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# TTB Ruling 2010-1

> TTB Ruling 2010-1. Official interpretive guidance from TTB.

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

TTB Ruling

Number: 2010–1

Jan. 12, 2010

Use of Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME) as a Prescribed
Ingredient in Special Industrial Solvents

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorizes Propylene
Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME) as a prescribed ingredient in special industrial
solvent general-use formulas

TTB RUL. 2010–1

Introduction

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has been asked by a
proprietor whether Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME) may be used as a
substitute for Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EGEE) in the special industrial
solvent general-use formula prescribed in 27 CFR 20.112. A concern for the risks
associated with the occupational exposure to EGEE has prompted the proprietor
to explore the use of a safer alternative.

Background

Pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5273(a), TTB approves formulas for articles made with
specially denatured alcohol (SDA). Several such formulas have been approved
for general use and are published in TTB regulations, 27 CFR 20.111 – 20.119.
One such “general-use formula” is special industrial solvents. Under § 20.112,
special industrial solvents shall be made with S.D.A. Formula No. 1, 3A, or 3C and
shall contain, for every 100 parts (by volume) of alcohol: (1) no less than 1 part (by
volume) of one or any combination of the authorized denaturants listed in
§ 20.112(a)(1); and (2) no less than 5 parts (by volume) of one or any combination
of authorized denaturants listed in § 20.112(a)(2). The authorized denaturants
listed in § 20.112(a)(1) are methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl n-butyl ketone,
nitropropane (mixed isomers), and EGEE.

According to § 20.111, TTB may approve a general-use formula through
publication of a TTB ruling, and any interested person may petition for the
approval of such a formula.

To approve PGME as an ingredient acceptable for use in the special industrial
solvents general-use formula under § 20.112, TTB must determine in accordance
with 27 CFR 20.189(d):

1. That the proposed material makes the finished article unfit for beverage or

internal human medicinal use, and

2. That the proposed material will be adequate to protect the Federal excise
   tax revenue by preventing the reclamation or diversion of ethanol from the
   finished article for beverage or internal human use.

TTB Determination on the Use of PGME as an Ingredient in Special Industrial
Solvent General-Use Formula

After examining the specifications supplied by the proprietor, and after conducting
a physical examination of the ingredient, TTB has determined that PGME has
specifications similar to EGEE. TTB has determined that the use of PGME as an
alternative to or in combination with the ingredients listed in § 20.112(a)(1) will
render ethanol unfit for beverage and internal human medicinal use, and will
provide adequate protection of the Federal excise tax revenue.

Held: In the special industrial solvents general-use formula under § 20.112,
PGME may be used, alone or in any combination with the ingredients listed in
§ 20.112(a)(1).

Held further: As approved here, PGME meets the following specifications:

 Specific Gravity at 20°C/20°C: 0.90-0.95

 Boiling point:

 Color:

 Odor:

117°-125°C

Colorless

Characteristic (ethereal) odor

Date signed: Jan. 12, 2010

Signed by John J. Manfreda

John J. Manfreda
Administrator
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau