Ethylene glycol is one of the highest-volume commodity diols in the chemical industry, serving as the feedstock for polyester fiber and packaging resin, the base fluid of engine coolants, and a versatile solvent and intermediate. Its combination of low freezing point when mixed with water, high boiling point, and dual hydroxyl functionality underpins applications spanning polymers, HVAC, aviation, and specialty synthesis.
Although bulk supply is dominated by petrochemical majors, laboratory, high-purity, and regulated grades remain a distinct sourcing category where impurity profile (water, aldehydes, diethylene glycol traces) and documentation determine suitability.
Chemical Identity and Key Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 107-21-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C2H6O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 62.04 g/mol |
| Density | 1.115 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Typical Purity | ≥99% |
Physical and Chemical Properties
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic liquid, fully miscible with water and alcohols. Its two primary hydroxyls make it both a solvent and a bifunctional reagent — esterification to terephthalate, etherification to glycol ethers, or oxidation to glyoxal and glycolaldehyde derivatives.
Major Applications
Polyester (PET) Production
Esterification with purified terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate produces polyethylene terephthalate — the polymer behind beverage bottles, packaging film, and polyester fiber. Polymer-grade glycol demands low aldehyde and low diethylene glycol content to protect IV color and strength.
Heat Transfer Fluids and Antifreeze
Aqueous glycol mixtures depress freezing points to below −35 °C at typical 50:50 formulations while raising boiling points; corrosion inhibitor packages convert base glycol into finished coolant products for automotive, HVAC, and aerospace use.
Chemical Intermediate and Solvent
The compound serves as feedstock for glycol ethers, alkyd resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and as a solvent for dyes, inks, and pharmaceutical processing.
Quality Grades and Selection
Commercial grades span industrial (fiber-grade), antifreeze-grade, USP/pharmaceutical, and low-end-use electronic grades. Water content is the most common specification discriminator, followed by acidity (as acetic acid) and color (APHA). Buyers specifying for synthesis or formulation should confirm the supplier controls DEG and aldehyde impurities.
Safe Handling Notes
Ethylene glycol is toxic if ingested and requires appropriate labeling and storage segregation from potable liquids. Spill management and ventilation guidance should follow the specific MSDS of the supplied grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grade of ethylene glycol do I need for polyester applications?
Fiber/polymer grade with low aldehyde and low diethylene glycol is standard; confirm the supplier can provide batch consistency data.
How should ethylene glycol be stored?
In sealed containers, preferably under nitrogen in dry climates, away from oxidizers; hygroscopic water pickup is the main storage concern for high-purity needs.
Does CoreyChem supply small packaging for laboratory use?
Yes — alongside bulk formats, CoreyChem supplies ethylene glycol in laboratory quantities with COA documentation, and can source higher-purity grades on request.
Source from CoreyChem
CoreyChem supplies Ethylene Glycol (CAS 107-21-1) with lot-specific COA and MSDS documentation. Custom synthesis, higher purity grades, and bulk packaging are available on request — contact our technical team with your target specification and quantity for current lead time and pricing.
