Description

Ethylene glycol TCC’s Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is a toxic, colorless, practically odorless, low-volatility, low-viscosity, hygroscopic liquid. It is completely miscible with water and many organic liquids. The hydroxyl groups on glycols undergo the usual alcohol chemistry, giving a wide variety of possible derivatives. This chemistry permits ethylene glycol to act as an intermediate in a wide range of reactions. Especially significant is resin formation, including the condensation with dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid resulting in a polyester resin (PET) for soft drinks and food packaging. The widespread use of ethylene glycol as an antifreeze is based on its ability to lower the freezing point when mixed with water. The physical properties of ethylene glycol-water mixtures are therefore extremely important. Ethylene glycol has numerous end uses that include the production of polyester fibers and resins, as an additive in chilled water air-conditioning systems, geothermal heating/cooling systems, and as an important precursor to polyester fibers and resins in the plastics industry.