Essential Structural Differences
Ethylene glycol C2H6O2 is the simplest diol, with two hydroxyl (-OH) groups directly attached to the carbon chain. This symmetric structure makes ethylene glycol EG a small molecule with a relatively simple configuration.
DEG diethylene glycol (C4H10O3) belongs to the ether-alcohol family. Its structure contains two ethoxy groups (-OCH2CH2-) and one hydroxyl group, making the molecular configuration more complex and giving it a higher molecular weight than ethylene glycol.
Distinct Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Characteristics Comparison:
Physical Properties
- Ethylene glycol is viscous, with a boiling point of 197.3 °C. It is highly soluble in water and strongly hygroscopic.
- DEG diethylene glycol has lower viscosity, a higher boiling point of 245 °C, and superior thermal stability, although its water solubility is relatively weaker.
Chemical Properties
- Ethylene glycol EG easily undergoes esterification reactions and is a crucial raw material in polyester synthesis.
- Diethylene glycol solvent is more prone to ether bond cleavage reactions due to the presence of ether linkages, differentiating it from ethylene glycol in reactivity.
Divergence in Industrial Applications
Ethylene Glycol (EG) Use:
- Primary raw material for polyester fiber production (over 60% of global consumption).
- Main component of automotive antifreeze and coolant formulations.
- Used as an industrial solvent across various chemical processes.
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) Uses:
- Widely applied in the coatings industry as a high-boiling-point deg solvent.
- Serves as a critical intermediate in plasticizer production.
- Utilized in the pharmaceutical sector as an excipient and formulation aid.
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