatments, cosmetics, and floor-care solutions.
Applications of Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPM)
Paints & Coatings
DPM functions as a solvent and coupling agent in selected coating formulations, particularly where compatibility between water-based and organic components is required.
Applications include:
- Water-based coatings
- Water-reducible coatings
- Latex emulsion coatings
- Solvent-based coatings
- Floor polishes and finishes
DPM can also help reduce emulsion shock when hydrophobic solvents are incorporated into suitable latex systems.
Printing Inks
DPM functions as a solvent or coupling agent in various printing ink formulations. Its controlled evaporation and coupling capability make it suitable for selected ink systems.
Applications include:
- Gravure inks
- Flexographic inks
- Silk-screen printing inks
- Water-based printing inks
- Solvent-based printing inks
In solvent-based gravure and flexographic inks, DPM can function as a tail solvent. It can also serve as a primary solvent in solvent-based silk-screen inks and as a coupling agent in solvent blends for water-based printing systems.
Industrial & Household Cleaners
DPM functions as a solvent and coupling agent in cleaning formulations. It can support formulations designed for removing oils, grease, coatings, and other residues.
Applications include:
- Industrial cleaners
- Household cleaners
- Grease removers
- Paint removers
- Metal cleaners
- Hard-surface cleaners
Textile & Dyeing
DPM functions as a solvent and coupling agent in selected textile-processing applications, including vat dyeing formulations.
Agricultural Formulations
DPM can serve as a stabilizing component in selected agricultural formulations, including herbicide systems.
Cosmetic Formulations
DPM can function as a mutual solvent, coupling agent, and emollient in selected cosmetic formulations. However, formulators should evaluate grade suitability and applicable regulatory requirements for the intended application.
Fragrance & Perfumes
DPM can be used as a solvent and coupling component in various fragrance & perfumery formulations, helping incorporate fragrance ingredients into the formulation where appropriate.
Why DPM is Considered in Industrial Formulations
DPM is particularly useful when a formulation requires more than simple solvent power. Its combination of water compatibility, coupling capability and controlled evaporation gives formulators flexibility when working with systems containing both aqueous and organic components.
Formulation Compatibility
DPM can help bridge components with different solubility characteristics, making it useful in selected water-based and water-reducible systems.
Controlled Solvent Behavior
Its relatively slow evaporation profile can provide useful working time and influence the drying behavior of the finished formulation.
Versatile Solvency
DPM can serve different roles depending on the formulation, including solvent, coupling agent and coalescent.
Broad Industrial Relevance
Its properties make DPM relevant to coatings, printing inks, cleaning products, textile processing and floor-care formulations.
DPM in Formulation Design
Selecting a solvent is not simply a matter of solvency. Formulators also consider water compatibility, evaporation behavior, resin compatibility and processing requirements.
DPM offers a combination of these characteristics in a single glycol ether solvent. Its high water compatibility and coupling capability can be valuable in formulations containing both aqueous and organic components, while its relatively slow evaporation profile can support controlled drying.
The optimum level and suitability of DPM depend on the resin system, formulation composition, application method and desired final performance. Formulation testing is recommended when introducing DPM into a new system or replacing an existing solvent.
Packaging
- 200 kgs Sealed Intact barrels

Storage & Handling
DPM should be handled and stored according to the applicable supplier Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and workplace chemical-management procedures.
- Keep containers properly closed when not in use.
- Ensure adequate workplace ventilation.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Keep away from uncontrolled sources of ignition.
- Follow applicable storage, handling and spill-response procedures.
- Consult the current SDS for detailed requirements.
Why Choose Chemex Chemicals?
Chemex Chemicals is an importer, distributor, and supplier of specialty chemicals serving industrial manufacturers and formulators across India and international markets.
For DPM enquiries, Chemex Chemicals can support industrial buyers with:
- Product and technical information
- Grade and specification requirements
- Packaging and availability information
- Application-oriented product selection
- Industrial quantity enquiries
- Supply and logistics coordination
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DPM the same as PMA?
No. DPM and PMA are different glycol ether solvents with distinct chemical structures and formulation characteristics.
Can DPM replace another solvent in a formulation?
DPM can potentially replace another solvent, but formulators should evaluate solvent compatibility, resin systems, evaporation requirements, and overall formulation performance before making a substitution.
What should formulators consider when selecting DPM?
Formulators should consider resin compatibility, water-to-solvent balance, evaporation behavior, application method, and the required drying characteristics.
Is DPM available for industrial quantities?
Yes. Chemex Chemicals can discuss industrial supply requirements based on the required grade, application, packaging, and order quantity.
What is the role of DPM in a formulation?
DPM can function as a solvent, coupling agent, or coalescent, depending on the formulation and intended application.
Why is DPM used in water-based formulations?
DPM provides high water solubility and coupling capability, which helps formulators incorporate organic components into water-based systems. DPM is used as a coupling agent in water-based and water-reducible coatings.
What types of coatings can use DPM?
Formulators can use DPM in selected water-based, water-reducible, latex emulsion, and solvent-based coating systems.
Can DPM be used in printing ink formulations?
Yes. Formulators use DPM as a solvent or coupling agent in selected gravure, flexographic, and silk-screen printing ink systems.
How can I enquire about DPM?
Share your required quantity, application, packaging preference, and delivery destination with Chemex Chemicals to discuss product availability and supply requirements.











Reviews
There are no reviews yet.