Glycerin vs Ethylene Glycol
Comprehensive comparison of Glycerin and Ethylene Glycol including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Glycerin | Ethylene Glycol | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 290 °C | 197.3 °C | Glycerin boils 92.7°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | 177 °C | 111 °C | Ethylene Glycol is more flammable |
| Density | 1.261 g/cm³ | 1.113 g/cm³ | Glycerin is denser |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water | Miscible with water | Both fully water soluble |
| pH | 5.5 - 8.0 (10% solution) | 7.0 | Similar pH range |
| Molecular Weight | 92.09 g/mol | 62.07 g/mol | Glycerin is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | 17.8 °C | -13 °C | Glycerin melts 30.8°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.00016 mmHg at 25°C | 0.06 mmHg at 20 °C | Ethylene Glycol is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 370 °C | 410 °C | Glycerin auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 3.17 (air = 1) | 2.14 (air = 1) | Glycerin vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, viscous liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Similar odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified June 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Glycerin Best For:
- Humectant
- Plasticizer
- Pharmaceutical excipient
- Cosmetic ingredient
- Antifreeze
Ethylene Glycol Best For:
- Antifreeze
- Engine coolant
- Heat transfer fluid
- Industrial solvent
- Plasticizer feedstock
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Ethylene Glycol has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Ethylene Glycol | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Glycerin | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Glycerin if:
- You specifically need support for humectant applications.
- You specifically need support for plasticizer applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Choose Ethylene Glycol if:
- You specifically need support for engine coolant applications.
- You specifically need support for heat transfer fluid applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Glycerin | Ethylene Glycol |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | 1 Quart to 330 Gallon IBC Tote for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
Request Bulk Quote
Share your quantity, pack size, and destination. We will reply with pricing, freight options, and documentation.
Prefer email? sales@alliancechemical.com
Ready to Order?
Alliance Chemical supplies both Glycerin and Ethylene Glycol in various grades and package sizes.