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| Ethylene glycol | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ethylene glycol |
| Formula | C2H6O2 |
| Molar mass | 62.07 g·mol−1 |
| CAS number | 107-21-1 |
| Density | 1.1132 g·cm−3 (20 °C) |
| Melting point | −12.9 °C |
| Boiling point | 197.3 °C |
Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid used widely as an antifreeze, Refrigeration heat transfer fluid, and industrial chemical feedstock in regions such as United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan. First reported in the 19th century during studies by chemists in Germany and United Kingdom, its commercial adoption expanded with advances in Automotive industry cooling systems and polymer chemistry associated with firms like DuPont and BASF. Major producers and traders include corporations based in United States, China, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, supplying markets for applications in Polyethylene terephthalate resin manufacture and formulations for winter maintenance in urban centers such as New York City and London.
Ethylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol (a diol) with the molecular formula C2H6O2 and a vicinal hydroxyl group arrangement; its systematic name is 1,2-ethanediol. Its physical constants (density, melting point, boiling point) are reported in handbooks used by institutions like National Institute of Standards and Technology and standards organizations such as American Chemical Society committees. The molecule exhibits hydrogen bonding, high viscosity, and a moderate polarity that influence solubility in polar solvents used by laboratories at Harvard University, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Spectroscopic characterization uses techniques standardized by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry protocols and facilities at national laboratories such as Argonne National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Global production of ethylene glycol is largely driven by catalytic oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide followed by hydrolysis, a process developed and optimized by chemical companies including Shell, ExxonMobil, Sinopec, and LyondellBasell. Feedstock ethylene originates from steam crackers operated by energy firms like Chevron and integrated petrochemical complexes in regions governed by policies from authorities such as European Commission and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Downstream conversion furnishes precursors for polymers manufactured by corporations like Indorama Ventures and Toray Industries, supplying fibers for the textile sector linked to brands headquartered in Italy and France.
Ethylene glycol is formulated as monopropylene and diethylene glycol blends in antifreeze and coolant products marketed by companies such as 3M, Castrol, Shell, and Valvoline for automotive and heavy industry equipment in cities like Detroit and Frankfurt am Main. It is a primary precursor to Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins produced by firms supplying packaging for multinational retailers headquartered in Walmart, IKEA, and Procter & Gamble. In aviation and airport operations at hubs like Heathrow Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, deicing formulations incorporate glycol-based fluids manufactured to specifications from agencies including International Civil Aviation Organization. Laboratory reagents used in research at Stanford University and California Institute of Technology employ ethylene glycol as a cryoprotectant following protocols from organizations such as World Health Organization when applicable.
Acute and chronic ethylene glycol poisoning cases have been documented in clinical centers such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital; presentation often includes central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure. Medical management protocols referenced by professional bodies like American Medical Association and European Resuscitation Council use measurement techniques from diagnostic companies and laboratories accredited by College of American Pathologists. Antidotal therapy with agents such as fomepizole or ethanol follows treatment guidelines developed by panels convened under institutions like National Institutes of Health and emergency response curricula used by Red Cross chapters.
Environmental release of ethylene glycol occurs from industrial effluents and runoff from airport deicing operations at sites overseen by regulators like Environmental Protection Agency and environmental agencies in Canada and Australia. Microbial biodegradation pathways in soils and aquatic systems have been characterized by researchers at universities such as University of California, Berkeley and research institutes like Max Planck Society, identifying bacteria and fungi able to metabolize glycols under aerobic conditions. Monitoring programs coordinated by organizations such as United Nations Environment Programme or regional programs in the European Union evaluate concentrations in surface waters and potential impacts on aquatic organisms studied in labs at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Regulation of production, transport, and use of ethylene glycol involves statutes and standards enforced by bodies including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, European Chemicals Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and maritime rules from the International Maritime Organization. Safety data sheets and industrial hygiene practices conform to criteria from American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and international standards published by International Organization for Standardization, with spill response coordinated through agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency and local emergency services in municipalities like Chicago and Melbourne. Packaging and labeling follow directives from Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals and transport regulations administered by U.S. Department of Transportation and International Air Transport Association.
Category:Organic liquids Category:Diols Category:Industrial chemicals