2-Butoxyethanol is an organic solvent which is a clear, colourless liquid with an ether-like odour. It is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol. It is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents making it very versatile as an ingredient in cleaners, degreasers, paints, varnishes etc.

2-Butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in protective surface coatings such as spray lacquers, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints. It is also used as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers, agricultural chemicals, herbicides, silicon caulks, cutting oils, and hydraulic fluids. It has other uses in metal cleaners, fabric dyes and inks, industrial and household cleaners (as a degreaser), and dry-cleaning compounds.