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Ethylene glycol is a very dangerous “organic compound.” It’s a clear, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste that boils at 388.4°F (198°C) and is most commonly employed in car antifreeze. Ethylene glycol and water in a 1:1 solution boils at 264.2°F (129° C) and freezes at -34.6°C (-37° C), making it a good radiator coolant.
Ethylene glycol is frequently employed in the industrial and commercial sectors. Ethylene glycol is a type of glycol made from ethylene. The compound has antifreeze and cooling properties. In the winter, ethylene glycol keeps your car running by preventing the engine from freezing. In the summer, it acts as a coolant, keeping your vehicle running by preventing the engine from overheating.
Characteristics of Ethylene Glycol
The liquid is clear, colorless, and syrupy at room temperature (viscous). It is commonly coloured vivid yellow-green when used in automotive antifreeze.
Glycol is an important industrial component that can be found in a wide range of consumer products. Examples include antifreeze, hydraulic braking fluids, certain pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, polymers, films, and cosmetics. It can also be used as a medicinal delivery device. Ethylene glycol has a nice flavor and is frequently eaten inadvertently or intentionally. Ethylene glycol breaks down into toxic substances inside the body. The central nervous system, followed by the heart and kidneys, is the first organ to be harmed by ethylene glycol and its poisonous metabolites. It is also possible to die from consuming too much. The odor of ethylene glycol is neutral.
Spreading Methods:
Glycol can be delivered into the indoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol), a vapor, or a mist.
Ethylene glycol has the ability to pollute water.
Ethylene glycol has the potential to contaminate food.
Glycol can be emitted as a liquid spray (aerosol), a vapor, or a mist into the atmosphere.
Agricultural: If ethylene glycol is spread as a liquid spray (aerosol) or mist, it can harm agricultural produce. If glycol is discharged as a mist, it is unlikely to harm agricultural goods.
Routes of Exposure
Glycol poisoning can be caused through ingestion. The eyes and lungs may be irritated by breathing glycol vapors, but systemic harm is unlikely. Ethylene glycol is unlikely to induce systemic toxicity because it does not readily penetrate the skin. Exposure to the eyes may have local health repercussions, but systemic toxicity is unlikely.
Structure of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is sometimes known as monoethylene glycol. When ethylene oxide reacts chemically with water, it produces ethylene oxide. C2H6O2 is the chemical formula for ethylene glycol.
Purpose of Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is a common industrial component present in a wide range of consumer products. Examples include antifreeze, hydraulic braking fluids, certain pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, polymers, films, and cosmetics. It can also be used as a medicinal delivery device.
Ethylene glycol is a viscous liquid that is used as a raw material to make the following items:
A component used in the production of antifreeze and coolants for automobiles.
They’re commonly employed in the manufacture of polyester fibers.
It’s a chemical reagent used in the manufacture of explosives, synthetic waxes, and alkyd resins.
It’s also used to make fiberglass for bathtubs, bowling balls, and jet skis.
Industrial coolants for ventilation, gas compressors, air-conditioning systems, heating, and ice rinks are also made with it.
The effects of glycol
Intoxication with ethylene glycol can result in dysrhythmias and coronary failure. Glycol poisoning is characterized by an osmolal gap and acidosis with an elevated anion gap. Nephrotoxicity usually occurs 24 to 72 hours after eating glycol.
Chemical Hazards: Ethylene glycol, in most situations, interacts with strong oxidants and acids.
Explosion Hazards: In the air, the lower explosive (flammable) limit (LEL) is: 3.2 percentage point The upper explosive (flammable) limit in the air is 15.3 percent (UEL).
Ethylene glycol is flammable, according to firefighting information.
Fires should be put out with a fire-fighting agent that is suited for the type of fire.
Use “alcohol-based” foam, dry chemicals, or CO2.
Maintain a steady flow of water away from sewers and water supplies.
Initial Isolation Distances and Protective Action:
Isolated tanks, railroad carriages, and tank vehicles are engulfed in flames over a total distance of 0.5 mile (800 meters). You might also consider a 0.5-mile initial evacuation (800 meters).
This agent is not listed in the DOT ERG 2004 Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
Isolate a glycol spill or leak spot across a 330-foot radius (100 meters). The orange-bordered portion of the DOT ERG 2004 guidebook contains this and other public safety actions (Guide 111).
Physical Dangers:
Vapors are heavier than air, thus they can build up in poorly ventilated, low-lying, or confined places (e.g., sewers, basements, and tanks).
It can quickly grow to dangerous levels in enclosed, inadequately ventilated, and low-lying situations. Those places, as well as those that are upwind, are not allowed.
What is the Molar Mass of Ethylene Glycol?
The molar mass of a chemical compound is the total of the atomic masses of all the components that make it up. Ethylene glycol is made up of six hydrogen atoms, two carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms. As a consequence, M (Ethylene glycol molar mass) = 12 (carbon atomic mass) x 2 + 1 (hydrogen atomic mass) x 6 + 16 (oxygen atomic mass) x 2 = 62.07 (g/mol).
Properties
The molecular formula is C2H6O2.
Solubility in Water: Soluble
The boiling point is 387°F (197.6°C).
Density:
Liquid: 1.11 at 68°F (20°C).
2.14 Vapor (air = 1)
flammable liquid combustibility
The flashpoint is 232°F (111°C).
There is no chance of ionization.
Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benzene-water log K: Benz
-1.36 log Kow (estimated)
Melting point: 9°F (-13°C)
This molecule has a molecular mass of 62.07.
It is soluble in lower aliphatic alcohols, glycerol, acetic acid, acetone, and other ketones, aldehydes, pyridine, and other coal tar bases. It’s also a bit ether soluble. Benzene and its homologs are practically insoluble, as are chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ether, and oils.
Specific Gravity: 1.11
The vapor pressure is 0.06 mm Hg at 68°F (20°C).
Volatility is a term that has yet to be defined.
Process of Making Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol can be produced in a number of different ways, some of which are given below:
From Ethylene
When ethylene is hydroxylated, ethylene glycol is produced. When ethylene is treated with Baeyer’s reagent, both carbon atoms are hydroxylated (cold dilute alkaline solution of potassium permanganate).
Ethylene glycol is produced in this manner using ethylene.
Ethylene Oxide (Ethylene Oxide) is a chemical compound (Ethylene Oxide)
The hydrolysis of ethylene oxide produces ethylene glycol. When ethylene is catalytically oxidised and then hydrolyzed in the presence of acid at a high temperature, ethylene oxide is produced.
Ethylene Glycol can enter the environment in a variety of ways.
When products containing ethylene glycol are abandoned, it might end up in the environment.
In around 10 days, ethylene glycol travels through the air.
Water and soil: Ethylene glycol degrades in water and soil in a matter of days to weeks.
Ethylene glycol can disperse in a variety of ways in the environment.
Ethylene glycol can be discharged into indoor spaces as a liquid spray (aerosol), vapour, or mist, polluting the air.
Ethylene glycol has the potential to damage groundwater and surface water. It has no odour and dissolves quickly in water.
Ethylene glycol is a pollutant present in many foods.
Ethylene glycol can be discharged into the air as a liquid spray (aerosol), vapor, or mist, damaging the environment.
Agriculture- Ethylene glycol may contaminate agricultural products if sprayed as a liquid spray (aerosol) or mist; however, if released as a vapor, it is unlikely to contaminate agricultural products.
Facts to Ponder
Water miscible ethylene glycol
It is the most fundamental member of the glycol family.
It is flammable to a modest extent.
In the air, ethylene glycol takes around 10 days to decompose.
When it comes into contact with oxidizing chemicals, it reacts aggressively.
Acrid smoke is formed when the material is heated to degrade. It emits obnoxious and possibly harmful vapors.
Did You Know?
People and pets should avoid consuming ethylene glycol. It has the potential to cause severe illness and, in the worst-case scenario, death. The difficulty is that the taste of ethylene glycol is appealing to pets like dogs and cats. Your dog will die from a tablespoon of ethylene glycol, whereas your cat will die from a teaspoon. If your pet has inadvertently consumed the chemical, offer an antidote as soon as possible.
Ethylene glycol is a toxic substance having a short half-life. Propylene glycol, on the other hand, is a food and pharmaceutical additive that is considered safe
When little amounts of ethylene glycol are inhaled, death results. It’s also been used to try to commit suicide on purpose. Ethylene glycol is an odourless, agreeable liquid that is used in detergents.
Ethylene glycol (EG) is a tasteless, colourless liquid with a bittersweet flavour. It can be used in both household and commercial settings. Ethylene glycol is also a “toxic alcohol.” It signifies that, despite their molecular similarity, they are not the same entity (the active component of alcoholic beverages). If you eat it, it’s also a lot more deadly.
Conclusion:
Despite its inconvenient character, ethylene glycol is a chemical with its own purposes. This article covers a wide range of topics related to Ethylene Glycol, including its qualities, applications, and risks. You can use it to prepare for your exam by studying the topic.
