Ethylene glycol, commonly referred to as glycol, is the simplest member of the diol family. This chemical substance is primarily used for two purposes. Firstly, it is used as a raw material in the production of polyester fibers. Secondly, it is utilized for the formulation of antifreeze products.
Ethylene glycol is a colorless liquid, generally odorless, with low volatility, low viscosity, and water-absorbing properties. It is highly toxic and a moisture absorber. It is miscible with a wide range of polar substances such as water, alcohols, glycol ethers, and acetone, but has low solubility in non-polar substances such as toluene. Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene through the reaction with ethylene oxide. The hydroxyl groups in glycols impart general chemical properties similar to ordinary alcohols. The hydroxyl group is responsible for the formation of many compounds.
Some applications of ethylene glycol include:
- Hydraulic brake fluids.
- Wood staining.
- Woodworking.
- Leather dyeing.
- Tobacco.
- Paint and plastic industries.
- Automotive industry, etc.
