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  • What is Ethylene Glycol?
  • Ethylene Glycol Formula, Molar Mass, and Structure
  • Chemical Structure of Ethylene Glycol
  • Physical Properties - Boiling Point and Other Details
  • Ethylene Glycol Uses
  • Ethylene Glycol Poisoning
    • Symptoms of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning:
  • Ethylene Glycol Antidote
  • Other Related Glycols: Propylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol
  • Is Ethylene Glycol Found in Food?
  • Important Points to Remember About Ethylene Glycol
    • Final Words
  • Ethylene Glycol FAQs
chemistry /
Ethylene Glycol - Structure, Formula, Uses, and Safety
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Ethylene Glycol - Structure, Formula, Uses, and Safety

By Brijesh Sharma

|

Updated on 21 Apr 2025, 12:29 IST

Ethylene glycol is a very important chemical used in many industries today. It is a colorless, sweet-tasting liquid mainly used in antifreeze, coolants, and plastic production. Even though it is very useful, ethylene glycol can be dangerous if swallowed. This article will explain what is ethylene glycol, its formula, structure, uses, boiling point, how it can cause poisoning, and much more in simple words.

Ethylene Glycol - Structure, Formula, Uses, and Safety

What is Ethylene Glycol?

Ethylene glycol is a chemical compound that belongs to the alcohol family because it has two -OH (hydroxyl) groups. It is a syrupy liquid that mixes easily with water. Because it can lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of liquids, it is often added to car radiators to protect engines in extreme temperatures.

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IUPAC Name: Ethane-1,2-diol

Ethylene Glycol Formula, Molar Mass, and Structure

PropertyDetails
Ethylene Glycol FormulaC₂H₆O₂
Molar Mass62.07 g/mol
StructureHO–CH₂–CH₂–OH
IUPAC NameEthane-1,2-diol

The structure of ethylene glycol shows two carbon atoms connected by single bonds, with one hydroxyl group attached to each carbon atom. This makes it a diol (a molecule with two alcohol groups).

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Chemical Structure of Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a diol. It contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Its structure is given below:

HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH or

Ethylene Glycol - Structure, Formula, Uses, and Safety

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Chemical Structure of Ethylene Glycol

Its structure makes it highly polar, which allows it to dissolve in water. Thus, it act as a good solvent in industrial applications.

Do Check: Reactivity Series

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Physical Properties - Boiling Point and Other Details

Ethylene glycol boiling point is around 197°C (386.6°F), and it freezes at about -12.9°C (8.78°F). It mixes completely with water and alcohol and can form strong hydrogen bonds due to its hydroxyl groups. This property makes it a good solvent for many chemical processes.

Physical PropertyValue
Boiling Point197°C (386.6°F)
Freezing Point-12.9°C (8.78°F)
AppearanceColorless, syrupy liquid
TasteSweet
OdorOdorless

Ethylene Glycol Uses

Ethylene glycol is used in many important industries. Here are some major uses:

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IndustryUse
AutomobilesEthylene glycol coolant for car radiators
Plastic ManufacturingProduction of PET plastics (bottles, fibers)
TextilesProcessing and dyeing of fabrics
PharmaceuticalsSolvent for making medicines
AviationUsed in making de-icing fluids
Industrial ApplicationsBrake fluids, lubricants

In car engines, ethylene glycol coolant helps prevent the radiator water from freezing in winter and boiling over in summer.

Do Check: Isomeris

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Although ethylene glycol is very useful, it is highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Ethylene glycol poisoning can happen quickly because it tastes sweet but is extremely dangerous.

Symptoms of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Seizures
  • Kidney failure
  • Coma or death (if untreated)

The body converts ethylene glycol into toxic substances like oxalic acid and glycolic acid, which cause kidney damage.

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Do Check: Acetaldehyde

Ethylene Glycol Antidote

If someone accidentally drinks ethylene glycol, it is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is very important. Doctors often use:

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  • Fomepizole – a medicine that stops the body from turning ethylene glycol into toxic products
  • Ethanol – another alcohol that competes with ethylene glycol in the body
  • Hemodialysis – a process to clean the blood

Early treatment can save lives and prevent permanent organ damage.

Other Related Glycols: Propylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol has two related compounds: propylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

CompoundUse and Safety
Propylene GlycolUsed in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals; safe for humans
Diethylene GlycolUsed in industrial products like paints; toxic if ingested
Ethylene GlycolUsed in coolants and plastics; toxic if ingested

Propylene glycol is approved for use in food and cosmetics because it is much less toxic compared to ethylene glycol.

Is Ethylene Glycol Found in Food?

Ethylene glycol itself should never be found in food. It is poisonous. However, propylene glycol, a safer chemical, is allowed in food products like cake mixes, ice cream, and soft drinks. Always check product labels to make sure.

Important Points to Remember About Ethylene Glycol

  • Ethylene glycol is a common ingredient in coolants, antifreeze, and plastic bottles.
  • It has the formula C₂H₆O₂, molar mass 62.07 g/mol, and IUPAC name ethane-1,2-diol.
  • It is extremely toxic if swallowed and requires careful handling.
  • Ethylene glycol poisoning is serious but can be treated with proper medical help like fomepizole.
  • Propylene glycol is a safer alternative used in food and cosmetics.
  • Diethylene glycol is toxic and used only in non-food industrial products.

Final Words

While ethylene glycol has many valuable uses in industries like automobiles and plastics, it is very important to know about its dangers. If handled carefully, it remains a helpful chemical. Otherwise, safer alternatives like propylene glycol can be used, especially where human safety is involved.

Ethylene Glycol FAQs

What is ethylene glycol and where is it used?

Ethylene glycol is a colorless, sweet-tasting chemical used mainly in automobile antifreeze, coolants, plastic manufacturing (PET plastics), and textile processing. It helps in controlling temperature in engines and industrial systems.

What is the chemical formula and molar mass of ethylene glycol?

The chemical formula of ethylene glycol is C₂H₆O₂, and its molar mass is 62.07 g/mol. It belongs to the alcohol family with two hydroxyl groups (-OH).

Is ethylene glycol safe for human consumption?

No, ethylene glycol is highly toxic if swallowed. It can cause severe health problems like kidney failure, nervous system damage, and even death if not treated immediately.

What is the difference between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol is toxic and used mainly in industrial products like antifreeze. Propylene glycol, however, is considered safe for humans and is used in food products, cosmetics, and medicines.

How does ethylene glycol poisoning occur, and what is the antidote?

Poisoning happens when ethylene glycol is ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Treatment includes immediate medical care with fomepizole, ethanol therapy, or hemodialysis to remove toxins from the body.

Can ethylene glycol be found in food?

No, ethylene glycol should never be found in food. Propylene glycol, a safer alternative, is the one approved for use in food and beverages.

What is the boiling point of ethylene glycol, and why is it important?

The boiling point of ethylene glycol is around 197°C (386.6°F). Its high boiling point makes it very effective as a coolant in car engines, helping prevent overheating in hot temperatures.

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