Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a versatile and essential chemical compound known for its colorless, odorless nature and sweet taste. Primarily utilized in numerous industrial and commercial applications, DEG serves as an efficient antifreeze, brake fluid component, and humectant. Its ability to lower the freezing point of water enhances its application in antifreeze formulations, ensuring optimal engine performance during cold weather. Furthermore, DEG plays a critical role in brake fluids, preventing boiling and aeration to maintain brake efficiency under high-temperature conditions. Beyond these applications, DEG acts as a humectant in tobacco products, retains moisture in paper products, provides adhesion in glues, and serves as an effective solvent for organic compounds including dyes, resins, and oils. Additional uses of DEG extend to plasticizers in PVC products, lubricants in hydraulic fluids, and formulations in cosmetics, ensuring flexibility and moisture retention. Despite its toxicity when ingested or inhaled in large quantities, properly used DEG is a valuable asset in industrial applications. It’s crucial to handle DEG with care, adhering strictly to manufacturer guidelines to mitigate toxicity risks.
Key Features
Features | Description |
---|---|
Appearance | Colorless and odorless liquid |
Taste | Sweet-tasting |
Primary Uses | Antifreeze, brake fluid, humectant |
Solvent Properties | Solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils |
Safety Precautions | Toxic if ingested; proper handling required |
Attributes | Description |
---|---|
Chemical Formula | C4H10O3 |
Molecular Weight | 102.13 g/mol |
Boiling Point | 244 °C |
Freezing Point | -6 °C |
Density | 1.118 g/cm³ |
Solubility | Completely soluble in water |
Flash Point | 111 °C |
*Disclaimer: The above description has been AI-generated and has not been audited or verified for accuracy. It is recommended to verify product details independently before making any purchasing decisions.
Brand: Reliance
Country Of Origin: India
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid that is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Some of its common uses include:
1. Antifreeze: DEG is a major component of antifreeze, as it is a good solvent
for water and other solvents. It helps to lower the freezing point of water,
which prevents engines from freezing in cold weather.
2. Brake fluid: DEG is also used in brake fluid, as it helps to prevent the fluid
from boiling and becoming aerated. This helps to ensure that the brakes
operate properly, even under high temperatures.
3. Humectant: DEG is a humectant, which means that it attracts water. This
property makes it useful in a variety of applications, such as:
4. Tobacco products: DEG is used to control the moisture content of tobacco
products, which helps to prevent them from drying out.
5. Paper: DEG is used to treat paper to make it more water-resistant.
6. Glue: DEG is used in some glues to help them adhere to surfaces.
7. Solvent: DEG is a good solvent for a variety of organic compounds,
including nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, and oils. This makes it useful in a
variety of applications, such as:
---> Printing inks: DEG is used in printing inks to help them flow more
easily and to prevent them from clogging the printing press.
---> Dyeing: DEG is used in dyeing to help the dye adhere to the fabric.
---> Petroleum refining: DEG is used in petroleum refining to extract
aromatic compounds from crude oil.
In addition to these common uses, DEG is also used in a variety of other applications, such as:
Plasticizer: DEG is used as a plasticizer in some plastics, such as PVC. This helps to make the plastics more flexible and less brittle.
Lubricant: DEG is used as a lubricant in some applications, such as hydraulic fluids.
Cosmetics: DEG is used in some cosmetics, such as lotions and creams.
DEG is a relatively safe substance when used in the proper amounts. However, it can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Symptoms of DEG poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, seizures, and coma. In severe cases, DEG poisoning can be fatal.
Due to its toxicity, DEG is no longer used in many consumer products. However, it is still used in some industrial applications, such as antifreeze and brake fluid. When using DEG, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid exposure.