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By Brijesh Sharma
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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 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.
IUPAC Name: Ethane-1,2-diol
| Property | Details |
| Ethylene Glycol Formula | C₂H₆O₂ |
| Molar Mass | 62.07 g/mol |
| Structure | HO–CH₂–CH₂–OH |
| IUPAC Name | Ethane-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).
Ethylene glycol is a diol. It contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Its structure is given below:
HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH or
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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
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 Property | Value |
| Boiling Point | 197°C (386.6°F) |
| Freezing Point | -12.9°C (8.78°F) |
| Appearance | Colorless, syrupy liquid |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Odor | Odorless |
Ethylene glycol is used in many important industries. Here are some major uses:
| Industry | Use |
| Automobiles | Ethylene glycol coolant for car radiators |
| Plastic Manufacturing | Production of PET plastics (bottles, fibers) |
| Textiles | Processing and dyeing of fabrics |
| Pharmaceuticals | Solvent for making medicines |
| Aviation | Used in making de-icing fluids |
| Industrial Applications | Brake 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
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.
The body converts ethylene glycol into toxic substances like oxalic acid and glycolic acid, which cause kidney damage.
Do Check: Acetaldehyde
If someone accidentally drinks ethylene glycol, it is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is very important. Doctors often use:
Early treatment can save lives and prevent permanent organ damage.
Ethylene glycol has two related compounds: propylene glycol and diethylene glycol.
| Compound | Use and Safety |
| Propylene Glycol | Used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals; safe for humans |
| Diethylene Glycol | Used in industrial products like paints; toxic if ingested |
| Ethylene Glycol | Used 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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
No, ethylene glycol should never be found in food. Propylene glycol, a safer alternative, is the one approved for use in food and beverages.
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.