Application of mono ethylene glycol in industries

• 10 May 2025
• Scientific articles

Application of mono ethylene glycol in industries

Mono ethylene Glycol (MEG)

Mono ethylene Glycol, also abbreviated as MEG, is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C₂H₆O₂. It is a dihydric alcohol (has two alcohol groups) and has important properties that I will mention below:

Physical and chemical properties:

Appearance: Colorless, odorless liquid

Solubility: Easily soluble in water, alcohols, and many organic solvents.

Boiling point: About 197°C

Freezing point: About -13°C (different concentrations in aqueous solutions have different freezing points)

Antifreeze property: Its most important property is to lower the freezing point of water. For this reason, it is used as antifreeze in car cooling systems.

Moisture absorption: It has the property of absorbing moisture from the air (hygroscopic).

Toxic: It is toxic and should not be consumed.

Structural features of mono ethylene glycol (MEG):

Molecular Structure: Mono ethylene glycol is an organic molecule with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to two adjacent carbon atoms. Its chemical formula is C₂H₆O₂ or HOCH₂CH₂OH.

Hydrogen bonding: Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups, MEG molecules can form strong hydrogen bonds with each other and with water molecules. This characteristic has a great influence on its physical properties.

Free rotation: The MEG molecule is allowed to rotate freely about the central carbon-carbon bond, which gives it flexibility.

Polarity: Due to the presence of electronegative hydroxyl groups, the MEG molecule is a polar molecule.

Application of mono ethylene glycol in industries:

Mono ethylene glycol (MEG) is used in a wide variety of industries due to its unique properties. Here are some of the most important of these industries and applications:

1.Automotive Industry:

• Antifreeze and Coolant: The most important application of MEG is as an antifreeze in the cooling systems of automobile engines. By lowering the freezing point of water, MEG prevents freezing and engine damage at low temperatures. It also prevents the engine from boiling at high temperatures due to its high boiling point.

2.Textile Industry:

Considering the amount of consumption and importance of application, the textile industry can be considered an industry in which mono ethylene glycol (MEG) is most widely used.

• Production of Polyester Fibers: MEG is the main raw material for the production of polyester fibers (PET). Polyester fibers are used in the production of various types of clothing, carpets, industrial fabrics, etc.
• Softener and lubricant: In the spinning and weaving processes, MEG is used as a softener and lubricant for fibers.
• High consumption rate: Due to the high volume of polyester fiber production, the consumption rate of MEG in the textile industry is much higher than in other industries.

Although the automotive industry is also a major consumer of MEG as antifreeze, its consumption is lower compared to the textile industry. This is because automobiles require less MEG and antifreeze replacement is usually done annually or every few years.

Therefore, considering the production volume and consumption, it can be said that the textile industry is the most important and largest consumer of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) in the world.

3.Plastics Industry:

• Production of PET resins: MEG is used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, which are used in the manufacture of beverage bottles, food containers, packaging films, etc.

4.Oil and Gas Industry:

• Gas Hydrate Prevention: In natural gas pipelines, MEG is used to prevent the formation of gas hydrates. Gas hydrates can clog pipes and reduce transmission efficiency.
• Natural Gas Drying: MEG is also used as a moisture absorber to dry natural gas.

5.Paint and Coating Industry:

• Solvent and Additive: MEG can be used as a solvent and additive in some paints and coatings.

6.Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Solvent: In some pharmaceutical formulations, MEG is used as a solvent (of course, with caution and under close supervision due to toxicity).

 

Risks and safety:

Toxicity: MEG is toxic and should not be consumed. Ingestion of MEG can lead to kidney damage, nerve damage, respiratory failure, and even death.

Skin and eye contact: Contact with skin and eyes can cause irritation.

Inhalation: Inhalation of MEG vapors can cause respiratory irritation.

Precautions:

• When working with MEG, wear gloves, safety glasses and protective clothing.
• If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately and show the doctor the product information.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the workplace.
• Store MEG in closed containers and out of reach of children.

 

Important Notes:

• When using MEG, always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
• Use MEG with caution and in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Avoid consuming MEG

 

Summary:

Mono ethylene glycol (MEG) is a widely used chemical compound with unique properties that plays an important role in various industries. However, due to its toxicity and potential hazards, it must be used with caution and safety precautions.