What are the uses of monoethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the formula CH2OH (2). Ethylene glycol is mainly used as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and antifreeze formulations. The widespread use of this material as an antifreeze is based on its ability to lower the freezing point when combined with water. Monoethylene glycol is a useful industrial compound found in many consumer goods, including automotive antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, some stamp and pen inks, solvents, paints, plastics, films, and cosmetics. This substance is also used as a drug carrier. Consuming large amounts of monoethylene glycol may cause kidney and liver damage and even death. The liquid is irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, ensuring proper precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary exposure.
History of monoethylene glycol production
Monoethylene glycol was first prepared by French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz from ethylene glycol through saponification in 1859. Later, the United States began semi-commercial production of ethylene glycol via ethylene chloride hydrogenation in 1917. The first large commercial ethylene glycol production plant was established in 1925. By 1929, this substance was widely used by almost all dynamite manufacturers, which led to the issuance of a license to use this product in 1953.
How is monoethylene glycol (MEG) produced?
MEG is produced from ethylene via ethylene oxide. In this process, ethylene oxide reacts with raw materials and according to the desired chemical equation, ethylene glycol is produced. In this process, acids and bases are used as catalysts and it can even produce these substances at acidic or neutral pH level at high temperature. The highest amount of ethylene glycol can be obtained at an acidic or neutral pH with an excess of water. Almost 90% of ethylene glycol can be obtained under these conditions. The prominent by-products of this process are: triethylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol and oligomers of diethylene glycol.