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Ethylene Glycol (MEG): key chemical info, properties & industrial uses
Ethylene glycol (also called monoethylene glycol, MEG) is a clear, hygroscopic organic liquid widely used as an antifreeze component and as a building block in polyester production.
Basic chemical information
- Name: Ethylene Glycol / Monoethylene Glycol (MEG)
- CAS: 107-21-1
- Formula: C2H6O2
- Structure: HO-CH2-CH2-OH (a diol)
- Appearance: Colorless, odorless to slightly sweet, viscous liquid
- Solubility: Miscible with water and many polar solvents
Typical properties (indicative)
- Density (20 °C): ~1.11 g/cm3
- Melting point: ~-13 °C
- Boiling point: ~197 °C
- Viscosity: relatively high; increases at low temperature
- Hygroscopic: readily absorbs moisture from air
Main industrial applications
- Polyester & PET: primary feedstock for PET resins and polyester fibers (textiles, packaging, bottles).
- Antifreeze & coolant: used in automotive/industrial engine coolants and heat-transfer fluids (with inhibitors and formulated packages).
- De-icing / heat transfer: used in certain closed-loop heating/cooling systems where low freezing point is needed.
- Intermediate: used to produce derivatives (e.g., ethers/esters) in solvents and specialty formulations.
Handling, storage & safety notes
- Toxicity: harmful if swallowed; do not ingest. Follow local GHS/SDS guidance.
- Storage: keep containers tightly closed, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from moisture contamination.
- Compatibility: avoid strong oxidizers; consult SDS for materials compatibility and spill response.
What buyers typically specify
- Purity / assay (often ≥99.5%)
- Water content (low moisture)
- Color (APHA)
- Acidity (as acetic acid)
- Aldehydes / impurities (process-dependent)
If you need a specific grade (polyester-grade, coolant-grade, etc.), we can align the typical specs with your target application and region-specific compliance.