Diethyl Glutarate belongs to the family of glutaric acid esters. Chemists and manufacturers use it as a specialized solvent and intermediate across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, flavors, and plasticizers. Its clear, colorless liquid appearance makes it immediately recognizable in a chemical warehouse or laboratory setup. On the production side, Diethyl Glutarate’s versatility stands out—teams in R&D appreciate its compatibility with a broad range of organic compounds.
Diethyl Glutarate shows a molecular formula of C9H16O4, which matches the structure made up of two ethyl groups attached to glutaric acid’s carbon backbone. The molecular weight measures about 188.22 g/mol. Usually, it exists as a transparent, oily liquid under room conditions, though in colder settings it may form crystals. Density stays close to 1.02 g/cm³ at 20 °C. The boiling point tends to settle around 255–257 °C. Being only sparingly soluble in water, it dissolves best in organic solvents. Sometimes you find it in technical grade as a liquid, but academic supplies may arrive in small, pearl-like droplets or flakes for easier measurement. In most scenarios, the smell is faint or barely there, which reduces sensory irritation for technicians in close quarters.
This compound features a five-carbon chain from the glutaric acid nucleus, with both ends esterified into diethyl substituents. This structure, though simple, gives it flexibility in organic synthesis. In industrial chemistry labs, Diethyl Glutarate becomes a foundational starting material for compounds that require chain extension or modification. For those working with high-volume reactors, its liquid form brings manageable flow, easy pumping, and simple transfer from storage drums. The molecule doesn’t easily hydrolyze at neutral pH, so shelf life is generally stable if containers stay sealed from humidity.
Diethyl Glutarate typically ships at purity levels of 98% or higher. Standard-grade containers list specifications covering appearance, molecular weight, purity tests, water content, and, for those exporting or importing, the correct HS Code—2917.19.00 applies in most customs documentation. In practice, knowing the HS Code saves time for customs officers and helps logistics teams avoid misclassification, which could hold up shipments or increase costs. Getting the right grade of Diethyl Glutarate ensures reliability downstream, especially in regulated settings where raw material consistency determines overall output quality.
Safe storage and handling instructions for Diethyl Glutarate matter. The compound doesn’t ignite easily, but storing it away from heat sources and open flames is just good practice—especially in labs with other flammable solvents nearby. Direct skin or eye contact sometimes causes mild irritation. Personal experience suggests wearing gloves and splash-proof goggles at the bench is a small step that can prevent days of irritation. Inhalation carries minimal risk under standard use due to low volatility. Chemical waste containers designed for esters help prevent spills and release into the environment. Emergency data sheets record it as low hazard, but always check local regulations for disposal.
Raw material buyers often look for liquid form, which fills drums easily and moves through pipework without issue. Powder or flakes show up less frequently, but they suit precise dosing in glass reactors. Large-scale users—paint and resin producers—rely on consistent purity, especially when Diethyl Glutarate goes straight into batch reactors or as a modifier for polymer chains. Its mild odor and relatively high boiling point make it manageable for plant engineers and lab teams balancing efficiency and safety. This molecule plays an underrated but central role in specialty chemical supply chains.
Environmental labs point out that Diethyl Glutarate poses low acute toxicity to aquatic life. Most facilities handle it in closed systems to limit air or water discharge. Waste management procedures often recommend controlled incineration to break down the ester group, especially where wastewater authorities set strict thresholds for discharge. Material safety data sheets, updated regularly, advise handlers on any new findings related to environmental persistence or breakdown, which becomes more important as authorities update chemical regulations. Staying current means companies avoid fines or unexpected compliance costs.
Supply chain reliability and purity assurance make a real difference. Any contamination or substandard shipment brings risks to pharmaceutical syntheses or coatings manufacturing. To prevent issues, companies can implement supplier audits and robust quality assurance protocols. A staff member who double-checks shipment specs at the loading dock often catches problems before they reach production lines, saving time and keeping the whole process smooth. Training teams in proper PPE use and emergency spill response makes sure risks from accidental exposure stay low. As markets expand, investing in digital tracking for batch records helps trace every drop from drum to finished product. These practical steps support safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility—goals that matter whether the user runs a small research operation or a global manufacturing plant.
