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Send EmailDiethylene Glycol, Ethylene Diglycol, Diglycol, DEG, 111-46-6
| Product Name | Diethylene Glycol (DEG) |
|---|---|
| Document No | TDS-DEG-2026-01-EN |
| Revision Date | April 20, 2026 |
| Revision No | 2.0 |
| Formula | C₄H₁₀O₃ |
| CAS Number | 111-46-6 |
Diethylene Glycol is a co-product of ethylene glycol manufacture or produced via ethylene oxide hydration. It is a clear, colorless, practically odorless, and hygroscopic liquid. Due to its molecular structure, it possesses a higher boiling point and significantly higher viscosity compared to Monoethylene Glycol (MEG).
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 2,2'-Oxydiethanol |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₁₀O₃ / (HOCH₂CH₂)₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 106.12 g/mol |
| EC Number | 203-872-2 |
| RTECS Number | ID5950000 |
| Common Synonyms | Diglycol, 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethanol, Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether, 3-Oxa-1,5-pentanediol |
Technical Correction Note: The source text described DEG as having "low viscosity." This is technically inaccurate for industrial applications. DEG has medium-to-high viscosity relative to water and standard solvents. The table below reflects accurate physical constants.
| Parameter | Specification / Value | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless, Free of Particulates | - | Visual |
| Purity (GC) | Min. 99.50 | % wt | GC-FID |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | Max. 0.10 | % wt | ASTM E203 |
| Color (Pt-Co/APHA) | Max. 10 | - | ASTM D1209 |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | Max. 0.005 | % wt | ASTM D1613 |
| Iron (Fe) Content | Max. 0.5 | ppm | ASTM E394 |
| Density (at 20°C) | 1.1155 - 1.1180 | g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Boiling Range (760 mmHg) | 244 - 246 | °C | ASTM D1078 |
| Freezing / Melting Point | -10.5 | °C | ASTM D1177 |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | 124 | °C | ASTM D93 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 228 | °C | ASTM E659 |
| Viscosity (at 20°C) | 35.7 | cP (mPa·s) | ASTM D445 |
| Vapor Pressure (at 20°C) | < 0.01 | mmHg | Calculated |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.4472 - 1.4478 | - | ASTM D1218 |
| Hygroscopicity | High (Readily absorbs moisture from air) | - | - |
The product is stable under normal storage conditions but is incompatible with the following materials.
| Material Group | Reaction Type / Hazard Warning |
|---|---|
| Strong Oxidizers | Violent reaction or fire hazard with Peroxides, Nitric Acid, Perchloric Acid. |
| Strong Acids | Decomposition and heat generation upon contact with Sulfuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid. |
| Strong Bases | Risk of exothermic decomposition when heated with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) above 230°C (446°F). |
| Isocyanates | Controlled reaction in PU applications; uncontrolled polymerization and heat release possible. |
| Dehydrating Agents | Chemical degradation due to removal of structural water/hydroxyl groups. |
DEG's high boiling point and humectant properties make it essential for the following industrial processes.
| Industry | Application | Functional Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polymers / Plastics | Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Polyurethanes, Plasticizers | Acts as a chain extender and soft segment component. |
| Oil & Gas | Natural Gas Dehydration | Acts as a desiccant in dehydration units (often upstream of TEG). Used as a selective solvent for aromatic extraction. |
| Printing & Dyeing | Textile Printing Pastes, Inks | Functions as a humectant and solvent to prevent dye drying and clogging. |
| Transportation | Aircraft & Rail De-icing Fluids | Lowers the freezing point of water; provides adherence to surfaces when combined with thickeners. |
| Adhesives | Water-based Glues | Viscosity modifier and thinner; extends open time. |
| Tobacco & Industrial | Humidification Agent | WARNING: Use in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics is PROHIBITED due to high toxicity. Only technical grade for specific industrial processes. |
Critical Warning: This compound is toxic if ingested and must never be used in products intended for human or animal consumption.
| Section | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity | Toxic by ingestion. Target organs: Central Nervous System, Liver, and Kidneys. |
| Symptoms of Poisoning | Early: Resembles alcohol intoxication (dizziness, slurred speech). Late: Severe metabolic acidosis, renal failure, seizures, coma. |
| First Aid (Ingestion) | DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. High risk of aspiration (lung entry). Seek immediate medical attention. Antidote therapy (Fomepizole/Ethanol) may be required. |
| Skin Contact | Generally non-irritating but prolonged contact defats skin. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. |
| Inhalation | Low risk at room temperature due to low vapor pressure. If mist or heated vapor is inhaled, move to fresh air. |
| Criteria | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Material Compatibility | Stainless Steel (304, 316), Aluminum. Avoid: Copper and its alloys (causes discoloration). Mild steel may rust over long term. |
| Storage Temperature | Recommended: 15 - 40 °C. Do not allow to freeze (below -10°C). If frozen, thaw carefully with low-pressure steam tracing. |
| Moisture Control | Due to hygroscopic nature, store under Nitrogen (N₂) Blanket or use a Desiccant Breather to prevent water absorption. |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Chemical safety goggles, Butyl rubber or Neoprene gloves. |
Classification (GHS / CLP):
H302: Harmful if swallowed.
H373: May cause damage to organs (Kidneys) through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS08 (Health Hazard)
Based on the detailed review of the provided source text, the following technical adjustments have been made in this official TDS:
Viscosity Correction: The source text description "Low viscosity" has been corrected. DEG is a viscous liquid (approx. 36 cP at 20°C), which is more than twice as viscous as Ethylene Glycol (MEG) and significantly thicker than water.
Sweet Taste Warning: The source lists "Sweet taste" as a property. While technically true, this is a severe safety hazard as it can lead to accidental ingestion by children or animals. This TDS explicitly links this property to a strict prohibition on food use.
Reactivity Specifics: The specific temperature for exothermic reaction with Sodium Hydroxide (446°F / 230°C) has been retained as it is a valid, specific process safety data point for high-temperature operations.
(Sektörel Uygunluk ve Mevzuat Durumu)
This section clarifies which industries can legally and technically utilize Diethylene Glycol and under what restrictions.
| Sector / Application | Suitability Status | Compliance Notes / Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Solvents | Approved / Suitable | Widely used in paints, inks, and industrial cleaning. Compliant with REACH and TSCA for industrial use. |
| Plastics & Polymers | Approved / Suitable | Standard raw material for polyester resins and plasticizers (e.g., DEG Dibenzoate). |
| Natural Gas Dehydration | Approved / Suitable | Meets pipeline specifications for hydrate inhibition. |
| Antifreeze / Coolants | Conditional | Suitable for industrial heat transfer fluids and de-icing. NOT suitable for automotive engine coolants where human/animal exposure is likely (MEG or MPG preferred due to lower toxicity). |
| Food & Beverage Industry | STRICTLY PROHIBITED | Cannot be used as a sweetener, solvent, or humectant in any food item. Historically linked to fatal mass poisonings. |
| Pharmaceuticals | STRICTLY PROHIBITED | Banned as an excipient (e.g., in cough syrup or toothpaste) by FDA and EMA. Only MEG or Propylene Glycol (PG) USP grade is allowed. |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | STRICTLY PROHIBITED | Banned by EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and US FDA. Cannot substitute Propylene Glycol. |
| Tobacco Processing | Technically Suitable | Used as industrial humectant in some regions for tobacco casing, but subject to strict purity testing for Diethylene Glycol in Tobacco Products limits. |
(Kullanım Reçeteleri ve Formülasyon Örnekleri)
Disclaimer: These are representative starting point formulations for industrial applications. Exact ratios depend on specific grade of raw materials and desired end-product properties.
Objective: Prevent screen clogging and dye drying during rotary printing.
| Component | Parts by Weight | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Alginate Thickener (Stock Paste) | 80 - 85 | Viscosity Carrier |
| Diethylene Glycol (DEG) | 5 - 10 | Humectant / Solvent |
| Urea | 5 - 10 | Dye Solubilizer |
| Defoamer | 0.5 | Processing Aid |
| Water / Dye Solution | Balance to 100 | Medium |
Objective: Degreasing metal parts with low volatility.
| Component | % Weight | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Diethylene Glycol (DEG) | 15 - 25% | Coupling Agent / Solvent |
| Sodium Metasilicate | 2 - 5% | Alkalinity Builder |
| Nonionic Surfactant (EO/PO Block) | 3 - 7% | Detergency |
| Tetrasodium EDTA | 1 - 2% | Chelating Agent |
| Water | Balance to 100 | Medium |
Objective: Freezing point depression and surface wetting.
| Component | % Weight (Typical Range) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 40 - 50% | Primary Solvent |
| Propylene Glycol (MPG) | 40 - 50% | Primary Freeze Point Depressant |
| Diethylene Glycol (DEG) | 5 - 10% | Viscosity Enhancer & Holdover Time Extender |
| Surfactant Package | 0.5 - 1.0% | Wetting Agent |
| Corrosion Inhibitor | 0.1 - 0.5% | Triazole/Benzoate blend |
(Diğer İsimler, Eş Anlamlılar ve Alternatif Kimyasallar)
This table distinguishes between Synonyms (same chemical) and Alternatives (different chemicals used for the same function).
| Name / Term | Type | Relationship to DEG |
|---|---|---|
| 2,2'-Oxydiethanol | IUPAC Name | Exact Match (Same Molecule) |
| Diglycol | Trade / Short Name | Exact Match (Same Molecule) |
| Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether | Chemical Descriptor | Exact Match (Same Molecule) |
| DEG | Acronym | Exact Match (Same Molecule) |
| Propylene Glycol (MPG) | Functional Alternative | DIFFERENT MOLECULE. Lower toxicity. Used where DEG is banned (Food/Cosmetics). |
| Triethylene Glycol (TEG) | Higher Homologue | DIFFERENT MOLECULE. Heavier, higher boiling point. Preferred for Gas Dehydration over DEG. |
| Ethylene Glycol (MEG) | Lower Homologue | DIFFERENT MOLECULE. Lighter, more toxic (metabolizes to Oxalic Acid). DEG is a dimer of MEG. |
| Glycerine | Functional Alternative | DIFFERENT MOLECULE. Natural humectant. Safer but less effective as a solvent than DEG. |
(Teknik Tavsiyeler ve En İyi Uygulamalar)
Based on the analysis of the provided physical properties, the following operational recommendations are made:
1. Temperature Management for Pumping:
Issue: DEG has a viscosity of ~36 cP at 20°C and a freezing point of -10°C.
Recommendation: In cold climates, storage tanks and transfer lines MUST be heat traced and insulated to maintain a minimum temperature of 15-20°C. Failure to do so results in cavitation of centrifugal pumps and incomplete tank drainage due to high wall adhesion.
2. Moisture Exclusion (Critical Quality Control):
Issue: DEG is highly hygroscopic. If left open to atmosphere, it will absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, diluting the purity and reducing boiling point/efficiency.
Recommendation: Always purge storage tanks with Dry Nitrogen (N₂) or install a Silica Gel Breather on the tank vent. Never use compressed air for transfer as it introduces ambient humidity.
3. Gasket and Seal Selection:
Issue: DEG is a mild solvent for certain rubbers.
Recommendation: Use EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) or PTFE (Teflon) gaskets. Avoid Natural Rubber or Nitrile (Buna-N) unless specifically rated for glycol service, as swelling may occur over time.
4. Analytical Substitution Warning:
Issue: The sweet taste and clear appearance lead to accidental substitution in small-scale manufacturing (e.g., mixing up Propylene Glycol drums with DEG drums).
Recommendation: Drums must be clearly labeled and ideally color-coded (e.g., DEG: Orange stripe / PG: Green stripe). Store DEG in a physically segregated area from food-grade or cosmetic-grade raw materials to prevent cross-contamination.