Diethyl Glycol
Diethyl Glycol is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic, and viscous liquid with a mild odor. It is a diol with two hydroxyl groups, making it a versatile chemical intermediate and solvent. DEG is miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in the manufacture of plasticizers, solvents, resins, and as an intermediate in chemical syntheses. Due to its high boiling point and solvent properties, DEG finds broad applications across industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
Diethyl Glycol
Primary Uses
- Industrial Solvent
- Used as a solvent and co-solvent in paints, inks, dyes, resins, and adhesives due to its excellent solvency and compatibility with many materials.
- Functions as a humectant in industrial processes to retain moisture and improve product texture.Plasticizer Production
- Serves as a key raw material in synthesizing plasticizers, particularly for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, improving flexibility and durability.Chemical Intermediate
- Used in the synthesis of polyester resins, plasticizers, and lubricants.
- Important intermediate in producing brake fluids and antifreeze formulations.Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Applications
- Used as a solvent and humectant in some pharmaceutical preparations and personal care products.
- Occasionally employed in topical formulations and lotions as a moisturizing agent.Printing Industry
- Employed in printing inks as a solvent to improve drying times and gloss.
Secondary Uses
- Textile Industry
- Used as a humectant and softening agent in textile finishing.Electronics Industry
- Utilized as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing electronic components.Laboratory Applications
- Serves as a solvent and reagent in chemical laboratories for organic synthesis.Household Products
- Found in some cleaning agents and detergents as a solvent and moisture-retaining additive.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Diethylene glycol
- Common/Trade Name: Diethyl Glycol, DEG
- CAS Number: 111-46-6
- HS Code: 2905.44.00
- Molecular Formula: C4H10O3
- Synonyms:
- Diethylene glycol
- DEG
- Ethylene glycol diethyl ether (less common)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless viscous liquid
- Odor: Mild, sweetish
- Boiling Point: 245°C (approximate)
- Melting Point: -10°C
- Density: Approx. 1.118 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents
- Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Harmful if swallowed; may cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure
- Toxicity: Moderate acute toxicity; ingestion can be fatal
- Exposure Limits: Follow OSHA/NIOSH guidelines
- Flammability: Combustible liquid with flash point around 111°C
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place
- Container Type: Steel drums or HDPE containers
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use PPE; avoid ingestion and inhalation; prevent spills
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Registered under REACH and other chemical inventories worldwide
- Listed as a toxic chemical in some regulations due to toxicity concerns
- Strict control in pharmaceutical and food-related applications
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release to waterways
- Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required:
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Lab coat or protective apron
- Respiratory protection if ventilation is poor
Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact
- Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood
- Avoid exposure to heat and oxidizing agents
- Prevent spills and environmental release
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed and upright
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources
- Avoid contact with incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, acids)
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling product
- Use good industrial hygiene and housekeeping practices
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes; get medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek emergency medical care immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; emits toxic fumes when burned
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
- Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases
Related products
Chromic Acid
Chromic Acid is a powerful oxidizing agent, typically available as a bright orange-red crystalline solid or concentrated solution containing chromium trioxide (CrO₃) dissolved in sulfuric acid. It is a highly corrosive and strong acid used predominantly in industrial applications such as metal finishing, cleaning, and surface treatment. Chromic acid is valued for its excellent oxidative and cleaning properties, particularly in chromium plating, anodizing, and etching processes. Due to its toxicity and environmental hazards, its handling and disposal are strictly regulated. It plays a crucial role in chemical synthesis, laboratories, and manufacturing.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, volatile organic solvent with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pear drops. It is an ester formed by the condensation of ethanol and acetic acid. Known for its excellent solvency, low toxicity, and rapid evaporation rate, Ethyl Acetate is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. It is miscible with most organic solvents and partially soluble in water. Ethyl Acetate offers high volatility, making it ideal for quick-drying formulations.
Isophorone
Isophorone is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, ketone-like odor. Chemically classified as a cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one), it is a solvent widely used in industrial applications. It has good solvency properties for resins, paints, coatings, and inks, combined with relatively slow evaporation compared to other ketones. Isophorone is miscible with many organic solvents and used extensively in manufacturing and chemical synthesis.
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Acetate is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. It is an ester formed from methanol and acetic acid and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning products. Known for its excellent solvency power and fast evaporation rate, methyl acetate is preferred in industrial and commercial applications where quick drying is essential.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Ethyl Ketone, also known as Butanone, is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor. It is a highly effective solvent widely used in industrial processes due to its excellent solvency, fast evaporation rate, and compatibility with a wide range of substances. MEK is commonly used in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and cleaning formulations.
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone (MIBK) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, sweet odor. It is a versatile solvent widely used in industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and chemical stability. MIBK is commonly utilized in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and chemical synthesis.
Normal Butanol
Normal Butanol is a straight-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Known for its good solvent properties and moderate evaporation rate, n-Butanol is widely used in industrial applications such as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless aromatic hydrocarbon solvent with a distinct sweet odor. It is widely used as an industrial solvent and chemical feedstock due to its excellent solvency, volatility, and chemical stability. Toluene plays a critical role in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and various chemicals. It is also used as a fuel additive and in the manufacture of explosives and pharmaceuticals. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone in multiple industrial sectors.

Preservatives(food)
Flavors
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Oils
Carrier Oills
Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fragrance (Cosmetics)
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders