Ethylene Glycol

C₂H₆O₂

IUPAC: Ethane-1,2-diol

CAS: 107-21-1

Overview

Ethylene glycol is the primary ingredient in most automotive antifreeze. It has a sweet taste that makes it dangerous to children and pets.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
9.7%
C
Carbon ×2
38.7%
O
Oxygen ×2
51.6%

Uses

  • • Antifreeze
  • • De-icing fluid
  • • Polyester fiber (PET)
  • • Hydraulic fluid

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, which is why bitter additives (denatonium) are now required in antifreeze in many countries

Safety

  • ⚠ Toxic if ingested
  • ⚠ Sweet taste attracts children/pets
  • ⚠ Can cause kidney failure

Structure

SMILES

C(CO)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
62.07 g/mol
Density
1.1100 g/cm³
Melting Point
-12.9 °C
Boiling Point
197.3 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
62.0368
XLogP
-1.4
TPSA
40.5 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
6.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethylene Glycol?
Ethylene Glycol (C₂H₆O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Ethane-1,2-diol.
What is the molecular weight of Ethylene Glycol?
Ethylene Glycol has a molar mass of 62.07 g/mol.
What state is Ethylene Glycol at room temperature?
Ethylene Glycol is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Ethylene Glycol organic or inorganic?
Ethylene Glycol is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Ethylene Glycol?
Ethylene Glycol (C₂H₆O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).