Mono ethylene glycol (also known as MEG, EG, 1,2-ethanediol or 1,2-Dihydroxyethane) is an organic compound with the formula C2H6O2. It is a slightly viscous liquid with a clear, colourless appearance and a sweet taste that emits virtually no odour. It’s miscible with water, alcohols, and many other organic compounds and is primarily used in the industry for manufacturing polyester fibres and as a component in the production of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft anti-icers and de-icers.
Chemical and physical properties of mono ethylene glycol:
Mono ethylene glycol is produced industrially using ethylene oxide via hydrolysis. Ethylene oxide is obtained through oxidation and is then reacted with water to give mono ethylene glycol with di and tri ethylene glycols as co-products:
C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH
Mono ethylene glycol is also manufactured via the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate in the presence of a copper catalyst or via the acetoxylation of ethylene.
Mono ethylene glycol has an NFPA health rating of 2, indicating that overexposure to the skin and eyes can cause irritation and residual injury. Inhaling vapours is not deemed hazardous; however consumption of liquid form can cause injury. It has a flammability rating of 1 which indicates that it requires sufficient preheating for ignition to occur. An instability rating of 0 suggests that mono ethylene glycol is usually stable. Mono ethylene glycol’s vapours are heavier than air and will travel to surrounding areas.
A primary industry use of mono ethylene glycol is in antifreeze applications where it is a component in the manufacture of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft ani-icer and de-icers due to its ability to depress the freezing temperature of water. It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and cooling systems such as in vehicles and air-conditioning units as it acts as a coolant and heat transfer agent.
There is strong global demand for Mono ethylene glycol in the plastic industry as it is a vital ingredient in the production of polyester fibres, films, and resins, one of which is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is then converted into plastic bottles which are used globally. It is estimated that 70-80% of all the MEG consumed is used as a chemical intermediate in these polyester production processes.
Mono ethylene glycol is also used as a solvent in paints and electrolytic condensers, as a desiccant in gas pipelines to prohibit the formation of clathrates, as a chemical intermediate in the production of capacitors, as an industrial humectant in fibres, adhesives, cellophane, synthetic waxes. It is also found in other industrial products such as plasticizers, processing aids, adhesives, additives and surface treating agents.
Mono ethylene glycol is found in many consumer products such as antifreeze, ani-icer, de-icers, brake fluids, adhesives, automotive care products, cosmetics, toners, fabrics, inks, pens, paints, plastics and coatings.
MEGlobal’s monoethylene glycol (MEG) is a basic building block used for applications that require:
Ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol) in its pure form, is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid.
Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol according to the chemical equation
C2H4O + H2O → HOCH2CH2OH
This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, ethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved. The major byproducts are the ethylene glycol oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol.
Precautions: Carefully review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Overexposure through improper storage, handling or use could lead to serious health risks.
MEGlobal supports the sale of MEG for use in the traditional standard industrial applications only.
MEGlobal does not knowingly market its ethylene glycol products into non-supported applications.
Q: Do you export Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)?
A: Yes, our MEG is used in antifreeze, PET manufacturing, and polyester fiber production, supplied in bulk IBC tanks or drums.
