Ethylene glycol, uses as antifreeze, poisoning, density, and formula

The ethylene glycol has uses as an antifreeze and coolant as it belongs to the group of diols, chemical compounds with properties to prevent freezing of liquids at low temperatures. Its formula provides an optimal density and viscosity for many applications.

What is ethylene glycol

It is a chemical compound made up of glycol, ethylene glycol, and ethylene diol. It belongs to the diol family. Its chemical properties and characteristics make it a transparent liquid with a sweet taste. The viscosity of ethylene glycol is higher than that of water, and its density is also higher. It has a texture very similar to a liquid called syrup.

Properties and formula

• Ethylene glycol formula: C2H6O2.
• Density: 1116 kg/m3 and g/cm3.
• Solubility:
• Viscosity: 1.61 x 10(-2)Pa*s(2).
• Molar mass: 62.068 g/mol.
• Melting point: 260 K or -13°C.
• Boiling point: 470 K or 197°C.
• Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate formula:
  • Density 1.05 g/cm3.
  • Molar mass 198.22 g/mol.
• See also tetraethylene glycol.

An important feature of ethylene glycol’s properties and its formula is that it is miscible, meaning it is soluble with different liquids. It can mix in any proportion resulting in a homogeneous solution or mixture. Once the two liquids are combined, there is no molecular difference between them. A clear example of this property is mixing ethylene glycol and water to be used as antifreeze as demonstrated by the MSDS or the safety and technical data sheet.

Uses

• Antifreeze
• Heat diffuser.
• With water to prevent freezing of engines and parts of commercial airplanes.
• For polyester manufacturing.
• As a solvent.
• For developing photographs.
• Ingredient in hydraulic brakes.
• Printing ink.

The uses of ethylene glycol are numerous due to its properties and chemical structure. The major applications are in the automotive and aviation industries, where it is used as an antifreeze for water and as a component to prevent ice in moving parts.

Additionally, the applications of ethylene glycol in airplanes promote de-icing, making it very suitable at temperatures below zero degrees.

Another use is as a paint solvent. In the industry, it is used in large quantities to dissolve and remove paint layers and prevent residue from dyes, also in plastics.

In photography, ethylene glycol serves as a medium for development.

Uses as Antifreeze

This application may be the most well-known and widespread worldwide. The uses of ethylene glycol as antifreeze are due to its high boiling point.

In cold climates, it is necessary to protect automobiles and internal combustion engine vehicles to prevent water from freezing. Water expands and can break mechanical parts, as well as block the flow of liquid. By using antifreeze with ethylene glycol, freezing can easily be prevented.

Why is it used as a coolant?

Because it is not corrosive like other materials and substances and prevents freezing. Additionally, being a liquid, it is capable of lubricating and circulating through necessary channels, regardless of whether it remains still for a period, which is different from other antifreeze like salt.

How to use ethylene glycol antifreeze

One part of ethylene glycol antifreeze should be mixed with one part water, diluted, and added to the car radiator or sprayed onto surfaces that need to be preserved in optimal conditions below 0°C. The proportions of ethylene glycol antifreeze are:

• 1% down to -3°C
• 2% down to -8°C
• 3% down to -16°C
• 4% down to -25°C

Intoxication

The downside of this chemical compound is that it is highly toxic, potentially causing death if ingested. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when handling it and avoid contact with pets such as dogs and cats, and also keep it out of reach of children.

Unfortunately, it has a sweet taste, which could cause a child to ingest it, resulting in a severe ethylene glycol poisoning.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to prevent it from tasting sweet. A small amount of denatonium benzoate can be added to give it a bitter taste, repelling animals and making it unpleasant for people.

In the event of ingestion, it is crucial to go to an emergency medical center for treatment against ethylene glycol poisoning.

Effects of poisoning and intoxication with ethylene glycol

• Kidney damage.

When ingested, it is converted into calcium oxalate in the kidneys. To minimize harm to the body, ethanol can be administered while seeking medical help. Alcoholic beverages slow the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde and formic acid. These substances are responsible for making ethylene glycol toxic.

Although detoxification or treatment is not recommended for unqualified individuals, in medical practice, specialists can administer ethanol intravenously to slow down and alleviate the potential damage from ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. Fomepizole is also used today as an antidote and treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning. This is an enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, very useful in such cases.

Relationship between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol

Both substances share a common base called glycol. They are colorless alcohols or diols. The differences between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol lie in their health properties and uses. While the former is not suitable for consumption, pharmaceutical propylene glycol is available for sale and is a substance authorized for use in processed foods and cosmetics. It is scientifically named propane-1.2-diol and serves as a moisturizer, lubricant, and also antifreeze. This last property is shared by both chemical compounds.

Other harmful diols to avoid

There is another element that also shares certain aspects in its chemical structure because it is a diol. It is also toxic like ethylene glycol, although its side effects and contraindications are different. It is widely used in the production of plastics and elastic, deformable materials such as baby bottle nipples. Bisphenol A should be avoided because it is harmful and also contains hydroxyl functional groups like 1,4-butanediol.