What Is Ethylene Glycol?
Ethylene glycol is a water-soluble organic compound that is easily soluble in water and ethanol. It is stable and does not oxidize easily in air. Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless liquid that is slightly viscous at room temperature, with a specific gravity of 1.11 and a boiling point of 197°C. Its flash points are 111°C and 398°C, respectively.
Toxic oxalic acid is produced if ethylene glycol is accidentally ingested and metabolized in the body, requiring careful handling.
Uses of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is often mixed with water and used in antifreeze solutions due to its low melting point of about -13°C. It is also used as a raw material for further synthetic reactions and as an industrial raw material. For example, it is one of the main raw materials for PET resin, which is processed into polyester fiber.
Structure of Ethylene Glycol
The structure of ethylene glycol is relatively simple, consisting of two carbons each bonded to an -OH group, forming an ethylene moiety with two hydroxy groups. Ethylene glycol is a type of divalent alcohol, sometimes also known as “ethane-1,2-diol” or “1,2-ethanediol,” and is industrially synthesized from ethylene oxide. Its molecular formula is HO-CH2-CH2-OH.
Properties of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol’s properties are due to its molecular structure, which includes a hydrophobic ethylene moiety and two hydrophilic hydroxy groups. This combination makes it easily soluble in water despite being an organic compound. The -OH group in the molecule allows it to undergo further chemical reactions, synthesizing other compounds from ethylene glycol.
Other Information on Ethylene Glycol
Hazards of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol, a main raw material for polyester fiber, is also used to synthesize solvents for paints such as cellosolve. If accidentally swallowed, it is converted into oxalic acid in the body, which can cause kidney damage or even be fatal. The lethal dose varies with age and body weight but is about 100g on average for human consumption. Pets may accidentally ingest ethylene glycol due to its slightly sweet taste, posing a significant danger. Therefore, antifreeze containing ethylene glycol must be thoroughly controlled in the home.