Wurtz named his new compound "glycol" because it shared qualities with both ethyl alcohol (with one hydroxyl group) and glycerin (with three hydroxyl groups). In 1859, Wurtz prepared ethylene glycol via the hydration of ethylene oxide.

Where is ethylene glycol found?

DESCRIPTION: Ethylene glycol is a useful industrial compound found in many consumer products. Examples include antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, some stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, plastics, films, and cosmetics.

Who is ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol (CAS No. 107-21-1) is a clear, colourless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste but no odour. It has low volatility. It is miscible with water and some other solvents, slightly soluble in ether, but practically insoluble in benzene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ethers, and oils.

Who discovered antifreeze?

The fascinating history of antifreeze began in Paris during the Napoleonic era: 1856: French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz develops ethylene glycol, a substance with a lower freezing point and higher boiling point than water. It also has a low viscosity, which makes it easy to pump and transmit through lines.

Why is it called ethylene glycol?

A glycol is an alcohol with two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms (a 1,2-diol). The common name ethylene glycol literally means “the glycol derived from ethylene.” The name ethylene glycol refers literally to “the glycol made from ethylene.”...

MR:EM Ethylene Glycol

33 related questions found

What is the common name for ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol, also known as ethane-1,2-diol, is the simplest member of the organic compound family glycol. A glycol is an alcohol on adjacent carbon atoms, with two hydroxyl groups. The common name ethylene glycol simply means “ethylene derived glycol.”

What color is ethylene glycol?

The color of healthy engine coolant is green (for ethylene glycol) or orange (for Dexcool). A rusty color indicates that the rust inhibitor in the coolant has broken down and it can no longer control rust and scale buildup.

Why do alcoholics drink antifreeze?

Alcoholics may also drink it as a substitute for alcohol (ethanol). Ethylene glycol is itself relatively nontoxic. However, it is metabolized (changed) in the body by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid, which are highly toxic compounds.

What color is the antifreeze?

Most people think of antifreeze or coolant as green. For years many antifreeze/coolants were green in color but now many coolants come in a variety of colors. Antifreeze or coolant can be yellow, pink or red, blue, and green.

Why is ethylene glycol used in antifreeze?

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is used in the cooling of a car radiator during the winter because it has a much lower freezing point than water. ... Its role in an automobile is to absorb heat from the engine. When the temperature of the coolant increases to its boiling point, the system boils over.

How is ethylene glycol made?

The EO is first produced by the oxidation of ethylene in the presence of oxygen or air and a silver oxide catalyst. A crude ethylene glycol mixture is then produced by the hydrolysis of EO with water under pressure. The water-glycol mixture is fed to evaporators where the water is recovered and recycled.

What is glycol made of?

glycol, any of a class of organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family; in the molecule of a glycol, two hydroxyl (―OH) groups are attached to different carbon atoms. The term is often applied to the simplest member of the class, ethylene glycol.

What foods contain ethylene glycol?

Examples of packaged foods that contain the product include:

• Seasoning blends.
• Dried soups.
• Salad dressings.
• Baking mixes for foods like cakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, biscuits, cupcakes, and pancakes.
• Powdered drink mixes.
• Flavored teas.
• Soft drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages.

Is ethylene glycol edible?

Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and is not used in food products. Summary Propylene glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid that belongs to the same chemical class as alcohol.

What does glycol smell like?

There are two types of glycol that can be used in your system: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol provides superior performance but is toxic to humans and animals. Unfortunately, it has a sweet smell and taste that attracts animals, which can cause significant health issues.

Why is my coolant red?

There are standard anti-freezes that are red and cars that have Dexcool® will be labeled as such. Another myth is that Dexcool® is not glycol based. ... Both ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG) are used as the antifreeze base. From here the additional additives and inhibitors are added.

Can I mix coolants?

The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.

Why is Toyota coolant red?

The pink coolant is an OAT (organic acid technology) that typically has a longer service life. The red coolant on the other hand is an IAT (inorganic acid technology) that is considered to be more “conventional” but still longer lasting than some other coolants on the market.

Can you drink in the army?

Defense Department rules require that all U.S. military facilities follow the 21 drinking age, but overseas bases can drop their drinking age as low as 18 based on their host country’s laws. Base commanders also can set the limit at 21, regardless of the foreign laws, at their discretion.

Is antifreeze still sweet?

Most antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze tastes sweet but is highly toxic to both humans and animals. ... While this is a step in the right direction that will undoubtedly save lives, consumers should still be encouraged use antifreeze made from propylene glycol instead.

Can antifreeze be detected in an autopsy?

An autopsy determined that the victim's kidneys contained a substance suspected to be ethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze. If taken in small doses, ethylene glycol will crystallize in the kidneys and eventually kill a person, police said in court records.

Why is coolant orange?

Why is Antifreeze Orange? If antifreeze is orange, it was most likely made with a more modern formula based around what are known as Organic Acid Technologies. ... While OAT antifreeze is designed to last much longer than IAT antifreeze, it's still a good idea to have your orange coolant checked about every 50,000 miles.

What coolant is red?

Red antifreeze is commercially known as Dexcool® that lasts longer than other types of antifreeze. Green antifreeze is the regular form of antifreeze. Red antifreeze is a developed form of antifreeze.

What is Dex cool?

ACDelco DEX-COOL® is an ethylene glycol based fluid that provides maintenance-free protection against freezing and boiling but also against corrosion. Extended coolant life, often for the whole life of the engine or vehicle, is obtained through the use of virtually non-depleting corrosion inhibitors.