Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is a colorless, practically odorless, low-volatility, low-viscosity, hygroscopic liquid. It is completely miscible with water and in many organic liquids.
Physical Properties of Ethylene Glycol (MEG)
- State and Appearance: At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, ethylene glycol is a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid with a sweet taste (about 60% as sweet as sucrose), odorless, and hygroscopic.
- Solubility: Miscible with polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone; can dissolve some organic substances like resins and dyes, but insoluble in non-polar solvents such as benzene and ether.
- Boiling Point and Melting Point: Boiling point is relatively high (approximately 197.3 °C); melting point is around -12.9 °C. The density of pure ethylene glycol is about 1.113 g/cm³ (higher than water), and its viscosity increases significantly at lower temperatures.
- Safety: Toxic if ingested, causing acute poisoning affecting kidneys and the nervous system; ingestion must be strictly avoided. Prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation, but low volatility makes inhalation risk minimal.
Chemical Properties of Ethylene Glycol (MEG)
- Hydroxyl Reactivity: The two hydroxyl groups in the molecule can undergo esterification, etherification, oxidation, etc. For example, condensation with dicarboxylic acids (like terephthalic acid) produces polyesters, and reaction with nitric acid forms nitrate esters, which can be used in explosives.
- Hygroscopicity: The hydroxyl groups strongly attract water, forming hydrogen bonds; thus, ethylene glycol has excellent moisture-absorbing capacity and can be used as a humectant or dehydrating agent.
- Low-Temperature Behavior: When mixed with water, ethylene glycol significantly lowers the freezing point (e.g., 40% aqueous solution freezes at about -25 °C, 60% aqueous solution at about -49 °C) while having a higher boiling point than water, making it suitable as a low-temperature heat transfer fluid.
- Stability: Stable at room temperature and not easily decomposed; however, at high temperatures (over 200 °C) or in the presence of catalysts, it can oxidize to form compounds such as glyoxal and oxalic acid.
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) Uses
- Raw material for polyester fibers, PET resins, and synthetic fibers
- Used in antifreeze, coolants, and heat transfer fluids
- Solvent in coatings, inks, and adhesives
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Gneebio, with decades of experience in research, manufacturing, and marketing of organic chemicals, is one of the leading exporters of chemical products in Henan, China. Over the years, we have been committed to the chemical industries of intermediates, plastic additives, water treatment chemicals and fungicides, and daily chemicals.
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1) Small batch shipment and sub-packaging are available.
2). Provide COA, MSDS, Health Certificate, and Origin Certificate.
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