PGMEA has no biological or therapeutic target; it is a solvent. Its mechanism of action is physical solvation. It dissolves a wide range of polymers (e.g., acrylic resins, nitrocellulose, epoxy) and organic compounds. It is used to adjust viscosity and drying time in coatings. In photolithography, it is the standard solvent for positive photoresists (e.g., for microchips). It does not interact with enzymes or receptors. Its use is strictly industrial and research. It can be used as a solvent in the electronic grade semiconductor industry.

PGMEA is not a drug and is not tested for in vitro bioactivity. However, it is used as a vehicle (co-solvent) to dissolve hydrophobic test compounds for in vitro assays (e.g., at 0.1-1% final concentration). It is considered a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) industrial solvent. It does not cause cell death at low concentrations (<1% v/v). It is not an enzyme inhibitor. Its industrial "activity" is dissolving resins. It is also a good solvent for many organic and inorganic compounds.

PGMEA is not used for in vivo efficacy. It is a processing chemical. It has low acute toxicity. Inhalation studies: Rats exposed to vapors (1000 ppm for 6 h) show no mortality or severe distress. Dermal absorption is low. It is metabolized by hydrolysis to 1-methoxy-2-propanol (primary metabolite) and acetic acid. The alcohol is further metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to methoxyacetone, and then to lactate. It is excreted in urine. It does not accumulate in tissue. The half-life in blood is ~2-4 h. It is a high purity solvent.

Non-cellular assay: The compound is used as a reference standard for gas chromatography (GC). A calibration solution is prepared by diluting 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate (100 mg) in 100 mL of n-hexane. A 1 uL injection is made into a GC with a DB-5 column (30 m, 0.32 mm). Temperature program: 50degC to 200degC at 10degC/min. The retention time is ~4-5 min. The purity (typically >99.5%) is calculated. This is used to ensure quality of the solvent for semiconductor manufacturing. It is a clear, colorless liquid. Boiling point: 145-146degC. Density: 0.970 g/mL. Flash point: 43degC (flammable).

No cell-based assays are performed because it is a solvent. However, cytotoxicity (MTT) tests are run as "negative control" for vehicle effects. HeLa cells are treated with 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% PGMEA in culture medium for 24 h. Cell viability is >95% at 0.5% (v/v). At 2% v/v, viability drops to 70-80%. IC50 is ~2-3% (v/v). This demonstrates low cytotoxicity. The compound is used as a vehicle in high-throughput screening. It is a high-grade industrial solvent with low toxicity and excellent performance. It has strong solubility for polar and non-polar substances.

In vivo (rat) acute inhalation study: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=5 per sex) are exposed to 0, 500, 1000, 2000 ppm (vapor) of PGMEA for 6 hours. They are observed for 14 days. No deaths occur. The LC50 (lethal concentration 50%) is >5000 ppm. Signs at high concentrations (2000 ppm): slight sedation, mild ataxia, weight loss (reversible). Necropsy: no organ damage. This is a safety evaluation for occupational exposure. In a skin irritation test (rabbit, 4 h exposure), it is not an irritant. It is a solvent in the electronic grade semiconductor industry.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Male rats (number not provided) were given a single oral dose of 8.7 mmol/kg [1-(14)C]methoxyisopropyl ester. Within 48 hours following oral administration, approximately 64% of the radioactive material was exhaled as (14)CO2, and 24% was excreted in the urine. Free methoxyisopropyl alcohol, as well as methoxyisopropyl sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, were detected in the urine. ... Male F344 rats (number not provided) were exposed to 3000 ppm [1-(14)C]methoxyisopropyl ester in an inhalation chamber for 6 hours. Within 48 hours after the inhalation exposure ended, approximately 53% of the radioactive material was exhaled as (14)CO2, and 26% was excreted in the urine. Methoxyisopropyl alcohol, as well as methoxyisopropyl sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, were detected in the urine. This study determined the rate of hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl ester by carboxylesterases in the nasal mucosa of mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs. Nasal mucosal tissue samples from various species were incubated for 10 minutes in sample vials containing 1.0 to 23 mM methoxyisopropyl ester, followed by centrifugation. The supernatant was collected, and the methoxyisopropyl alcohol content was determined by gas chromatography. The apparent maximum reaction rate (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) for the hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl ester were 0.080 × 10⁻³ M/min and 2.67 × 10⁻³ M, respectively. Male F344 rats were intravenously injected with 10 or 100 mg/kg methoxyisopropyl alcohol or 14.7 or 147 mg/kg methoxyisopropyl ester via a jugular cannula (number of animals per group not reported). Blood samples were collected from the jugular cannula at 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours post-injection. The plasma concentration curves for methoxyisopropyl alcohol were identical for both compounds at both doses. The half-lives of low-dose and high-dose methoxyisopropyl ester were 1.6 min and 2.3 min, respectively. The clearance rates of 14.7 and 147 mg/kg methoxyisopropyl ester were 4 mL/min and 11.0 mL/min, respectively.

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Metabolism / Metabolites
Male rats (number not provided) were given a single oral dose of 8.7 mmol/kg [1-(14)C]methoxyisopropyl ester. Within 48 hours following oral administration, approximately 64% of the radioactive material was exhaled as (14)CO2, and 24% was excreted in the urine. Free methoxyisopropyl alcohol, as well as methoxyisopropyl sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, were detected in the urine. ... Male F344 rats (number not provided) were exposed to 3000 ppm [1-(14)C]methoxyisopropyl ester in an inhalation chamber for 6 hours. Within 48 hours after the inhalation exposure ended, approximately 53% of the radioactive material was exhaled as (14)CO2, and 26% was excreted in the urine. Methoxyisopropyl alcohol, as well as methoxyisopropyl sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, were detected in the urine. This study determined the rate of hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl ester by carboxylesterases in the nasal mucosa of mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs. Nasal mucosal tissue samples from various species were incubated for 10 minutes in vials containing 1.0 to 23 mM methoxyisopropyl esters, followed by centrifugation. The supernatant was collected and the content of methoxyisopropanol was determined by gas chromatography. The apparent maximum reaction rate (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) for the hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl esters were 0.080 × 10⁻³ M/min and 2.67 × 10⁻³ M, respectively. The metabolism and distribution of methoxyisopropyl esters were similar to those previously observed for methoxyisopropanol, indicating that methoxyisopropyl esters can be rapidly hydrolyzed to methoxyisopropanol. For more complete data on the metabolism/metabolites of 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate (6 in total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Biological Half-Life
Male F344 rats were intravenously injected with 10 or 100 mg/kg methoxyisopropyl alcohol or 14.7 or 147 mg/kg methoxyisopropyl ester via a jugular vein catheter (number of animals per group not reported). The half-lives of the low and high doses of methoxyisopropyl ester were 1.6 min and 2.3 min, respectively. Rat blood and liver homogenates were incubated with 5 or 50 μg/mL methoxyisopropyl ester, and the in vitro rate of hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl ester to methoxyisopropyl alcohol was determined in each tissue. At concentrations of 5 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, the hydrolysis half-lives of methoxyisopropyl ester in whole blood were 16 min and 15 min, respectively. At both concentrations, the hydrolysis half-life of methoxyisopropyl ester in rat liver homogenate was 34 min. Human whole blood and liver homogenates were incubated with 5 or 50 μg/mL of methoxyisopropyl ester, and the rate of in vitro hydrolysis of methoxyisopropyl ester to methoxyisopropanol was determined for each tissue type. In whole blood, the hydrolysis half-lives of methoxyisopropyl ester were 36 min and 34 min at concentrations of 5 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively. In human liver homogenates, the hydrolysis half-lives of methoxyisopropyl ester were 27 to 30 min at both concentrations.

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Molecular weight: 132.16. Boiling point: 145-146degC. Melting point: -87degC. Density: 0.970 g/mL. Vapor pressure: 3.7 mm Hg (20degC). Flash point: 110degF (43degC) (flammable liquid). LogP: 1.2. Solubility in water: 19.8 g/L (20degC). It is miscible with most organic solvents. It is stable at room temperature. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. It can be stored in drums at ambient temperature. The compound is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild fruity odor.

Toxicity Summary
It is safe at the current methods of use and concentrations. Ingredient, concentration, and usage information can be found at: https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org
Identification and Uses: 1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate is used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations, and also in surface coatings, inks, and detergents. Human Studies: This substance can cause skin defatting, potentially leading to dry or cracked skin. It is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. High-concentration exposure may cause central nervous system depression. Animal Studies: In rats, single administration of 4000, 6300, or 10000 mg/kg of 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate resulted in lacrimation, anorexia, rapid and shallow breathing, and excessive salivation. 1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate was not irritating to the skin of rabbits. In a guinea pig sensitization maximization study, a 10% aqueous solution of 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate did not show sensitization. Slight changes in the appearance of rat kidney tissue were observed after exposure to 3000 ppm 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate. Mild to moderate degeneration of the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity of rats and mice was observed. In rat developmental studies, 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate had no adverse effects on reproductive parameters. Regardless of metabolic activation, 1-methoxy-2-propylacetate did not induce mutations or toxicity in Salmonella Typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537, or Escherichia coli strain WP2 uvrA.

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Non-Human Toxicity Values
Rabbit transdermal LD50 >5 g/kg; Mouse intraperitoneal LD50 750 mg/kg; Female rat oral LD50 8532 mg/kg; Male rat oral LD50 >10,000 mg/kg

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Toxicity Data
LC50 (rat) > 5,320 ppm/4 hours

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PGMEA has low acute toxicity. Oral LD50 in rats: >5000 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 in rabbits: >2000 mg/kg. It is not a carcinogen (IARC Group 3). It is a mild eye and skin irritant. It is not a reproductive toxicant. Flammable liquid (H226). Safety: Use in well-ventilated area. Avoid heat and open flames. Wear gloves (nitrile), safety glasses, and lab coat. It is a flammable liquid. The compound is a high-boiling solvent. It is for research and industrial use. Not a drug. It is a biochemical reagent.

[1]. Process design alternatives for producing ultra-high-purity electronic-grade propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetateJ. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2019, 58(6): 2246-2257.

Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate is a colorless liquid with a sweet ether odor. (USCG, 1999)
Structure is shown in the first source.

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1-Methoxy-2-propyl acetate (PGMEA) is the standard solvent for the photoresist industry. Billions of liters are used annually to clean silicon wafers and to spin-coat photoresist patterns. Its properties (moderate polarity, low surface tension, high boiling point, low toxicity) make it ideal for this application. It is also used in gravure printing inks, wood stains, and food contact coatings. It is not a drug. It is a chemical intermediate. It is a high-purity solvent for electronic applications. This product is for research and industrial use. It is a solvent and is widely used in chemical laboratories.

C6H12O3

132.16

132.079

108-65-6

7946

Colorless to light yellow liquid

1.0±0.1 g/cm3

154.8±13.0 °C at 760 mmHg

-66 °C

47.9±11.4 °C

3.1±0.3 mmHg at 25°C

1.399

0.26

0

3

4

9

90.3

0

O(C(C([H])([H])[H])=O)C([H])(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])OC([H])([H])[H]

LLHKCFNBLRBOGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C6H12O3/c1-5(4-8-3)9-6(2)7/h5H,4H2,1-3H3

1-methoxypropan-2-yl acetate

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO : ~200 mg/mL (~1513.32 mM; with ultrasonication)

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)