Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol (CAS Number: 107-21-1) is an organic chemical compound with the formula C2H6O2. It is a sweet tasting, viscous liquid without color and odor. It is the simplest form of glycol group of organic compounds. A glycol comprises of an alcohol with 2 hydroxyl groups beside carbon atoms. Ethylene glycol stands for glycol that has been derived from ethylene.
Production
Ethylene glycol is synthesized from ethylene/ethene through the intermediate ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is treated with water to produce ethylene glycol.
C2H4O + H2O → C2H6O2
The reaction is catalyzed by acids and bases as well at neutral pH under higher temperatures. The main products are oligomers of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol. The process of separating the oligomers from water requires a lot of energy.
Another production process involves the conversion of ethylene oxide with carbon dioxide to ethylene carbonate. This is then subjected to hydrolysis with a base catalyst, which produces ethylene glycol. Carbon dioxide is release in this process and used again for the previous step.
Ethylene glycol can also be produced through the oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl oxalate. The dimethyl oxalate obtained is converted to ethylene glycol through hydrogenation with the help of a copper catalyst.
Applications
- Ethylene glycol is widely used in the manufacture of polyesters as well as in antifreeze formulations.
- It is used as a medium for transferring heat in liquid cooled computers, airconditioning systems and automobiles.
- Ethylene glycol is used as an antifreeze agent in engines of automobiles as well as a de-icing agent for aircrafts and windshields and as a constituent of vitrification for preserving biological organs and tissues.
- It is a precursor to polyester resins and fibers. Plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate is produced from ethylene glycol.
- Ethylene glycol is used as a dehydrating agent in the natural gas industry.
- Manufacturers buy ethylene glycol to manufacture capacitors, cleaning solutions, shoe polishes, inks and dyes.
Toxicity
Ingestion of ethylene glycol is hazardous as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps as well as inflict damage upon organs like kidney. Contact with mucous membrane and skin ismildly hazardous. It is an irritant to eyes and the respiratory tract. The inhalation of its vapors, mist or spray is harmful. Severe exposure to ethylene glycol can result in death. Industries that manufacture and buy ethylene glycol should be aware of the toxic effects of the chemical.
Safety Tips for Handling
Facilities must provide a safety shower and eyewash facility in places, where this chemical is stored and used. Adequate exhaust ventilation provisions should be made to keep the concentrations of airborne materials low. The personnel handling the chemical must wear chemical splash goggles. However protective gloves and garments are usually not required.
Handling and Storage
Ethylene glycol suppliers,workers, manufacturers and distributers must wash their hands thoroughly after handling the chemical. Contaminated clothing must be removed and washed before the next use. Adequate ventilation is required during the operation. Ethylene glycol should be stored away from incompatible materials in a cool, dry and proper ventilated space. Ethylene glycol suppliers and dealers should carefully handle and store it.
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