Ethylene glycol

  • 1,2-Ethanediol
  • Ethane-1,2-diol
  • Monoethylene glycol
Formula HOCH2CH2OH
Structure
Description Clear, colorless, syrupy liquid, hygroscopic.
Uses Automotive antifreeze, solvent, adjuvant.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 107-21-1
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 203-473-3
EC Index Number 603-027-00-1
EC Class Harmful
EC Risk Phrase R 22
RTECS KW2975000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
Merck 13,3832
Beilstein/Gmelin 505945
Beilstein Reference 4-01-00-02369
EPA OPP 42203
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-1177
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold Odorless
Properties.
Formula C2H6O2
Formula mass 62.07
Melting point, °C -13
Boiling point, °C 195
Decomposition point, °C 451
Vapor pressure, mmHg 0.06 (20 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 2.6
Saturation Concentration 66 ppm at 20 C
Evaporization number 600 (diethyl ether = 1)
Critical temperature 446
Critical pressure 80.9
Density 1.115 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water Miscible
Viscosity 26 cp @ 15C
Surface tension 48.4 g/s2 @ 20 C
Refractive index 1.43312 (20 C)
Dipole moment 2.28 D (20 C)
Dielectric constant 37.7 (25 C)
Partition coefficient, pKow -1.36
Heat of fusion 11.2 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 50.5 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -1036 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
WHMIS D2A
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Protection Wear appropriate eye protection and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.
Incompatibilities Chlorosulfonic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, oleum, phosphorus pentasulfide, silvered-copper wire, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, titanium butoxide. Causes ignition at room temperature with chromium trioxide, potassium permanganate, and sodium peroxide. Causes ignition at 100 C with ammonium dichromate, silver chlorate, sodium chloride, and uranyl nitrate.
Decomposition Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may form when heated to decomposition. May produce acrid smoke and irritating fumes when heated to decomposition.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 111
Autoignition, °C 398
Upper exp. limit, % 15.3
Lower exp. limit, % 3.2
Fire fighting Wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Extinguish using dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. Water or foam may cause frothing. Water spray may be used to extinguish surrounding fire and cool exposed containers. Water spray will also reduce fume and irritant gases.
Fire potential This chemical is combustible.
Combustion products Toxic gases and vapors may be released if involved in a fire.
NFPA Health 1
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: 50 ppm; 127 mg/m3 as CEILING (ACGIH 1993-1994). NIOSH REL: See Appendix D
Poison_Class 4
Exposure effects Repeated small exposures by any route can cause severe kidney problems. Brain damage may also occur. Skin allergy can develop. May damage the developing fetus.
   Ingestion Initial symptoms in massive dosage parallel alcohol intoxication, progressing to CNS depression, vomiting, headache, rapid respiratory and heart rate, lowered blood pressure, stupor, collapse, and unconsciousness with convulsions. Death from respiratory arrest or cardiovascular collapse may follow. Lethal dose in humans: 100 ml.
   Inhalation Vapor inhalation is generally not a problem unless heated or misted. Exposure to vapors over an extended time period has caused throat irritation and headache. May cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness. Pulmonary edema and central nervous system depression may also develop. When heated or misted, has produced rapid, involuntary eye movement and coma.
   Skin May cause skin irritation. Low hazard for usual industrial handling.
   Eyes Splashes may cause irritation, pain, eye damage.

First aid
 
   Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.
   Skin Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse.
   Eyes First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Transport.
USCG CHRIS Code EGL  
USCG Compatatibility Group 20 Alcohols, Glycols
HS Code 2905 31 00  
Std. Transport # 4960196  
IMO Pollution Category D