Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) is a colorless, odorless liquid used in antifreeze, heat-transfer fluids, de-icing, and PET plastic production. It is effective, cheap, and toxic — ingestion of small amounts can cause kidney failure. This guide covers the properties, uses, hazards, and handling rules industrial buyers need.
What is ethylene glycol used for?
Ethylene glycol does two jobs better than almost anything at its price: it lowers the freezing point of water and raises its boiling point. That makes it the base fluid for engine coolant and closed-loop heat transfer. It is also a chemical feedstock — a large share of world demand goes into polyester fiber and PET bottle resin.
- Coolants and antifreeze in automotive and stationary engines
- De-icing solutions for aircraft and runways
- Heat-transfer fluids in HVAC, chillers, and solar thermal systems
- Polyester fiber and PET plastic production
- Gas dehydration and industrial humectant applications
Key properties of ethylene glycol
- Chemical formula: C2H6O2 (CAS 107-21-1)
- Boiling point: 197.3 deg C (387.1 deg F)
- Freezing point: -12.9 deg C (8.8 deg F); lower in water blends
- Density: approximately 1.11 g/cm3 at 20 deg C
- Miscibility: fully miscible with water
- Appearance: colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste
Two of these properties matter for handling. Full water miscibility means spills spread fast and reach drains. The sweet taste attracts pets and children, which is why secure storage is non-negotiable. Ethylene glycol is also hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from air — so containers must stay sealed to protect the material.
How toxic is ethylene glycol?
Very. The body metabolizes ethylene glycol into acids that attack the kidneys. Ingestion is the main hazard — small amounts can be fatal without treatment. Vapor exposure is a lower risk at room temperature, but heated or misted glycol irritates the respiratory tract. Skin contact causes irritation with prolonged exposure.
- Ingestion: metabolic acidosis and kidney failure; medical emergency
- Inhalation: respiratory irritation from vapors or mists
- Skin and eyes: irritation on contact
- Environment: harmful to aquatic life in waterways
- Accidental poisoning: sweet taste attracts animals and children
For food-contact or incidental-exposure applications, do not use ethylene glycol at all. Substitute propylene glycol, which is FDA GRAS-listed — see our propylene glycol guide for the comparison.
Safe handling and PPE
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles for all transfers
- Use respiratory protection where glycol is heated, misted, or ventilation is poor
- Train every handler on the SDS before first use, with periodic refreshers
- Provide eyewash and quick-drench facilities in transfer areas
Storage, transport, and spills
- Store in labeled, sealed containers in a cool, ventilated area, secured against access by children and animals
- Keep spill kits staged where glycol is stored and transferred, and train staff on them
- Contain spills immediately — glycol is water-miscible and reaches drains fast
- Dispose of used glycol per local regulations; never to storm drains or waterways
- Recycle where possible — reclaimed glycol programs cut cost and environmental footprint
Compliance and the SDS. Keep a current Safety Data Sheet for every glycol product on site — it is required under OSHA hazard communication, and it is where your team finds hazard identification, exposure controls, PPE requirements, and emergency response steps. Get the SDS from your supplier before the first delivery and review it during onboarding. Ours are in the RightPath SDS library.
Testing and quality control. Glycol degrades in service. Test concentration and pH on a routine schedule, inspect tanks and loops for leaks and contamination, and document results. Catching dilution or acidification early prevents corrosion damage and unplanned downtime.
Where to buy ethylene glycol in bulk. RightPath Industries supplies ethylene glycol and other glycols in drums, IBC totes, and tanker loads nationwide, in industrial and USP grades, with an SDS and Certificate of Analysis on every lot. See our bulk glycol supply program or request pricing for a same-day, all-in delivered quote.
Authoritative safety references. Ethylene glycol’s toxicity profile is well documented by federal agencies: the CDC’s ATSDR publishes a toxicological profile covering ingestion hazards and metabolic effects, and the NIOSH Pocket Guide entry lists exposure guidance and protective measures. For food-contact and incidental-exposure applications, propylene glycol — GRAS-listed by FDA — is the standard substitution; see our propylene glycol safety guide for the comparison.