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MONOETHYLENE GLYCOL
Monoethylene glycol (IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol) is an organic compound with the formula (CH2OH)2. Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is mainly used for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. Monoethylene glycol is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid.
CAS No. : 107-21-1
EC No. : 203-473-3
Synonyms:
Ethane-1,2-diol; Ethylene glycol; 1,2-Ethanediol; Ethylene alcohol; Hypodicarbonous acid; Monoethylene glycol; Mono-ethylene glycol; 1,2-Dihydroxyethane; MEG; monoetilen glikol; mono ethylene glycol; monoetylene glycol; monoethylene glicol; monoglycol; 2,2'-(Ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol; monoetilen glikol; 2,2'-Ethylenedioxydiethanol; monoethyleneglycol; monogen; monoethylenglykol; monoglycol; 2,2'-[Ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)]di(ethan-1-ol); 2-[2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol; monoETHYLENE GLYCOL; 112-27-6; monoglycol; 2,2'-(Ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol; 2,2'-Ethylenedioxydiethanol; monoethyleneglycol; monogen; monoethylenglykol; 1,2-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethane; 2,2'-(Ethylenedioxy)diethanol; 2-[2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol; 3,6-Dioxaoctane-1,8-diol; Ethanol, 2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)]bis-; Di-beta-hydroxyethoxyethane; 2,2'-Ethylenedioxybis(ethanol); 2,2'-Ethylenedioxyethanol; 2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)]diethanol; monoethylene glcol; Glycol bis(hydroxyethyl) ether; Caswell No. 888; teg; Ethylene glycol dihydroxydiethyl ether; monogol; TEG; monoethylenglykol [Czech]; Bis(2-hydroxyethoxyethane); Ethanol, 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)di-; Mono ethylene glycol; 2,2'-(1,2-Ethanediylbis(oxy))bisethanol; Ethylene glycol-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl ether); Di-.beta.-hydroxyethoxyethane; Ethanol, 2,2'-(1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy))bis-; 2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethan-1-ol; monoethylene glycol, 99%; 2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(ethan-1-ol); CAS-112-27-6; monogenos; monoethylenglycol; monoethylene-glycol; monoethyleneglycol,; mono-ethylene glycol; 3,8-diol; Polyethyleneglycol 300; ACMC-1C4BE; Polyethylene glycol 1500; Polyethylene Glycol 2000; Ethylene glycol; monoethylene glycol, puriss.; Polyethylene glycol 8,000; Polyethylene Glycol 6,000; 3,6-Dioxa-1,8-octanediol; Polyethylene glycol 10,000; Polyethylene glycol 12,000; Polyethylene glycol 20,000; di(2-ethylbutyrate), diacetate; Ethanol,2'-(ethylenedioxy)di-; monoethylene Glycol Reagent Grade; monoethylene Glycol (Indusmonoal Grade); Polyethylene oxide, M.W. 100,000; Polyethylene oxide, M.W. 300,000; 2-[2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol #; Polyethylene oxide, M.W. 1,000,000; SC-79003; Polyethylene glycol (PEG), 50% solution; monoethylene glycol, ReagentPlus(R), 99%; Ethanol,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)]bis-; Polyethylene oxide, M.W. >5,000,000; monoethylene glycol, SAJ first grade, >=96.0%; monoethylene glycol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
Monoethylene Glycol
Monoethylene glycol (also known as MEG, EG, 1,2-ethanediol or 1,2-Dihydroxyethane) is an organic compound with the formula C2H6O2. Monoethylene glycol is a slightly viscous liquid with a clear, colourless appearance and a sweet taste that emits virtually no odour. Monoethylene glycol’s miscible with water, alcohols, and many other organic compounds and is primarily used in the industry for manufacturing polyester fibres and as a component in the production of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft anti-icers and de-icers.
Production of Monoethylene glycol
Industrial routes
Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene (ethene), via the intermediate ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce Monoethylene glycol according to the chemical equation:
C2H4O + H2O → HO−CH2CH2−OH
This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of Monoethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, Monoethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved. The major byproducts are the oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. The separation of these oligomers and water is energy-intensive. About 6.7 million tonnes are produced annually.
A higher selectivity is achieved by use of Shell's OMEGA process. In the OMEGA process, the ethylene oxide is first converted with carbon dioxide (CO
2) to ethylene carbonate. This ring is then hydrolyzed with a base catalyst in a second step to produce mono-ethylene glycol in 98% selectivity., The carbon dioxide is released in this step again and can be fed back into the process circuit. The carbon dioxide comes in part from the ethylene oxide production, where a part of the ethylene is completely oxidized.
Ethylene glycol is produced from carbon monoxide in countries with large coal reserves and less stringent environmental regulations. The oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl oxalate provides a promising approach to the production of C1-based Monoethylene glycol., Dimethyl oxalate can be converted into Monoethylene glycol in high yields (94.7%) by hydrogenation with a copper catalyst.
Because the methanol is recycled, only carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and oxygen are consumed. One plant with a production capacity of 200 000 tons of Monoethylene glycol per year is in Inner Mongolia, and a second plant in the Chinese province of Henan with a capacity of 250 000 tons per year was scheduled for 2012., As of 2015, four plants in China with a capacity of 200 000 t/a each were operating with at least 17 more to follow.,
Biological routes of Monoethylene glycol
The caterpillar of the Greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, has gut bacteria with the ability to degrade polyethylene (PE) into Monoethylene glycol.
Historical routes of Monoethylene glycol
According to most sources, French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz (1817–1884) first prepared Monoethylene glycol in 1856. He first treated "ethylene iodide" (C2H4I2) with silver acetate and then hydrolyzed the resultant "ethylene diacetate" with potassium hydroxide. Wurtz named his new compound "glycol" because it shared qualities with both ethyl alcohol (with one hydroxyl group) and glycerin (with three hydroxyl groups). In 1859, Wurtz prepared Monoethylene glycol via the hydration of ethylene oxide. There appears to have been no commercial manufacture or application of Monoethylene glycol prior to World War I, when it was synthesized from ethylene dichloride in Germany and used as a substitute for glycerol in the explosives industry.
In the United States, semicommercial production of Monoethylene glycol via ethylene chlorohydrin started in 1917. The first large-scale commercial glycol plant was erected in 1925 at South Charleston, West Virginia, by Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Co. (now Union Carbide Corp.). By 1929, Monoethylene glycol was being used by almost all dynamite manufacturers. In 1937, Carbide started up the first plant based on Lefort's process for vapor-phase oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. Carbide maintained a monopoly on the direct oxidation process until 1953, when the Scientific Design process was commercialized and offered for licensing.
Uses of Mono ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is primarily used in antifreeze formulations (50%) and as a raw material in the manufacture of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (40%).
Coolant and heat-transfer agent
The major use of Monoethylene glycol is as a medium for convective heat transfer in, for example, automobiles and liquid-cooled computers. Monoethylene glycol is also commonly used as a coolant for chilled-water air-conditioning systems that either place the chiller or air handlers outside or must cool below the freezing temperature of water. In geothermal heating/cooling systems, Monoethylene glycol is the fluid that transports heat through the use of a geothermal heat pump. The Monoethylene glycol either gains energy from the source (lake, ocean, water well) or dissipates heat to the sink, depending on whether the system is being used for heating or cooling.
Pure Monoethylene glycol (MEG) has a specific heat capacity about one half that of water. So, while providing freeze protection and an increased boiling point, Monoethylene glycol lowers the specific heat capacity of water mixtures relative to pure water. A 1:1 mix by mass has a specific heat capacity of about 3140 J/(kg·°C) (0.75 BTU/(lb·°F)), three quarters that of pure water, thus requiring increased flow rates in same-system comparisons with water. The formation of large bubbles in cooling passages of internal combustion engines will severely inhibit heat flow (flux) from the area, so that allowing nucleation (tiny bubbles) to occur is not advisable. Large bubbles in cooling passages will be self-sustaining or grow larger, with a virtually complete loss of cooling in the area. With pure MEG (mono-ethylene glycol) the hot spot will reach 200 °C (392 °F). Cooling by other effects such as air draft from fans (not considered in pure nucleation analysis) will assist in preventing large-bubble formation.
The mixture of Monoethylene glycol with water provides additional benefits to coolant and antifreeze solutions, such as preventing corrosion and acid degradation, as well as inhibiting the growth of most microbes and fungi.
Antifreeze
Pure Monoethylene glycol freezes at about −12 °C (10.4 °F) but, when mixed with water, the mixture freezes at a lower temperature. For example, a mixture of 60% Monoethylene glycol and 40% water freezes at −45 °C (−49 °F). Diethylene glycol behaves similarly. The freezing point depression of some mixtures can be explained as a colligative property of solutions but, in highly concentrated mixtures such as the example, deviations from ideal solution behavior are expected due to the influence of intermolecular forces.
There is a difference in the mixing ratio, depending on whether it is Monoethylene glycol or propylene glycol. For Monoethylene glycol, the mixing ratios are typically 30/70 and 35/65, whereas the propylene glycol mixing ratios are typically 35/65 and 40/60. It is important that the mixture is frost-proof at the lowest operating temperature.
Because of the depressed freezing temperatures, Monoethylene glycol is used as a de-icing fluid for windshields and aircraft, as an antifreeze in automobile engines, and as a component of vitrification (anticrystallization) mixtures for low-temperature preservation of biological tissues and organs. Mixture of Monoethylene glycol and water can also be chemically termed as glycol concentrate/compound/mixture/solution.
The use of Monoethylene glycol not only depresses the freezing point of aqueous mixtures, but also elevates their boiling point. This results in the operating temperature range for heat-transfer fluids being broadened on both ends of the temperature scale. The increase in boiling temperature is due to pure Monoethylene glycol having a much higher boiling point and lower vapor pressure than pure water, as is typical with most binary mixtures of volatile liquids.
Precursor to polymers
In the plastic industry, Monoethylene glycol is an important precursor to polyester fibers and resins. Polyethylene terephthalate, used to make plastic bottles for soft drinks, is prepared from Monoethylene glycol.
Other uses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Dehydrating agent
Ethylene glycol is used in the natural gas industry to remove water vapor from natural gas before further processing, in much the same manner as triethylene glycol (TEG).
Hydrate inhibition of Monoethylene glycol
Because of its high boiling point and affinity for water, Monoethylene glycol is a useful desiccant. Monoethylene glycol is widely used to inhibit the formation of natural gas clathrates (hydrates) in long multiphase pipelines that convey natural gas from remote gas fields to a gas processing facility. Monoethylene glycol can be recovered from the natural gas and reused as an inhibitor after purification treatment that removes water and inorganic salts.
Natural gas is dehydrated by Monoethylene glycol. In this application, Monoethylene glycol flows down from the top of a tower and meets a rising mixture of water vapor and hydrocarbon gases. Dry gas exits from the top of the tower. The glycol and water are separated, and the glycol recycled. Instead of removing water, Monoethylene glycol can also be used to depress the temperature at which hydrates are formed. The purity of glycol used for hydrate suppression (monoethylene glycol) is typically around 80%, whereas the purity of glycol used for dehydration (triethylene glycol) is typically 95 to more than 99%. Moreover, the injection rate for hydrate suppression is much lower than the circulation rate in a glycol dehydration tower.
Applications of Mono ethylene glycol (MEG)
Minor uses of Monoethylene glycol include the manufacture of capacitors, as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of 1,4-dioxane, as an additive to prevent corrosion in liquid cooling systems for personal computers, and inside the lens devices of cathode-ray tube type of rear projection televisions. Monoethylene glycol is also used in the manufacture of some vaccines, but it is not itself present in these injections. It is used as a minor (1–2%) ingredient in shoe polish and also in some inks and dyes. Monoethylene glycol has seen some use as a rot and fungal treatment for wood, both as a preventative and a treatment after the fact. It has been used in a few cases to treat partially rotted wooden objects to be displayed in museums. It is one of only a few treatments that are successful in dealing with rot in wooden boats, and is relatively cheap. Monoethylene glycol may also be one of the minor ingredients in screen cleaning solutions, along with the main ingredient isopropyl alcohol. Monoethylene glycol is commonly used as a preservative for biological specimens, especially in secondary schools during dissection as a safer alternative to formaldehyde. Monoethylene glycol is also used as part of the water-based hydraulic fluid used to control subsea oil and gas production equipment.
Ethylene glycol is used as a protecting group in organic synthesis to protect carbonyl compounds such as ketones and aldehydes.
Silicon dioxide reacts in heated reflux under dinitrogen with Monoethylene glycol and an alkali metal base to produce highly reactive, pentacoordinate silicates which provide access to a wide variety of new silicon compounds. The silicates are essentially insoluble in all polar solvent except methanol.
Monoethylene glycol also can be used in vaccine manufacture or as a formaldehyde substitute when preserving biological specimens.
Chemical reactions of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Ethylene glycol is used as a protecting group for carbonyl groups in organic synthesis. Treating a ketone or aldehyde with Monoethylene glycol in the presence of an acid catalyst (e.g., p-toluenesulfonic acid; BF3·Et2O) gives the corresponding a 1,3-dioxolane, which is resistant to bases and other nucleophiles. The 1,3-dioxolane protecting group can thereafter be removed by further acid hydrolysis. In this example, isophorone was protected using Monoethylene glycol with p-toluenesulfonic acid in moderate yield. Water was removed by azeotropic distillation to shift the equilibrium to the right.
Toxicity of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Ethylene glycol is moderately toxic, with an oral LDLo = 786 mg/kg for humans. The major danger is due to its sweet taste, which can attract children and animals. Upon ingestion, Monoethylene glycol is oxidized to glycolic acid, which is, in turn, oxidized to oxalic acid, which is toxic. It and its toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system, then the heart, and finally the kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts is fatal if untreated. Several deaths are recorded annually in the U.S. alone.
Antifreeze products for automotive use containing propylene glycol in place of Monoethylene glycol are available. They are generally considered safer to use, as propylene glycol isn't as palatable and is converted in the body to lactic acid, a normal product of metabolism and exercise.
Australia, the UK, and seventeen US states (as of 2012) require the addition of a bitter flavoring (denatonium benzoate) to antifreeze. In December 2012, US antifreeze manufacturers agreed voluntarily to add a bitter flavoring to all antifreeze that is sold in the consumer market of the US.
Environmental effects of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Ethylene glycol is a high-production-volume chemical; it breaks down in air in about 10 days and in water or soil in a few weeks. It enters the environment through the dispersal of Monoethylene glycol-containing products, especially at airports, where it is used in deicing agents for runways and airplanes. While prolonged low doses of Monoethylene glycol show no toxicity, at near lethal doses (≥ 1000 mg/kg per day) Monoethylene glycol acts as a teratogen. "Based on a rather extensive database, it induces skeletal variations and malformations in rats and mice by all routes of exposure." This molecule has been observed in outer space.
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) in its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste.
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is a basic building block used for applications that require:
Chemical intermediates for resins
Solvent couplers
Freezing point depression solvents
Humectants and chemical intermediates
Application Usage
These applications are vital to the manufacture of a wide variety of products, including:
Resins
Deicing fluids
Heat transfer fluids
Automotive antifreeze and coolants
Water-based adhesives
Latex paints and asphalt emulsions
Electrolytic capacitors
Textile fibers
Paper
Leather
Ethylene glycol (mono ethylene glycol) in its pure form, is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid.
Production of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol according to the chemical equation
C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH
This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, ethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved. The major byproducts are the ethylene glycol oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol.
Precautions of Monoethylene glycol (MEG): Carefully review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Overexposure through improper storage, handling or use could lead to serious health risks.
Mono-ethylene glycol - or MEG - is a vital ingredient for the production of polyester fibres and film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins and engine coolants.
End uses for Monoethylene glycol range from clothing and other textiles, through packaging to kitchenware, engine coolants and antifreeze. Polyester and fleece fabrics, upholstery, carpets and pillows, as well as light and sturdy polyethylene terephthalate drink and food containers originate from ethylene glycol. The humectant (water attracting) properties of MEG products also make them ideal for use in fibres treatment, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather and cellophane.
Monoethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless liquid with a syrup-like consistency.
55% of Monoethylene glycol is used to make polyester fibres. 25% of Monoethylene glycol is used in polyethylene terephthalate - or PET - packaging and bottles.
45% of the world’s Monoethylene glycol output is consumed in China.
Global Monoethylene glycol demand was around 21 million tonnes in 2010. Forecasts suggest that by 2015, demand could be above 28 million tonnes per year. In China, Monoethylene glycol demand continues to grow at around 7% each year.
Technical Properties of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Chemical and physical properties of Monoethylene glycol:
Molecular Formula: C2H6O2 / (CH2OH)2 / HOCH2CH2OH
Synonyms: monoethyleneglycol, mono ethyl glycol, meg glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-ethanediol, Ethane-1,2-diol, EG, industrial glycol, 1,2-Dihydroxyethane, glycol alcohol.
Cas Number: 107-21-1
Molecular Mass: 62.07 g/mol
Exact Mass: 62.036779 g/mol
Flashpoint: 232 °F/ 111.11 °C
Boiling Point: 387.7 °F / 197.6 °C at 760 mm Hg
Melting Point: 9 ° F / -12.8 °C
Vapour Pressure: 0.06 mm Hg at 68 °F / 20 °C
Water Solubility: Miscible
Density: 1.115 at 68 °F
How is Monoethylene glycol (MEG) produced?
Monoethylene glycol is produced industrially using ethylene oxide via hydrolysis. Ethylene oxide is obtained through oxidation and is then reacted with water to give Monoethylene glycol with di and tri ethylene glycols as co-products:
C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH
Monoethylene glycol is also manufactured via the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate in the presence of a copper catalyst or via the acetoxylation of ethylene.
Handling, storage and distribution of Mono ethylene glycol (MEG)
Hazards and toxicity
Monoethylene glycol has an NFPA health rating of 2, indicating that overexposure to the skin and eyes can cause irritation and residual injury. Inhaling vapours is not deemed hazardous; however consumption of liquid form can cause injury. It has a flammability rating of 1 which indicates that it requires sufficient preheating for ignition to occur. An instability rating of 0 suggests that Monoethylene glycol is usually stable. Monoethylene glycol’s vapours are heavier than air and will travel to surrounding areas.
Safety and responses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
If contact is made with the eyes, immediately wash with plenty of water and seek medical attention. If the skin is contaminated, remove all wet clothing and wash the skin with water. In the case of excessive inhalation, breathe fresh air and seek medical attention. Alcohol-resistant foam or water spray should be used to fight fires and spillages should be prohibited from reaching water sources and sewers. Appropriate PPE equipment should be worn when handling Monoethylene glycol to protect the skin and eyes.
Storage and distribution of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol can be stored in stainless steel, aluminium, or lined drums, tank cars, or tank trucks. Monoethylene glycol has a specific gravity of 1.115 and a flash point of 110 °C (closed cup). Monoethylene glycol is not regulated for transport on road, rail, air, or sea but it is classified as harmful, and is harmful if swallowed.
What is Monoethylene glycol used for
Industry uses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
A primary industry use of Monoethylene glycol is in antifreeze applications where it is a component in the manufacture of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft ani-icer and de-icers due to its ability to depress the freezing temperature of water. It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and cooling systems such as in vehicles and air-conditioning units as it acts as a coolant and heat transfer agent.
There is strong global demand for Monoethylene glycol in the plastic industry as it is a vital ingredient in the production of polyester fibres, films, and resins, one of which is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is then converted into plastic bottles which are used globally. It is estimated that 70-80% of all the MEG consumed is used as a chemical intermediate in these polyester production processes.
Monoethylene glycol is also used as a solvent in paints and electrolytic condensers, as a desiccant in gas pipelines to prohibit the formation of clathrates, as a chemical intermediate in the production of capacitors, as an industrial humectant in fibres, adhesives, cellophane, synthetic waxes. It is also found in other industrial products such as plasticizers, processing aids, adhesives, additives and surface treating agents.
Consumer Uses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is found in many consumer products such as antifreeze, ani-icer, de-icers, brake fluids, adhesives, automotive care products, cosmetics, toners, fabrics, inks, pens, paints, plastics and coatings.
Monoethylene glycol also known as MEG is a clear, colourless, virtually odourless, and slightly viscous liquid. Monoethylene glycol is miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic compounds, and has the molecular formula C2H6O2, CAS: 107-21-1. It has a specific gravity of 1.115 and a flash point of 110 °C.
Mono ethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol Chemical Structure Composition.
Production of Mono ethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol is produced by the oxidation of ethylene at a high temperature in the presence of a silver oxide catalyst. The ethylene oxide is then hydrated to yield Monoethylene glycol with di and tri ethylene glycols as co-products.
Uses of Monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is an important raw material for industrial applications. MEG is utilized in the manufacture of polyester (PET) resins, films, fibers, antifreezes, coolants, aircraft anti-icer and deicers and solvents.
Monoethylene glycol is also utilised as raw material for paper industry, polyester Resins, adhesives and inks, chemical Intermediates, Heat Transfer, Fluids.
Monoethylene glycol is also a used as a dehydration agent in natural gas pipelines where it inhibits the formation of natural gas clathrates.
Definition and Usage Areas of Mono ethylene glycol:
It is a colorless transparent viscous liquid with a sweet taste and moisture absorption ability. Water can also be miscible with low-grade aliphatic alcohols, glycerol, acetic acid, acetone, ketones, aldehydes, pyridine and similar coal tar bases. It is slightly soluble in ether but almost insoluble in benzene and its homologues, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ether and oils.
Usage areas of Mono ethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol is mainly used as a raw material for the production of antifreeze and polyethylene terephthalate (polyester fiber raw material and plastic material) for the preparation of automobile cooling systems.
Also synthetic resins, solvents, lubricants, surfactants, softeners, moisturizers, explosives, etc. It can also be used in production.
Glycol can often be used as an alternative to glycerol and is often used in the tanning industry and pharmaceutical industry as a hydration agent and solvent.
Glycol has a strong solubility, but can be easily oxidized against toxic metabolic oxalic acid and therefore cannot be widely used as a solvent. Ethylene glycol can be added to the hydraulic fluid and used to prevent the oil-based hydraulic fluid from melting on the rubber of the system.
Water-based hydraulic fluid with ethylene glycol as the main component is a flammable hydraumatic fluid and can be applied to aircraft, automobiles and high temperature molding machine.
As antifreeze agent in emulsion paints and aqueous systems.
It is used as a solvent for casein, gelatin, dextrin, some phenol-formaldehyde resin, alkyd resins and dyestuffs.
It also gives the paint slipperiness and ease of application. Monoethylene glycol is also used as a heat-transfer agent.
Mono ethylene glycol (MEG) is used as an anti-freeze additive for engine cooling systems to prevent freezing and as an anti-boil additive.
This product note describes the specification for Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) liquid. Any product supplied under this specification must meet the properties described in the attached specification.
Physical properties
Appearance Clear colourless liquid
Density [g/ml] 1.11 to 1.12
Odour Odourless
Technical data
Purity 99% min
Water content Max 0.2%
1. Chemical Identity of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
MEG is manufactured in a 2-step reaction process. First, ethylene is reacted with oxygen to form ethylene oxide. Second, ethylene oxide is reacted with water to form Mono Ethylene Glycol (Monoethylene glycol). Monoethylene glycol is typically produced to a high level of purity (99%).
CAS No.
107-21-1
Chemical Name:
MONO ETHYLENE GLCOL
Other Names:
Monoethylene glycol
Ethylene Glycol
1,2-dihydroxyethane
1,2-ethanediol
2. Product Uses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is used as a feedstock for manufacturing polyester polymers. It is also used in the formulation of antifreeze products.
3. Physical / Chemical Properties of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is a colorless and odorless liquid with a low vapor pressure and a sweet taste. Monoethylene glycol is fully miscible with water and when mixed in a ratio of 60:40, the resulting freezing point is -48 C.
The flash point for this product is approximately 232 ºF / 111 ºC.
4. Health Information of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is considered harmful if swallowed. It may cause kidney failure and central nervous system effects if ingested. Monoethylene glycol is converted to toxic metabolites in the body, which may be fatal if it is ingested in large amounts. This is a medical emergency which must be immediately and properly treated.
5. Additional Hazard Information of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Prolonged exposure to elevated concentrations of mists or liquids may cause irritation to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract.
6. Food Contact Regulated Uses of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is not claimed as compliant for food contact uses.
7. Environmental Information of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is not expected to be harmful to aquatic organisms. It is expected to be rapidly/readily biodegradable and its potential to bioaccumulate is low.
8. Exposure Potential of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Workplace exposure – The potential exposure to Monoethylene glycol in a manufacturing facility or industrial workplace is generally low because the process, storage and handling operations are closed, with little potential for releases to the air. The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists recommends a ceiling limit of 100 mg/m3 as an occupational exposure to aerosol vapors of Monoethylene glycol.
Consumer use of products containing Monoethylene glycol – Monoethylene glycol may be present in antifreeze products sold to the general public. At ambient pressures the exposure to vapors will be very low, but could be high if mists are generated. Monoethylene glycol, as such, is no longer present in polymers made from it. Exposure to consumers would be noticed by signs of irritation to the respiratory tract or skin.
Environmental releases –As a chemical manufacturer, we are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner everywhere we do business. Our efforts are guided by in-depth scientific understanding of the environmental impact of our operations, as well as by the social and economic needs of the communities in which we operate. Industrial spills or releases are rare. Our operational improvement targets and plans are based on driving incidents with real environmental impact to zero and delivering superior environmental performance.
9. Manufacture of Product of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Capacity – According to publicly available sources, the worldwide production of Monoethylene glycol reached 19 million tons in 2008 (the most recent reporting year available).
Process – Monoethylene glycol is generally manufactured in a 2-staged reaction of ethylene with oxygen, and then with water in a chemical plant.
10. Risk Management of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Workplace Risk Management – When using this chemical, make sure that there is limited exposure to the liquid, and also avoid the generation of vapor mists. Always use chemical resistant gloves to protect your hands and skin and always wear eye protection such as chemical goggles. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where this chemical is handled, processed, or stored. Wash hands and skin following contact. If this chemical gets into your eyes, rinse eyes thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with tap water and seek medical attention. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet.
Consumer Risk Management - This chemical may be present in products sold directly to the public for general consumer uses. Consumer exposure is possible, but it is expected to be infrequent and of short duration. Always follow manufacturers' instructions, warnings and handling precautions when using their products.
11. Conclusion Statements of Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monoethylene glycol is a chemical manufactured at industrial facilities.
Monoethylene glycol is used as a component in the manufacturing of polymers and may be present in antifreeze products sold to the general public.
Monoethylene glycol is toxic to people and pets when ingested in large amounts.
Monoethylene glycol is readily biodegradable, is not expected to be harmful to aquatic organisms, and is not expected to cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Monoethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol) is a colorless, virtually odorless and slightly viscous liquid. It is miscible with water, alcohols, aldehydes and many organic compounds. MEG will not dissolve rubber, cellulose acetate or heavy vegetable and petroleum oils. MEG has a low volatility and it is 50% more hygroscopic than glycerol at room temperature.
Monoethylene glycol is a chemical commonly used in many commercial and industrial applications including antifreeze and coolant. Monoethylene glycol helps keep your car’s engine from freezing in the winter and acts as a coolant to reduce overheating in the summer. Other important uses of Monoethylene glycol include heat transfer fluids used as industrial coolants for gas compressors, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, and ice skating rinks.
Monoethylene glycol also is used as a raw material in the production of a wide range of products including polyester fibers for clothes, upholstery, carpet and pillows; fiberglass used in products such as jet skis, bathtubs, and bowling balls; and polyethylene terephthalate resin used in packaging film and bottles. Many of these products are energy saving and cost efficient as well as recyclable.
