Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
Product Overview
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an organic chemical compound belonging to the glycol family, specifically an ether diol. It is generally supplied as a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a relatively high boiling point, low volatility at ambient temperature, and complete miscibility with water. These properties make DEG a useful chemical intermediate and formulation component in various industrial applications.
Diethylene Glycol has the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O₃ and a molecular weight of 106.12 g/mol. Its molecular structure contains two terminal hydroxyl groups and one ether linkage. The hydroxyl groups enable DEG to participate in chemical reactions such as esterification, while the ether linkage contributes to its physicochemical characteristics and solvent behavior.
DEG is used in the manufacture of selected polyester resins, ester derivatives, chemical intermediates, certain plasticizer intermediates, and industrial formulations. Its suitability for a particular application depends on the required product grade, purity, water content, acidity, color, impurity profile, and process conditions.
Chemical Structure and Identification
The chemical name of DEG is Diethylene Glycol. It is also known as 2,2′-Oxydiethanol, Ethylene Diglycol, and 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethanol.
Its molecular structure can be represented as:
HO–CH₂–CH₂–O–CH₂–CH₂–OH
The two hydroxyl groups provide reactive sites for selected chemical transformations, while the ether oxygen forms part of the molecular backbone. These structural characteristics influence the compound's polarity, hydrogen-bonding behavior, water compatibility, and suitability as a chemical intermediate.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Diethylene Glycol is characterized by complete miscibility with water, a relatively high boiling point, and comparatively low volatility under ambient conditions. Its physical properties are relevant to industrial formulation, chemical synthesis, and process design.
Typical reference properties include a molecular weight of 106.12 g/mol, a boiling point of approximately 245–246 °C at atmospheric pressure, and a density of approximately 1.118–1.120 g/cm³ at 20 °C. Actual values may vary with sample composition, purity, temperature, and the measurement method.
These values are provided for general technical reference and do not constitute guaranteed specifications for a commercial batch.
Industrial Applications
Polyester Resin Manufacturing
DEG can be used as a chemical building block in the manufacture of selected polyester resins and unsaturated polyester systems. Its hydroxyl groups can react with suitable carboxylic acids or their derivatives during esterification and polyester formation.
The incorporation of DEG may influence polymer-chain flexibility, polarity, glass-transition behavior, and other physical properties. The actual effect depends on the complete formulation, the other monomers used, and the polymerization conditions.
Plasticizer and Ester Derivatives
Diethylene Glycol can serve as a starting material for the preparation of certain ester derivatives used in industrial formulations. The properties and suitability of the resulting compounds depend on their chemical structure, synthesis route, and intended application.
The use of DEG as a raw material for manufacturing an ester must be distinguished from the direct use of DEG in the final formulation.
Chemical Intermediates
The two hydroxyl groups of DEG provide reactive sites for esterification and other chemical transformations. Accordingly, DEG can be used in the preparation of selected organic derivatives, specialty chemicals, and intermediates for industrial chemical processes.
Industrial Formulations and Specialty Solvent Systems
The polarity, water miscibility, and relatively low volatility of DEG may be beneficial in selected industrial formulations. Its suitability as a solvent or formulation component should be evaluated according to the solubility requirements, drying behavior, viscosity, material compatibility, and safety requirements of the intended application.
Cement Grinding Aid Formulations
Glycol compounds, including DEG, may be used in certain cement grinding aid formulations. Their effectiveness depends on the cement composition, grinding conditions, formulation design, and dosage. Performance should be confirmed through appropriate laboratory or industrial trials.
Selected Industrial Fluid Systems
DEG may be considered for certain specialized glycol-based systems where its physical and chemical properties meet the design requirements. However, its suitability for heat-transfer, cooling, or antifreeze applications must be evaluated for the specific formulation, operating temperature, corrosion behavior, toxicity requirements, and applicable regulations
Attributes
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an organic compound belonging to the ether diol family. It is typically supplied as a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid characterized by complete miscibility with water, a relatively high boiling point, and comparatively low volatility at ambient temperature.
With the molecular formula C₄H₁₀O₃ and a molecular weight of 106.12 g/mol, DEG contains two terminal hydroxyl groups and one ether linkage. These structural features contribute to its polarity, hydrogen-bonding behavior, and suitability for selected chemical transformations.
DEG can be used as a chemical intermediate and formulation component in selected industrial processes, including the manufacture of certain polyester resins, ester derivatives, specialty chemicals, and industrial formulations. Its hydroxyl groups can participate in esterification and other chemical reactions under appropriate conditions.
Key Product Attributes:
Chemical Name: Diethylene Glycol
Abbreviation: DEG
CAS Number: 111-46-6
Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₀O₃
Molecular Weight: 106.12 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Functional Groups: Two hydroxyl groups and one ether linkage
Water Compatibility: Completely miscible
Moisture Absorption: Hygroscopic
Volatility at Ambient Temperature: Relatively low
Chemical Role: Industrial chemical intermediate and formulation component
Potential Applications: Selected polyester resins, ester derivatives, specialty chemical intermediates, certain industrial formulations, and cement grinding aid formulations.
Quality Verification: Based on the approved technical specification and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).
The performance of DEG depends on the intended application, formulation composition, operating conditions, purity, water content, and impurity profile. Appropriate grade selection and compatibility assessment are necessary to achieve consistent industrial performance.
DEG is toxic if swallowed and may cause serious systemic toxicity, including kidney injury. It is not suitable for human consumption and must not be used as an unrestricted substitute for approved food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade materials.
Actual commercial specifications must be confirmed using the supplier's technical documentation and the analytical results for the relevant batch.
