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.