Ethylene Glycol Formula

Chemical formula: C₂H₆O₂

Structural formula: HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH; 

This means that the compound is a diol (or glycol), having two hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups.

Physical property

Appearance

State: Colorless, viscous liquid

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Weight: 62.07 g/mol

Boiling Point: Approximately 197.6 °C (388 °F)

This means ethylene glycol does not boil away at high temperatures and is thus quite useful for various applications.

Melting Point: Around -13°C (8.6°F)

Ethylene glycol does not freeze and is capable of remaining in a liquid state even in lower temperatures.

Density: About 1.11 g/cm³ at 20 °C

More dense than water with a density value of 1 g/cm³.

Viscosity: About 20.1 mPa·s at 25 °C

Ethylene glycol is fairly viscous as a result of its flow properties in particular applications.

Solubility

In Water: Slightly soluble in water, therefore it can be applied in broad varying aqueous solutions.

In Organic Solvents: In many organic solvents, including ethanol and acetone. 

pH: Typically neutral (about pH 7)

The substance does not affect the acidity or basicity of solutions.

Refractive Index: About 1.431 (at 20 °C)

Chemical properties

Alcohol Characteristics

Functional Groups: Ethylene glycol is characterized by having two hydroxyl (-OH) groups, thus being a diol, or glycol.

Hydrogen Bonding: It can form hydrogen bonds, which explains its high boiling point and aqueous solubility.

Reactions with Acids

Esterification: Ethylene glycol can react with carboxylic acids to provide esters. This is commonly carried out under acid catalysis and is a very relevant industrial process for the preparation of polyesters:

Oxidation to Glycolic Acid: The reaction of ethylene glycol with an oxidizing agent gives glycolic acid:

Dehydration

Formation of Ethylene Oxide: Dehydration of ethylene glycol occurs in the strong acidic medium or at high temperatures to yield ethylene oxide:

Polymerization

Production of Polyethylene Glycol: Polymerization of ethylene glycol yields polyethylene glycol, that is, PEG which has found a lot of applications in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as well as industries.

Reactions with Metals

Complex formation: It leads to an influence on solubility and reactivity in particular systems through complex formation with certain metal ions.

Toxicity and Biological Reactions

Metabolism: Ethylene glycol is metabolized by the liver to release glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid which turns toxic. This is the major concern involved in accidental poisoning.

Application

Antifreeze and Coolants: Main ingredient of most automotive antifreeze formulations and industrial coolants for its low freezing point and high boiling point.

Manufacturing of Polyesters: The main component in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which finds usage in fibers, plastics, and bottles.

Hydraulic Fluids: Used in hydraulic systems due to excellent thermal stability and very low viscosity.

Dehumidifiers: Used in desiccants and dehumidifiers because it is hygroscopic in nature and absorbs moisture highly efficiently.

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: It is used as a solvent and in formulations of various medicinal drugs, creams, and lotions due to its safety and compatibility.

Food Industry: Used as food additive E 1520 in some food products, because ethylene glycol acts like an excellent humectant which helps retain the moisture in food.

Laboratory Reagent: Utilized in a variety of chemical reactions in laboratories and as a solvent in analytical chemistry.

Electrolytes in Batteries: There are various electrolyte solutions containing ethylene glycol in batteries.

Conclusion

Ethylene glycol is also a multifunctional compound with considerable applications in different industry sectors, possesses low freezing point, high boiling point, and good solubility, which have greatly made the application of ethylene glycol valuable as an antifreeze in antifreeze formulations and in polyester production. Additionally, it is utilized as a solvent in some pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, but its possible toxicity means it must be handled safely and kept in knowledge of safety precautions. Nonetheless, ethylene glycol is still a highly valuable material in most industrial and laboratory uses.

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