Ethylene glycol

Ethylene glycol (CAS 107-21-1), commonly traded as MEG or monoethylene glycol, is a dihydric alcohol used as an antifreeze agent, solvent, and polymer building block.

Where is Ethylene glycol used?

• Automotive and HVAC: base component in engine coolants and antifreeze formulations
• Polyester and PET: co-monomer in bottle-grade resin, packaging film, and textile fiber
• Personal care: humectant and solvent in lotions, creams, and hair care
• Paper and leather processing: conditioning and softening agent
• Its low freezing point depression and high boiling point make it a primary functional ingredient in heat transfer and coolant systems.
• Used in hydraulic brake fluids.
• Serves as a raw material in the production of fiberglass.
• Functions as a heat transfer fluid in solar thermal panels.
• Used as a dehydrating agent, for example to remove water from natural gas.

Formulation notes

• Used in antifreeze at a concentration range of 80% to 99%.
• A 50/50 mix with water provides freeze protection to -1 °C and boil protection to 129 °C.
• Ethylene glycol-based hydraulic fluids are compatible with rubber seals and hoses, preventing leaks and system degradation.

Typical specification

• Freezing point -13 °C.

Regulatory status

• Classified as harmful if swallowed (H302) under the harmonized CLP classification.
• The ACGIH TLV-TWA is 25 ppm (vapor fraction) as of 2016.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.