A Monograph of Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is an organic compound that shares characteristics with related substances like propylene glycol and glycerin – clear, syrupy, and odorless with a sweet taste. Its IUPAC name is ethane-1,2-diol but it is known also as monoethylene glycol. First discovered by Charles-Adolphe Wurtz in 1859, ethylene glycol is now produced through the reaction ethylene oxide with water.

Ethylene glycol mixes with water and attracts moisture, making it a versatile component for different industrial applications. This compound is fairly inexpensive and is readily available. It is mainly used as an antifreeze, which accounts for more than 50% of its global production, while another 40% goes to the production of polyester fibers.

Properties

• ·         Molecular formula: C₂H₆O₂
• ·         Molar mass: 62.07 g mol⁻¹
• ·         Density: 1.1132 g/cm³
• ·         Boiling point: 195°C
• ·         Melting point: -13°C
• ·         Density: 1.115 g/cm³ (20°C)
• ·         Viscosity: 26 cp (15°C)
• ·         Surface tension: 48.4 g/s² (20°C)
• ·         Vapor pressure: 0.06 mmHg (20°C)
• ·         Vapor density: 2.6 (air=1)
• ·         Heat of fusion: 11.2 kJ/mol
• ·         Heat of vaporization: 50.5 kJ/mol
• ·         Heat of combustion: -1036 kJ/mol

Uses

Because of its reactivity and solubility, ethylene glycol is found in household products like detergents, paints, deicers, and cosmetics. Its widespread use as an antifreeze is attributed to its ability to lower the freezing point of water when added. This property also made the glycol an important component for products like heat transfer fluids, coolants deicers, and water-based paints.
Ethylene glycol is also an important precursor for plastic production. It serves as a chemical intermediate for different resins to come up with bottles, lacquers, enamels, synthetic rubbers, and surface coatings. Because of its hygroscopic property, it is also a valuable component of adhesives, artificial leather, paper, textiles, and glue.

Safety

Despite its taste, ethylene glycol is poisonous if swallowed. As such, extreme care is advised when handling the compound. Keep the chemical away from children’s reach and store in a cool, dry place. Ethylene glycol should be kept away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances like chlorosulfonic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, chromium trioxide, potassium permanganate, and sodium peroxide.

When ethylene glycol is swallowed accidentally, victim first experiences symptoms similar to intoxication until more toxic effects become apparent after a few hours. It may include dizziness, vomiting, convulsion, stupor, or if not treated promptly – coma and death. A chemical overdose can damage the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. It will take as little as 120 milliliters for the chemical to be fatal.

In cases of ingestion seek immediate medical help. If the victim is alert and conscious, give to four cups of milk or water as a first aid. If the victim is unconscious, never give anything by mouth.

Glycol Refractometer

Propylene Glycol: 32F to –60F (5F Intervals & Accuracy)

Ethylene Glycol: 32F to –84F (5F Intervals & Accuracy)

Battery Fluid Specific Gravity: 1.100 to 1.400 with “Recharge”, “Fair” and “Good” Ranges (0.050 Intervals)   The scale is MUCH clearer than this scale depicts below!

Included are: a pipette for dropping test fluids onto the prism, a mini screwdriver for scale calibration, and a Users Guide.
A Glycol Refractometer unit will check your anti-freeze mixtures, and tell you what condition your battery is in! A serious tool for serious automotive people!

This model is made by the same manufacturer who makes the Glycol Refractometer for major Automotive/Tool Resellers (like the companies who drive the tool trucks around town).

One BRAND NEW Portable Glycol Refractometer in a blue, foam-lined hard plastic case. This model is designed to measure either Propylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol Antifreezes and Battery Fluid. Checking these fluids will allow you to measure your radiator and battery’s performance. The refractometer will insure that all is working properly, and not causing problems (like rust, prone to freezing, poor charging, poor cooling, etc.).

This unit is designed with Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) which allows for ambient shifts in outdoor temperatures, while still yielding accurate results. ATC works between the temperatures of 50F to -86

This unit is also fantastic for testing aviation grade hydraulic oils (like Skydrol), Glycol-based heat transfer fluids, and fire resistant hydraulic fluids used in die casting or foundry applications.

Glycerin for Soap

Glycerin for Soap is consider fairly easy to make. Glycerin for Soap is in its pure form is used in many applications such as a sweetener, solvent, antifreeze agent, moisturizing agent, emulsifier, stabilizer and many other uses. 

Finding the ideal recipe can be a tricky since its end properties largely depend on the lye to glycerin ratio. 

Here is an example of one formulation:

1) Add 20% Vegetable Glycerin with 80% Distilled Water

2) Mix the heated solution for 10 to 15 minutes with constant temperature. The trick is keep the temperature low and constant. (A beaded, mushy look will result if the heat is a too much.)

3) Always add the lye to water. (Adding water to lye may cause a dangerous chemical reaction.)

4) Add in fragrances and colors, stir

5) Pour into molds and cool. Plastic containers are the best choice

6) Leave the container partially open to allow the solution to breathe

7) Store for 4 - 7 days.

8) Ready to use