Diethylene glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic, odorless sweetish liquid.
Mixes without limitation with water, lower alcohols, glycols, cellosolves, carbitols, acetone, chloroform, phenol.
Partially soluble in benzene, toluene, styrene, diethyl ether, carbon tetrachloride, phthalates.
Diethylene glycol poorly dissolves mineral and vegetable oils.
Diethylene glycol is an ether of ethylene glycol. It has the chemical properties of ethers and glycols.
Able to esterify under the action of carboxylic acids and their anhydrides, forming complex mono - and diesters.
With aldehydes and ketones, it enters into condensation reactions with the formation of cyclic acetals,
for example, with acetone, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3,6-trioxacyclooctane is obtained:
Diethylene glycol is toxic, irritating to the skin. If swallowed, acts on the central nervous system and kidneys. by the reaction of monoethylene glycol (MEG) with ethylene oxide at 160-180 ° C in a molar ratio of ethylene oxide: MEG = 1: 2. Reaction yield ~ 60%:
(CH2) 2O + HOCH2CH2OH -> HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH
Diethylene glycol is used
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as an intermediate product in the production of 1,4-dioxane, tetraethylene glycol, morpholine and a number of other products.
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as a raw material in the production of esters, polyurethanes, oligoester acrylates, polyalkylene glycol maleinates;
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as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals;
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as a humidifier for tobacco, cork;
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as an anti-drying agent for inks and adhesives;
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as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers;
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as a highly efficient extractant of aromatic hydrocarbons from the products of catalytic reforming of petroleum products;
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as a dehumidifier for gases;
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solvent for cellulose nitrates, polyester resins, dyes;
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as a component of cooling, hydraulic and brake fluids;