Chemical laboratory

Ethylene Glycol

High-Purity Antifreeze and Industrial Heat Transfer Fluid

  • CAS 107-21-1
  • Formula C₂H₆O₂
  • Flash Pt 111 °C
  • Density 1.113 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 197.3 °C °C
Flash point 111 °C °C
Density 1.113 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph 7.0 -
Molecular weight 62.07 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -13 °C °C
Vapor pressure 0.06 mmHg at 20 °C mmHg
Autoignition temp 410 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density 2.14 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Ethylene Glycol (C₂H₆O₂) is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid widely recognized for its exceptional antifreeze properties and versatility across multiple industrial applications. With complete water miscibility and a low freezing point of -13°C, this diol compound serves as a critical component in automotive cooling systems, industrial heat transfer operations, and chemical manufacturing processes. Alliance Chemical supplies high-purity ethylene glycol that meets stringent industry standards for consistent performance and reliability.

Key Applications

  • Automotive Antifreeze & Coolant: The primary use in engine cooling systems, providing freeze protection and heat transfer efficiency while preventing corrosion in radiators and engine blocks.
  • Industrial Heat Transfer: Essential fluid for HVAC systems, industrial chillers, and process cooling applications where temperature control is critical for equipment operation.
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Key precursor in polyester and PET plastic production, serving as a building block for synthetic fibers, bottles, and packaging materials.
  • Deicing Operations: Aircraft and runway deicing applications where its low freezing point and thermal properties ensure safe winter operations.

Safety & Handling

Ethylene glycol has a flash point of 111°C and autoignition temperature of 410°C, making it relatively safe to handle under normal conditions. However, proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and adequate ventilation are essential. The low vapor pressure (0.06 mmHg at 20°C) minimizes inhalation risks, but enclosed spaces should maintain proper air circulation. Workers should avoid skin contact and ingestion, as ethylene glycol can be toxic if absorbed or consumed.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store ethylene glycol in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Recommended storage temperature ranges from 15-25°C in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption. The product is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and should be kept in dedicated chemical storage areas. When properly stored, ethylene glycol maintains its chemical properties indefinitely. Use appropriate secondary containment and ensure containers are clearly labeled with safety information.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides same-day shipping of Ethylene Glycol from our Taylor, Texas facility, ensuring rapid delivery across the region. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to support your regulatory compliance and quality assurance requirements. Our technical support team assists with product selection and application guidance.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) and what is it used for?
Ethylene glycol (CAS 107-21-1) is a colorless, viscous organic liquid used as an industrial antifreeze/heat transfer fluid, corrosion inhibitor carrier, and solvent. It is also used in laboratory reagents and as a raw material for polyester production and other chemical syntheses.
How should ethylene glycol be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from incompatible materials and ignition sources; keep out of direct sunlight and below 30 °C when possible. Unopened, tightly sealed drums/IBCs typically have a shelf life of 1–3 years depending on grade and supplier; consult the product documentation for specific shelf‑life guidance.
What are the safety and handling precautions for ethylene glycol?
Use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, and chemical‑resistant clothing) and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhalation and skin contact; wash thoroughly after handling. Ethylene glycol is toxic if ingested and can cause irritation; follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for first aid, spill response, and personal protection measures.
How do different concentrations of ethylene glycol affect performance?
Performance properties such as freezing point depression, boiling point elevation, viscosity, and heat transfer depend on concentration; a common 50/50 (by volume) coolant solution substantially lowers freezing point (down to roughly −35 °C depending on measurement basis). For laboratory or cryoprotectant uses, specific concentration ranges are selected to achieve target thermal or biological effects—refer to technical data for exact curves.
What documentation is available for ethylene glycol products?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and regulatory compliance documents (e.g., REACH, RoHS where applicable). Request batch COAs for analytical results such as purity, water content, and impurity profile.
How is ethylene glycol shipped and what packaging options are common?
Ethylene glycol is commonly shipped in 20–250 L steel or plastic drums, 1,000 L IBC totes, and bulk tankers for large volumes; packaging must meet local transport regulations. Transport classification can vary by jurisdiction and formulation—always consult the SDS and the carrier for applicable ADR/IMDG/IATA/DOT requirements.
What materials is ethylene glycol compatible with and what should be avoided?
Ethylene glycol is generally compatible with steel, aluminum, copper, brass and many plastics such as HDPE and polypropylene, and elastomers like EPDM and Viton are commonly used for seals. Avoid prolonged contact with natural rubber, some neoprene and certain paints/coatings without verification; perform compatibility testing for critical systems.
What are the key technical specifications for ethylene glycol?
Typical specifications include CAS 107-21-1, formula C2H6O2, molecular weight ~62.07 g/mol, colorless liquid, density ≈1.11 g/mL at 20 °C, boiling point ≈197 °C and melting point ≈−12.9 °C; purity grades vary (industrial, reagent, USP) and may list water content and limits for diethylene glycol. Check the product COA/TDS for exact specification values for the grade you purchase.
Which industries and applications commonly use ethylene glycol?
Industries include HVAC and power generation (heat transfer fluids), automotive (engine coolants), chemical manufacturing (polyester production and solvent), and research laboratories (reagents and cryoprotectants). It is used anywhere freezing protection, heat transfer, or as a chemical intermediate is required.
How can I purchase ethylene glycol and what availability should I expect?
Ethylene glycol is widely available from chemical distributors in multiple grades and pack sizes; order quantities range from lab‑scale bottles to bulk tanker deliveries. Lead times depend on grade and volume—contact suppliers for current stock, minimum order quantities, pricing, and delivery options.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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