Ethylene Glycol - Structure, Formula, Uses, and Safety

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.

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.

IUPAC Name: Ethane-1,2-diol

Ethylene Glycol Formula, Molar Mass, and Structure

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).

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

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

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.

Ethylene Glycol Uses

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

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.

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:

• 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.

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.