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 UsesÂ
- 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 UsesÂ
- 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
Butyl Glycol
Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet ether-like odor. It is an organic solvent classified as a glycol ether, with the molecular formula C6H14O2. Butyl Glycol is highly miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in industrial and commercial applications due to its excellent solvent properties, low volatility, and moderate toxicity. Its high solvency and compatibility with both aqueous and organic phases make it valuable in coatings, cleaning products, inks, and adhesives.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)
Hydrochloric Acid is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas. It is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid with a sharp, pungent odor. The chemical formula is HCl with a molecular weight of 36.46 g/mol. Hydrochloric Acid is completely miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is non-flammable but extremely corrosive to metals and human tissue. Technical grade Hydrochloric Acid is manufactured for industrial applications including chemical manufacturing, steel pickling, oil well acidizing, water treatment, and pH adjustment. It is available in various concentrations, typically ranging from 30% to 38% by weight.
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 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.
N-Propanol
N-Propanol, also known as n-Propyl Alcohol or 1-Propanol, is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a characteristic mild alcohol-like odor. It is a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O, fully miscible with water and common organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, ethers, glycols, and hydrocarbons. This high-purity, semi-volatile, polar solvent serves as both a versatile solvent and a chemical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. N-Propanol has a flash point of 15–23°C and is classified as a highly flammable liquid. Technical grade N-Propanol is manufactured for industrial applications and is not intended for direct human consumption unless specifically certified as USP or Food Grade.
Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid is a concentrated aqueous solution of nitric acid (HNO₃) commonly used as a strong oxidizing acid in numerous industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing processes. It is a highly corrosive, colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. Nitric Acid 68% is fundamental in the production of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used in metal treatment, etching, and cleaning applications due to its powerful oxidizing and nitrating properties.
Sulphuric Acid
Sulphuric Acid is a dense, highly corrosive, and strong mineral acid widely used as a fundamental chemical reagent and industrial raw material. It serves as a key component in fertilizer production, chemical synthesis, petroleum refining, and many other industrial processes. The 98% concentration is the concentrated, nearly pure form commonly utilized for manufacturing and processing applications demanding high acid strength and purity.
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.

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