Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Ethylene glycol
open-in-new
<p>Ethylene glycol (<a href="/facts/IUPAC_nomenclature/pepvzNun">IUPAC name</a>: ethane-1,2-diol) is an <a href="/facts/Organic_compound/gqCNaN45">organic compound</a> (a <a href="/facts/Diol/pmaVtfKx">vicinal diol</a>) with the formula (CH2OH)2. It is mainly used for two purposes: as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for <a href="/facts/Antifreeze/fcovU4az">antifreeze</a> formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, flammable, viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste, but is <a href="/facts/Ethylene_glycol_poisoning/9o0G9KwA">toxic in high concentrations</a>. This molecule has been observed in outer space. </p>