Uses
Ethanediol is mainly used in the manufacture of coolants or antifreeze for cars, aircraft and ships. It is used in the plastics industry to make polyester fibres and resins, including polyethylene terephthalate, which is used to make plastic bottles for soft drinks. It is used as a solvent in the paint industry, in the formulation of printer inks, stamp pad inks and biros inks, as a softening agent for cellophane etc.
Definition
ChEBI: Ethylene glycol is a 1,2-glycol compound produced via reaction of ethylene oxide with water. It has a role as a metabolite, a toxin, a solvent and a mouse metabolite. It is a glycol and an ethanediol.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of vapor is not hazardous. Ingestion causes stupor or coma, sometimes leading to fatal kidney injury.
Synthesis
Ethanediol is produced by direct oxidation of ethylene with air or oxygen using ethylene, followed by hydration of ethylene oxide.
