Ethylene glycol, also known as glycol, 1,2-ethylene glycol, or EG for short, has the chemical formula (CH2OH)2 and is the simplest diol. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is toxic to animals, with a human lethal dose of about 1.6 g/kg. ethylene glycol is miscible with water and acetone, but is less soluble in ethers. It is used as a solvent, antifreeze and raw material for the synthesis of polyester. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polymer of ethylene glycol, is a phase-transfer catalyst and is also used for cell fusion; its nitrate is an explosive.

Use

Mainly used in the production of polyester polyester, polyester resin, hygroscopic agents, plasticizers, surfactants, synthetic fibers, cosmetics and explosives, and used as a solvent for dyes, inks and other solvents, the preparation of the engine antifreeze, gas dehydrating agent, the manufacture of resins, but also used for cellophane, fibers, leather, adhesives wetting agent. Can produce synthetic resin PET, fiber grade PET that is polyester fibers, bottle grade PET for the production of mineral water bottles and so on. It can also produce alkyd resin, glyoxal, etc. It is also used as antifreeze. In addition to being used as antifreeze for automobiles, it is also used for the transportation of industrial cold, and is generally called carrier refrigerant, meanwhile, it can also be used as condenser as water.

Glycol methyl ether series products are high-level organic solvents with excellent performance, used as solvents and diluents for printing inks, industrial cleaners, paints (nitro fiber paint, varnish, lacquer), copper-clad laminates, dyeing and printing, etc.; it can be used as raw materials for the production of pesticide intermediates, pharmaceutical intermediates, and synthetic braking fluids, etc.; it can be used as electrolyte in electrolytic capacitors, and as a dyeing agent for tannery and chemical fibers, etc.. It is used as textile auxiliary, synthetic liquid dyestuff, and raw material of desulfurization agent in chemical fertilizer and oil refining production.

Care should be taken when using ethylene glycol as a refrigerant.

1. Its freezing point changes with the concentration of ethylene glycol in aqueous solution, the concentration is below 60%, the concentration of ethylene glycol in aqueous solution increases the freezing point decreases, but the concentration is more than 60%, with the concentration of ethylene glycol increases, its freezing point tends to rise, the viscosity also rises with the concentration. When the concentration reaches 99.9%, the freezing point rises to -13.2 ℃, which is the concentrated antifreeze (antifreeze mother liquor) why can not be used directly for an important reason, it must cause the user's attention.

2. Glycol contains hydroxyl group, long-term work at 80 degrees Celsius-90 degrees Celsius, glycol will be oxidized to ethanoic acid, and then oxidized to oxalic acid, i.e., ethanedioic acid (oxalic acid), containing 2 carboxyl groups. Oxalic acid and its by-products affect the central nervous system, then the heart, and later the kidneys. Without proper treatment, excessive ingestion of ethylene glycol can be fatal. Ethylene glycol, glycolic acid, causes corrosion to equipment and makes it leak. Therefore, in the formulated antifreeze, there must also be corrosion inhibitors to prevent corrosion of steel and aluminum and the generation of scale.

Another Name

Glycol, EG, Glycolic Antifreeze, MEG

Formula

(CH2OH)2

Molecular Mass

62.068

Melting Point

-12.9℃

Boiling

197.3℃

Solubility

Miscible with water

Densities

1.1155(20℃)

Appearances

colorless

Flash Point

111.1℃

Hazard Description

Noxious if swallowed

Critical Pressure

7699KPa

Critical Temperature

372℃

Eccentricity Factor

0.27

Critical Molar Volume

186C3/mol

Freezing Point

-12.9℃