What is Mono Ethylene Glycol?
Mono Ethylene Glycol or ethylene glycol is a chemical compound abbreviated as MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) and its chemical formula is C₂H₆O₂. This compound is part of the ethylene glycol family and is chemically an alcohol with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to an ethylene molecule.
Common uses of this compound include the chemical industry, the production of polyester fibers, the production of antifreeze, coolants, and also in the medical and food industries as a safe solvent and additive.
Mono Ethylene Glycol is also used as an antifreeze in automotive cooling systems. Ethylene glycol is also known as 1,2-ethanediol, ethylene alcohol, 1,2-dihydroxyethane, and hydrocarbonous acid. In addition to its antifreeze properties, monoethylene glycol also has a dehydrating property. Ethylene glycol is soluble in water and is equally soluble in acetone, glycol ether, and aliphatic alcohols.
How is monoethylene glycol produced?
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is obtained as a chemical from the production process of ethylene glycol (EG). The MEG production process is as follows:
First, ethylene gas is oxidized to ethylene oxide (EO). Then, ethylene oxide is hydrated with water under specific conditions and converted to ethylene glycol. The process is called the ethylene oxide (EO) catalyzed process. This process is carried out using catalysts such as silver or aluminum oxide catalysts. The production of MEG is of great importance because this compound is used as a raw material for the production of polyester fibers and other chemical products used in various industries.
History of Monoethylene Glycol Production
The first use of monoethylene glycol dates back to 1859. When it was first prepared by a French chemist named Charles Adolphe Wurtz through the saponification of ethylene glycol. Also in 1925, the first large-scale ethylene glycol production plant was established. In the 1930s, the production of ethylene glycol was recognized as a complex and difficult process. However, with the advancements in the chemical industry and new processes, the production of this substance became more mass and economical. After World War II, with the advancement of technology and increasing industrial needs, the production of MEG expanded to a greater extent and has now become one of the most important raw materials in the chemical industry.
Technical specifications of monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is a chemical compound with the formula C₂H₆O₂. This compound is used in various industries, including polyester, antifreeze, food, cosmetics, and health care, due to its antifreeze, solubility, and heat-reducing properties. Monoethylene glycol, which is a type of glycol, has the following characteristics:
- Molecular weight: about 62.07 grams per mole (g/mol)
- Chemical formula: C₂H₆O₂
- Appearance: A colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid
- Flash point in the presence of flame: 11 °C
- Melting point: about -13 °C
- Acidity: None
- Boiling point: about 198-199 °C
- Autoignition temperature: 398 °C
- Density: about 1.1135 g/cm3
Properties of monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is a chemical compound with diverse properties that is used in many industries. One of the main properties of MEG is that it acts as an antifreeze. This property makes monoethylene glycol suitable for use in automotive cooling systems and heating systems. Monoethylene glycol dissolves well in water, which makes it suitable for use in chemical processes, cosmetics and health care industries, etc.
Some products containing MEG are used in the health and beauty industries due to its antibacterial properties. As the concentration of monoethylene glycol in water increases, the boiling point of water decreases. This property is important for some industrial processes. Monoethylene glycol is available and has a relatively low price. MEG has good properties in reducing ambient heat and can be used as a coolant in heating systems. Against moisture, monoethylene glycol is used as an effective antifreeze agent. These properties have led to the widespread use of MEG in various industries.
Applications of monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol has many applications, the most important of which are:
As an antifreeze
When MEG dissolves in water, the hydrogen bond is broken. Monoethylene glycol freezes at a temperature of minus 12 degrees Celsius. This substance is added as an additive to car cooling systems and heating systems to prevent freezing. In other words, adding monoethylene glycol to water lowers the freezing point of the solution and the water does not freeze even at lower temperatures. This application is very important because in cold regions, water may freeze naturally and this may cause damage to cooling systems and other vehicle parts or heating systems. Using monoethylene glycol as antifreeze solves this problem.

Coolant and heat transfer
Monoethylene glycol is used as a coolant and heat transfer agent in air conditioning systems as well as geothermal systems to transfer heat from the earth. It is also used for heat transfer in cars and computers.
Plastics industry
Monoethylene glycol is used as an advanced material in the production of polyesters and polyterephthalate (PET), which plays a role in the production of bottles and other plastic products.
Polyester Fibers
Monoethylene Glycol is used in the production of polyester fibers used in the production of fabrics, carpets, and synthetic fibers.
Heat Transfer Fluids
Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is used in heat transfer fluids as a liquid thermal solvent. Monoethylene Glycol is used as a coolant in cooling systems. These systems are commonly used in industries that require temperature control to protect equipment, including the electronics, automotive, and chemical industries.
Food Industry
In some food products, monoethylene glycol is used as an additive to prevent the product from freezing. Monoethylene glycol is used as a humectant to prevent beverages from drying out and increase their shelf life. It is used as a stabilizer and anti-crystallization agent in the production of chocolates to help improve the quality and taste of the products.
Water-based adhesives
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) has numerous applications in the adhesives industry, especially in the production of water-based adhesives. As a polyalcohol glycol with melting and conditioning properties, this chemical compound provides positive properties for adhesives. MEG acts as a coagulant and hardener, which can help improve the adhesion and strength of the adhesive on various surfaces. Monoethylene glycol also acts as an antioxidant and can help the adhesive stay stable over time.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Monoethylene glycol plays an important role in the production of some drugs. MEG is used as a solvent. This property can be used in various processes such as the production and processing of drugs.
Latex Paints
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is used in the production of latex paints as a plasticizer and conditioner. MEG is a polyalcohol glycol with melting and conditioning properties, added to latex materials to achieve desired properties in the final product. Monoethylene glycol is used as a plasticizer to maintain the flexibility and softness of latex paints and also as a humectant to prevent premature drying and loss of product quality.
Cosmetics
In the production of some cosmetic and health products, monoethylene glycol is used as a water and moisture retention agent. Monoethylene glycol is used as a humectant in the compositions of some cosmetic and health products such as skin creams and lotions. MEG is also used as an anti-drying agent in the compositions of some skin care products such as soaps and shampoos. This substance can prevent excessive evaporation of water from the skin and protect the skin. Monoethylene glycol is also used as an additive in the composition of some cosmetic products such as powder layers and lipsticks.
Asphalt emulsions
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is used in the oil and gas industry as an antifreeze and solubilizer for asphalt emulsions (a hydrocarbon mixture that can consist of a mixture of asphaltenes and other substances). The main role of MEG in this field is as an antifreeze in asphalt mixtures. In asphalt systems, emulsions are used to maintain the stability of asphalt under various environmental conditions. MEG as an antifreeze prevents ice formation in asphalt mixtures and maintains their performance in cold conditions. The use of MEG in asphalt emulsions, due to its antifreeze and solubilizing properties, helps to improve their performance and stability in harsh environmental conditions.
Chemical industries
In the chemical industry, monoethylene glycol is also used to produce some chemical products such as resins and polyester products. MEG is used as an important raw material in the production of polyester fibers. These fibers are used in the production of textiles and fabrics.
Electrolytic capacitors
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is also used in some electrolytic capacitors. Electrolytes are substances that, in a dissolved state, have the ability to conduct electric current. Electrolytic capacitors use an electrolyte as the active material between two electrodes to store or discharge electrical charge. In some electrolytic capacitors, MEG may be used as a component of the electrolyte. Properties of monoethylene glycol, including good electrical resistance and stability