DIETHYLENE GLYCOL

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound with the formula (HOCH2CH2)2O. It is a colorless, practically odorless, poisonous, hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. It is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol. DEG is a widely used solvent.

Diethylene glycol, CH2OHCH2OCH2CH2OH, is similar in properties to MEG (mono ethylene glycol), but DEG has a higher boiling point, viscosity, and specific gravity. MEG is the raw material used in the production of polyester fiber, PET resins, alkyds, and unsaturated polyesters. Diethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes and plasticizers. It is a water-soluble liquid; boiling point 245 C, and is soluble in many organic solvents.

DEG is produced by the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. Depending on the conditions, varying amounts of DEG and related glycols are produced. The resulting product is two ethylene glycol molecules joined by an ether bond,

Diethylene glycol is derived as a co-product with ethylene glycol and triethylene glycol.

Applications
TCC’s Diethylene Glycol is used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas; a raw material for the production of plasticizers and polyester resins; a humectant; a textile lubricant and coupling agent; a solvent in textile dyeing and printing; a constituent of hydraulic fluids; a plasticizer for paper, cork and synthetic sponges; a solvent in printing inks; a raw material for the production of esters used as emulsifiers, demulsifiers, and lubricants; and a selective solvent for aromatics in petroleum refining.

Chemical Formula for Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH
What is DEG?
Diethylene Glycol is the second member of a homologous series of dihydroxyalcohols. DEG is
produced in the Master Process by the direct hydration of ethylene oxide. DEG is co-produced with
MEG and TEG.
How is Diethylene Glycol (DEG) Used?
DEG is used in a variety of applications and is only available in one single high purity grade.
The markets for DEG products are polyester fibres, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, coolants
in automobile antifreeze, and resins. The excellent humectant (hygroscopicity) property of DEG also
makes it ideal for use in fibres treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather and cellophane.
DEG is also used for the removal of water from gas streams (dehydration).
Shell Chemicals does not sell to customers that use DEG in theatrical fogs or other artificial smoke
generator applications, in the manufacture or preparation of foods or pharmaceuticals where glycol
is not further reacted to produce a derivative product, or in aircraft de-icing applications.
Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations
Under normal conditions of use, ethylene glycols are not expected to cause irritation to the skin, eyes
or respiratory tract. However, in applications where vapours or mists are created, inhaling may
cause a mild burning sensation in the nose, throat and lungs.
DEG intake can be fatal if a large volume is swallowed. It may cause damage to the kidney through
prolonged or repeated exposure.
No ceiling on worker exposure has been set by the American Conference of Governmental
Hygienists (ACGIH). Some countries, however, have established a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL),
as in the UK where the WEL has been set at 23 ppm. If there is a potential for exposure above these
limits, proper protective clothing and appropriate respiratory protection is required.
DEG is readily biodegradable, has a low potential to bioaccumulate and has low toxicity to aquatic
organisms.
DEG is not flammable, unless preheated.

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound with the formula (HOCH2CH2)2O. It is a colorless, practically odorless, poisonous, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. It is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol.[1] DEG is a widely used solvent.[2] It can be a contaminant in consumer products; this has resulted in numerous epidemics of poisoning since the early 20th century
Diethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers.[5] DEG is used as a building block in organic synthesis, e.g. of morpholine and 1,4-dioxane. It is a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils, and other organic compounds. It is a humectant for tobacco, cork, printing ink, and glue.[6] It is also a component in brake fluid, lubricants, wallpaper strippers, artificial fog and haze solutions, and heating/cooking fuel.[1] In personal care products (e.g. skin cream and lotions, deodorants), DEG is often replaced by selected diethylene glycol ethers. A dilute solution of diethylene glycol can also be used as a cryoprotectant; however, ethylene glycol is much more commonly used. Most ethylene glycol antifreeze contains a few percent diethylene glycol, present as an byproduct of ethylene glycol production.