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.
Diethyl Phthalate
Diethyl Phthalate is a high-purity, colorless, oily liquid with a faint, sweet aromatic odor. With a minimum of 99% active content, DEP 99% is a trusted solvent and plasticizer that offers excellent stability, low volatility, and high compatibility with a wide range of organic and polymeric materials. It is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, plastics, coatings, and fragrance industries where purity is critical for both performance and safety. Its mild toxicological profile and solvency characteristics make it a versatile component in numerous sensitive and industrial applications.
Dimethyl Acetimide
Dimethyl Acetimide is a versatile organic compound used predominantly as a solvent and intermediate in chemical syntheses. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with good solvency properties for a wide range of organic substances. Known for its stability and relatively low toxicity compared to similar amides, Dimethyl Acetimide finds applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemical manufacturing. Its miscibility with water and many organic solvents makes it suitable for formulation and processing roles.
Engine Cleaner
Engine Cleaner (also known as Engine Degreaser) is a heavy-duty, solvent-based or aqueous-based chemical formulation designed to dissolve, emulsify, and remove stubborn petroleum-based contaminants from mechanical assemblies. Its primary function is to cut through and lift accumulated engine oil, grease, grime, carbon deposits, and road tar from internal combustion engines, machinery parts, and automotive components. Technical-grade engine cleaner is engineered for industrial, automotive repair, and fleet maintenance applications. It is not intended for use on active electronic components, certain plastics, or as a general-purpose household cleaner due to its potent chemical strength and potential corrosivity.
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.
Naphta Solvent
Naphta Solvent Kokosal, commonly known as Kokosal, is a petroleum-derived hydrocarbon solvent composed primarily of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons with a boiling range near 100°C. It is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic hydrocarbon odor. Kokosal is widely used as an industrial solvent due to its excellent solvency power, moderate evaporation rate, and compatibility with many resins, oils, and waxes. It is valued in applications such as coatings, adhesives, cleaning, and chemical synthesis.
Potassium Chromate
Potassium Chromate is an inorganic chemical compound and a bright yellow crystalline solid commonly used as an oxidizing agent and pigment. It serves as a source of chromate ions in various chemical, industrial, and laboratory applications. Due to its toxic and carcinogenic nature, careful handling and strict regulatory compliance are essential. Potassium Chromate is widely used in corrosion inhibition, dyeing, and chemical synthesis processes.
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)
Flavor Enhancers
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
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
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)
Fragrances
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