Ethylene glycol
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Ethane-1,2-diol
| |
| Preferred IUPAC name
Ethane-1,2-diol | |
| Other names
1,2-Dihydroxyethane
1,2-Ethanediol Ethylene alcohol Ethylene glycol Hypodicarbonous acid Monoethylene glycol | |
| Properties | |
| C2H6O2 | |
| Molar mass | 62.07 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear viscous liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.1132 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | −12.9 °C (8.8 °F; 260.2 K) |
| Boiling point | 197.3 °C (387.1 °F; 470.4 K) |
| Miscible | |
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents |
| Vapor pressure | 0.06 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | 111 °C (232 °F; 384 K) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Propylene glycol Glycerol |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Ethylene glycol or ethane-1,2-diol is an organic chemical compound, commonly used as an antifreeze in cars.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Ethylene glycol will react to form polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate.
Acid-catalysed dehydration with with sulfuric acid will give dioxane.
Physical
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, syrupy, sweet-tasting liquid. It is miscible in water and soluble in many organic solvents.
Availability
Car antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol, in varying percentages. Purification is complicated by EG's high boiling point and various additives present in the antifreeze. The dyes and other particulates can be removed by filtering EG through activated charcoal. Despite its high boiling point, ethylene glycol can be safely distilled at atmospheric pressure in a simple distillation setup without noticeable oxidizing or decomposing, though due to its viscosity, it may bump or foam during distillation.[1]
Preparation
Ethylene glycol can be prepared by reacting ethylene oxide with water in the presence of catalyst.
However, this route is extremely uneconomical, and it's best to simply purchase the EG.
Projects
- Make 2-Chloroethanol
- Make ethylene oxide
- Make 1,4-Dioxane
- Make polyethylene glycol
Handling
Safety
Ethylene glycol is toxic. Due to its sweet taste it has been involved in many accidental poisonings. Because of that, many products containing ethylene glycol also contain bitter taste additives.
Storage
Should be stored in closed bottles.
Disposal
Ethylene glycol can be safely burned.
