Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a chemical compound commonly used as a solvent, antifreeze, and in the manufacturing of resins and plastics. It can be toxic if ingested or inhaled, so proper handling and storage are important.
| IUPAC Name | ethane-1,2-diol |
| Molecular Formula | C4H10O2 |
| CAS Number | 111-46-6 |
| Synonyms | DEG, 2,2′-oxybisethanol, diglycol, 2-hydroxyethyl ether, 1,2-dihydroxyethane |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H10O2/c5-3-1-2-4-6/h5-6H,1-4H2 |
Diethylene Glycol Properties
Diethylene Glycol MSDS
According to the MSDS, DEG is considered to be a hazardous substance that can cause serious health effects if ingested or inhaled. It is also a flammable liquid that can ignite if exposed to heat or an open flame. The MSDS provides guidance on how to handle, store, and transport DEG safely, as well as first aid procedures in case of accidental exposure. It is important to carefully read and understand the MSDS before working with DEG to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
Diethylene Glycol Formula
The chemical formula of diethylene glycol is C4H10O2. This formula represents the arrangement of atoms in DEG, including its constituent elements (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) and the number and type of bonds between them. The formula of DEG is important in understanding its chemical properties and behavior in reactions.
Diethylene Glycol Molar Mass
DEG has a molar mass of 106.12 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements: two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The molar mass of DEG is important in determining its physical and chemical properties, including its boiling and melting points.
Diethylene Glycol Boiling Point
The boiling point of DEG is 245°C (473°F). This is relatively high compared to other common solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, due to its high molecular weight and strong intermolecular forces. The boiling point of DEG is an important factor in its use as a heat transfer fluid and antifreeze.
Diethylene Glycol Melting Point
The melting point of DEG is -10°C (14°F). This relatively low value is due to the presence of polar hydroxyl groups in its structure, which promote intermolecular bonding between molecules. The melting point of DEG is important in determining its behavior as a solvent and its suitability for use in low-temperature applications.
Diethylene Glycol Density g/mL
The density of DEG is 1.118 g/mL at 25°C (77°F). This value is higher than that of water, which has a density of 1 g/mL, due to the high molecular weight and strong intermolecular forces of DEG. The density of DEG is an important factor in its use as a solvent, as well as in determining its behavior in mixtures with other liquids.
Diethylene Glycol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of DEG is 106.12 g/mol. This value is important in determining the physical and chemical properties of DEG, as well as its behavior in chemical reactions. The molecular weight of DEG is also important in determining its concentration in solutions and mixtures.
Diethylene Glycol Structure
The structure of diethylene glycol consists of two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a central ethylene (-CH2CH2-) backbone. This structure promotes strong intermolecular bonding between molecules, giving DEG its high boiling and melting points. The structure of DEG is important in determining its behavior as a solvent, as well as its suitability for use in various applications.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.118 g/mL at 25°C |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 106.12 g/mol |
| Density | 1.118 g/mL at 25°C |
| Melting Point | -10°C (14°F) |
| Boiling Point | 245°C (473°F) |
| Flash Point | 138°C (280°F) |
| Water Solubility | Completely soluble |
| Solubility | Miscible with many organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.0005 mmHg at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 3.6 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 14.00 |
| pH | Neutral (pH 7) |
Diethylene Glycol Safety and Hazards
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health effects if not handled properly. Exposure to DEG can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Symptoms of exposure may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and kidney failure. DEG is also flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is important to use proper protective equipment, such as gloves and respirators when working with DEG. Spills should be cleaned up immediately, and waste should be disposed of according to local regulations. DEG should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible materials.
| Hazard Symbols | Xn (Harmful) |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not inhale. Keep away from sources of ignition. Use with adequate ventilation. |
| UN IDs | UN3082, UN1993 |
| HS Code | 2909.44.0000 |
| Hazard Class | 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. |
Diethylene Glycol Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing diethylene glycol (DEG).
One common method is through the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This process produces a mixture of DEG and triethylene glycol (TEG), which can be separated by distillation.
Another method involves the reaction of ethylene glycol with acetaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, such as zinc or aluminum. This process produces DEG and water as byproducts. One can conduct the reaction under reflux conditions and distill the resulting mixture for purification.
A third method involves the reaction of ethylene oxide with diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DGME) in the presence of a catalyst, such as potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. This process produces DEG and monoethylene glycol (MEG) as byproducts. The resulting mixture can undergo purification by distillation while conducting the reaction under reflux conditions.
Diethylene Glycol Uses
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a versatile substance that finds use in various industries due to its unique properties. Some common uses of DEG include:
- Industrial Solvent: Commonly used as a solvent in the production of resins, dyes, and inks.
- Chemical Intermediary: Used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals, including plasticizers, lubricants, and surfactants.
- Anti-freeze: Used as an anti-freeze agent in heating and cooling systems, as it has a lower freezing point than water.
- Humectant: Used as a humectant in the production of textiles and paper, as it helps to maintain moisture content.
- Personal Care Products: Used as an ingredient in various personal care products, such as toothpaste, hair care products, and deodorants.
- Pharmaceutical: Used as a solvent in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including cough syrups and elixirs.
- Gas Dehydration: Used to remove water from natural gas and other hydrocarbon gases.
- Food Industry: Used as a solvent for food coloring and flavoring agents.
Questions:
Q: How is diethylene glycol synthesized?
A: DEG is commonly synthesized through the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Another method involves the reaction of ethylene glycol with acetaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, such as zinc or aluminum.
Q: What is diethylene glycol?
A: DEG is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic liquid that is commonly used as a solvent, chemical intermediate, and anti-freeze agent. It is a type of glycol that has two hydroxyethyl groups in its molecule.
Q: Can diethylene glycol be used to make methamphetamines too?
A: While DEG is not commonly used to make methamphetamines, it is possible that it could be used as a solvent or precursor in the manufacturing process. However, the use of DEG in this context would be highly illegal and dangerous.
Q: What is the difference between diethylene glycol and paraffin?
A: DEG and paraffin are two different substances with distinct chemical and physical properties. DEG is a liquid glycol compound that is commonly used as a solvent and chemical intermediate, while paraffin is a waxy solid hydrocarbon that is commonly used in candles, cosmetics, and other applications.
Q: Is diethylene glycol a Newtonian fluid?
A: Yes, DEG is considered to be a Newtonian fluid, meaning that its viscosity remains constant regardless of the shear rate or applied force. This property makes it useful in various applications where consistent fluid flow is important.