What is diethylene glycol (DEG)?

The chemical formula of diethylene glycol is (HOCH2CH2)2O. This element is seen as a clear, stable, colorless, odorless oily liquid with a sweet taste. Among its properties, it can be mentioned that it is sticky, non-corrosive and non-volatile. This chemical element can be dissolved in water and in many organic compounds and it is also known as 2,2-oxyethanol, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether, diglycol and 3-Oxa-1,5-pentanediol. will be

How to prepare and produce diethylene glycol

Diglycol can be obtained from a gas called ethylene oxide. When ethylene oxide is mixed with water, it breaks down into different types of liquids called glycols. DEG is one of these glycols.

Applications of diethylene glycol

DEG is widely used in manufacturing industries due to having the following features:

• It dissolves insoluble chemicals in water.
• Even at sub-zero temperatures, it remains a viscous liquid.
• It is cheap to produce.

Diethylene glycol applications are generally in the following cases:

• Can be used in the production of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes and plasticizers.
• As a building block in the synthesis of morpholine and 1,4-dioxane
• As a solvent for nitrocellulose, resin, paint, oil and other organic compounds
• Humidifier for tobacco, cottonwood, printing ink and glue
• In the production of brake oil, lubricants, wallpaper, fog solutions and as heating/cooking fuel.
• In personal care products (such as skin creams and lotions, deodorants)
• Its dilute solution acts as a cold protectant

Dangers of diethylene glycol

2,2-oxidized ethanol is toxic, which damages organs such as kidneys and the nervous system, and is very dangerous if swallowed or inhaled, even fatal in some cases. And it can lead to the death of people, and for this reason, its use in the food and pharmaceutical industries is not allowed. Diethylene glycol poisoning has three stages: first, feeling weak and sick. Second, the occurrence of disorders and problems in breathing and blood acidification, in the third stage, may lead to kidney failure and brain damage. Diagnosis and treatment of poisoning with this chemical element is difficult; Because poisoning with it cannot be detected easily and with usual tests, and it does not have a specific antidote.

Symptoms of bis (2-hydroxyethyl) ether toxicity include:

• Intoxication, confusion, lethargy or coma
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• convulsions
• Metabolic acidosis (excessive acidification of the body)
• Decreased urination or acute kidney injury
• Disease and brain damage
• Cardiorespiratory failure or death

Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are metabolized to toxic byproducts by enzymes in the human liver called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).