Diethylene glycol

Synonyms

1,5-Dihydroxy-3-oxapentane; 2,2'-0xydiethanol; 2,2'-Dihydroxydiethyl ether; 2,2'-Dihydroxyethyl ether; 2,2'-Oxybisethanol; 2,2'-Oxydiethanol; 2,2'-Oxyethanol; 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethanol; 3-Oxapentamethylene-1,5-diol; 3-Oxapentane-1,5-diol; Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether; Bis(beta-hydroxyethyl) ether; Brecolane NDG; DEG; Deactivator E; Dicol; Diethylenglykol [Czech]; Digenos; Diglycol; Digol; Dihydroxydiethyl ether; Dissolvant APV; Ethanol, 2,2'-oxybis-; Ethanol, 2,2'-oxydi-; Ethylene diglycol; Glycol ether; Glycol ethyl ether; TL4N; beta,beta'-Dihydroxydiethyl ether; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Ethylene Glycols

Description

Very hygroscopic, colorless liquid; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Used as a humectant (tobacco, casein, synthetic sponges, composition corks, glues, gelatin, and paper products), a dehydrating agent (plasticizers, surfactants, and natural gas), a lubricating and finishing agent (wool, worsted, cotton, rayon, and silk), a solvent for vat dyes, an intermediate (triethylene glycol and diethylene glycol dinitrate), a petroleum extraction solvent, and a monomer (unsaturated polyester resins and polyols for polyurethane); Also used in lacquers, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions for sprinkler systems; water seals for gas tanks, brake fluids, lubricants, mold release agents, and inks; [HSDB] Used mainly to produce unsaturated polyester resins, polyols, and polyurethanes; [Reference #1]

Comments

Repeated oral doses in animal experiments causes renal injury; Low toxicity by the dermal route; No evidence of carcinogenicity in animals; [Reference #1] Toxic by ingestion--may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and CNS; [ICSC] A mild irritant based on animal studies; Targets the liver, kidneys, and CNS; [MSDSonline] In 1937, 96 deaths were attributed to ingestion of "elixir of sulphanilamide" that contained 72% DEG; Deaths occurred about 9 days after ingestion with vomiting, acute renal failure, convulsions, and coma. Autopsies showed severe kidney and liver damage. [AIHA] See "GLYCOL ETHERS."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

44 mg/m3

0.0057 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) > 4,600 mg/m3/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 124 deg C; [ICSC] VP from ChemIDplus;

must be preheated

10 mg/m3

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives