Ethylene glycol
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Ethylene glycol or ethane-1,2-diol is an organic chemical compound, used as an antifreeze in cars.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Ethylene glycol will react to form polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate.
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 contain 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.
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.
