Ethylene Glycol (CH2OHCH2OH) is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid that is soluble in water. It is obtained by the oxidation of ethylene then followed by hydration, although there are a number of other industrially viable processes for its production. It is moderately toxic. Mixed with water, it drastically reduces the freezing point of water; so its main uses are as anti-freeze, deicing agent, heat-transfer fluid, solvent and extractant. It is also used in the production of polyester and of paints.
Its physical properties are:
Molecular weight: 62.07 | Critical temperature: 645 K |
Melting point: 260.2 K | Critical pressure: 7.7 MPa |
Normal boiling point: 470.4 K | Critical density: 360 kg/m3 |