Ethylene glycol (antifreeze), also known as glycol or 1,2-ethanediol, abbreviated as EG. Its chemical formula is (CH?OH)?, and it is the simplest diol. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid with low toxicity to animals. It is miscible with water but has low solubility in ethers. It is used as a solvent, antifreeze, and raw material for synthesizing polyester. Its polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), is a phase transfer catalyst and is also used in cell fusion.
     Chinese name: Ethylene glycol; English name: Ethylene glycol; EG; MEG; Other names: Glycol; Glycol-based antifreeze; Chemical formula: (CH?OH)?; Molecular weight: 62.068; CAS Registry Number: 107-21-1
EINECS Registry Number: 203-473-3; Melting point: -12.9 °C; Boiling point: 197.3 °C; Solubility in water: Miscible; Density: 1.113 g/cm3; Appearance: Colorless, sweet, viscous liquid; Flash point: 111.1 °C
     Uses
Mainly used in the production of polyester, polyester fibers, polyester resins, humectants, plasticizers, surfactants, synthetic fibers, cosmetics, and as a solvent for dyes, inks, etc. It is also used to formulate engine antifreeze, gas dehydrating agents, and in the manufacture of resins. Additionally, it can be used as a wetting agent for cellophane, fibers, leather, and adhesives. It can be used to produce synthetic resin PET, fiber-grade PET (i.e., polyester fibers), and bottle-grade PET for making mineral water bottles. It is also used in the production of alkyd resins, glyoxal, and as an antifreeze. Besides being used as automotive antifreeze, it is also employed in industrial cooling systems, generally referred to as a coolant, and can also be used as a condensing agent like water.