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Diethylene Glycol, Ethylene Glycol, Ethylene Diglycol, Diglycol, DEG, 111-46-6

Diethylene Glycol, Ethylene Diglycol, Diglycol, DEG, 111-46-6

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS)

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

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION

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

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES (SPECIFICATIONS)

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) - -

3. CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

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.

4. MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL USE

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.

5. SAFETY INFORMATION (SUMMARY)

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.

6. STORAGE AND HANDLING

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.

7. REGULATORY INFORMATION AND LABELING

  • 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)

8. ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS

Based on the detailed review of the provided source text, the following technical adjustments have been made in this official TDS:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

9. SECTORAL SUITABILITY AND COMPLIANCE

(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.

10. FORMULATION GUIDELINES & USAGE RECIPES

(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.

10.1. Textile Printing Paste (Humectant Recipe)

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

10.2. Industrial Hard Surface Cleaner (Low Foam)

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

10.3. Aircraft De-icing Fluid (Type I Fluid Base)

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

11. NOMENCLATURE AND ALTERNATIVE GRADES

(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.

12. TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES

(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.

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