Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is an 'organic compound' that is extremely toxic. It is a clear, odourless, viscous liquid that has a sweet taste. Ethylene glycol finds extensive use in the industrial and commercial sectors. Ethylene glycol meant the glycol which is derived from Ethylene.
The chemical has both antifreeze and coolant properties. Ethylene glycol keeps your vehicle running during the winter season by not letting the engine freeze. Similarly, during the summer season, it acts as a coolant that keeps your vehicle running by preventing the engine's overheating.
The boiling point of Ethylene glycol is 197°C, and the density of the organic compound is 1.11 g/cm³. Ethane-1, 2-diol is the IUPAC name of Ethylene glycol, and its melting point is -12.9 °C.
Structure of Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is also known as Monoethylene glycol. It is produced when ethylene oxide chemically reacts with water. The chemical formula of Ethylene glycol is C2H6O2. The chemical structure of Ethylene glycol is as follows:
What are the uses of Ethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol is a viscous liquid that acts as a raw material in the manufacturing of:
l An ingredient for making automotive coolant and antifreeze products.
l They are extensively used in the manufacturing of polyester fibres.
l An ingredient in printing inks, hydraulic fluids, and paint solvents
l A reagent used in making explosives, synthetic waxes, and alkyd resins
l It is also used in manufacturing fibreglass for bathtubs, bowling balls, and jet skis.
l It is also used in making industrial coolants for ventilation, gas compressors, air-conditioning systems, heating, and ice-skating rinks.
What is the molar mass of Ethylene glycol?
The molar mass of any chemical compound is the sum total of the atomic mass of every element that forms it. Ethylene glycol is composed of 6 hydrogens, 2 carbon, and 2 oxygen atoms. So,
M (molar mass of Ethylene glycol) = 12( carbon atomic mass) x 2 + 1(hydrogen atomic mass) x 6 + 16(oxygen atomic mass) x 2 = 62.07(g/mol)
Did you know?
Ethylene glycol is too poisonous for human or pets consumption. It may lead to severe illness and, in extreme cases, even death. The tricky part is that ethylene glycol's taste is appealing to our pets like dogs and cats. A tablespoon of ethylene glycol is fatal for your dog, while one teaspoon is enough for death for a cat. If by accident, your pet has consumed the chemical, an antidote can be given immediately.
Properties of Ethylene Glycol – C2H6O2
The chemical formula of Ethylene glycol | C2H6O2 |
Molar mass/Molecular weight | 62.07 g/mol |
Melting point | -12.9 °C |
Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
Boiling point | 197.3 °C |
How to produce Ethylene glycol?
There are different methods to produce Ethylene glycol; some of these are given below:
1) From Ethylene
Hydroxylation of Ethylene produces Ethylene glycol. Ethylene, when treated with baeyer's reagent (Cold dilute alkaline- solution of Potassium Permanganate) leads to hydroxylation at both Carbon atoms.
In this way, Ethylene glycol is produced from Ethylene.
2) From Ethylene oxide
Hydrolysis of ethylene oxide produces Ethylene glycol. Ethylene oxide produced by ethylene's catalytic oxidation when hydrolyzed in the presence of acid at high temperature yields Ethylene oxide.
Fun facts
ü Ethylene glycol is miscible with water.
ü It is the simplest member of the glycol family.
ü It is slightly flammable.
ü It takes about ten days for Ethylene glycol to break down in the air.
ü It vigorously reacts with oxidizing agents.
ü Acrid smoke is emitted when heated to decompose. It emits irritating fumes that are hazardous.
FAQs
Q Which products contain Ethylene glycol?
A Ethylene glycol has many industrial and commercial applications. There are many household products that contain ethylene glycol. It includes:
Ø Antifreeze.
Ø Car wash fluids.
Ø De-icing products.
Ø Detergents.
Ø Vehicle brake fluids.
Ø Industrial solvents.
Ø Paints.
Ø Cosmetics.
Q What is Ethylene glycol poisoning?
A Drinking ethylene glycol is very harmful as it is a poisonous chemical substance. The feeling of drinking alcohol is the first symptom after consuming Ethylene glycol. Later other symptoms emerge that include nausea, convulsions, vomiting, unconsciousness, and in extreme cases, it may result in the death of the person. However, an antidote is available to save a person's life, but the antidote must be given immediately.
It is to be noted that skin contact with a smaller quantity of antifreeze solution will not affect your health, only when Ethylene glycol ingested in large amounts may be fatal.
Q How is ethylene glycol harmful to humans?
A When ethylene glycol enters the human body, it breaks down and forms chemicals. These chemicals later become crystals and start accumulating in different organs of the human body. It forms crystals in the kidney affecting the kidney function. Ethylene glycol creates acidic chemicals in the human body. These chemicals can change the body's acid/base balance, thus affecting the lungs, heart, and nervous system of the human body.
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