South Africa

Ethyl Diglycol

It is employed as a constituent part of many brake fluids because of its low and in the paint industry where it is used to improve the gloss and flow properties of paint. It is also a constituent of many wood stains and wood preservatives. In the printing industry it is used both in printing inks and as a cleaning agent in offset printing and in the textile industry, it is a solvent used in the printing and dyeing of textile fabrics and fibers.

Synonyms
Diethylene Glycol
Chemical Formula
C6H14O3
CAS Number
111-90-0

Characteristics

Molar Weight
106.12 g/mol
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Dyes
  • Cleaning products
  • Solvents
  • Paint and Coatings

Ethyl diglycol

Ethyl diglycol (EDG) is also known as diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) and is a chemical compound from the glycol ether group. The substance is produced by chemical synthesis for industrial use as a solvent.

Properties of ethyl diglycol

Ethyl diglycol is a colourless liquid. It is miscible with water and dissolves in alcohols, ethers and ketones as well as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Ethyl diglycol is produced from ethyl glycol and ethylene oxide.

Ethyl diglycol in the plastics and polymer industry

Ethyl diglycol is used in the plastics and polymer industry as a solvent, plasticiser and wetting agent in the production and processing of plastics and polymers. As a wetting agent, ethyl diglycol improves the wetting and dispersing properties of additives used in plastics. This ensures a more even distribution of the additives in the plastic mass. As a defoamer and stabiliser, ethyl diglycol prevents the formation fair bubbles or foam in polymer coatings and plastic solutions. It also stabilises the polymer mixtures and improves their durability.

Ethyl diglycol in the cleaning industry

Ethyl diglycol is often used as a solvent and wetting agent in the cleaning industry. It increases the cleaning performance of products by optimising distribution on surfaces and slowing evaporation. Thanks to its good compatibility with other solvents and ingredients, EDG is used in water- and solvent-based cleaning agents.
Colorful townhouses in London, UK

Ethyl diglycol in the construction industry

Ethyl diglycol acts as a solvent, plasticiser and wetting agent in the construction industry.
In addition to its use as a solvent and evaporation retarder in paints and varnishes, it is used as an additive in cement and concrete additives. EDG improves the workability of concrete mixtures. As a wetting agent, it facilitates the penetration of water and other components and thus increases the concrete quality and strength.
As a defoamer in various construction chemicals, such as floor coatings and cement additives, ethyl diglycol also prevents the formation of air bubbles. This improves the homogeneity and density of the end product and reduces defects such as surface pores or air pockets.
In sealants, adhesives and joint fillers, ethyl diglycol acts as a plasticiser, increasing the flexibility and elasticity ft he materials and thus minimising the risk of shrinkage and tearing.

Ethyl diglycol in the rubber and caoutchouc industry

Ethyl diglycol is used in the rubber and caoutchouc industry as a solvent for additives and adhesives. This allows additives such as resins or colourants and fillers to be evenly integrated into the rubber compound.
EDG is also used as a plasticiser for rubber and caoutchouc. It increases the flexibility and elasticity ft he materials by influencing the molecular structure and making the material softer. It also improves the flow properties of rubber compounds.
Woman taking care of her skin. Young woman in bathroom applying cream.

Ethyl diglycol in the pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, ethyl diglycol is used as a solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients and as a carrier substance. As a carrier substance, it helps to distribute active ingredients evenly on the skin and facilitate their absorption.
As a stabiliser, EDG stabilises the physico-chemical properties of a formulation by supporting the interaction between the ingredients and enabling a homogeneous mixture.
In transdermal systems (plasters, ointments), ethyl diglycol acts as a penetration enhancer. It increases the permeability of the skin so that active ingredients are better absorbed.

Ethyl diglycol in the cosmetics industry

In the cosmetics industry, ethyl diglycol is used as a solvent, dispersant and humectant, penetration enhancer, carrier substance and stabiliser for emulsions. It helps to improve the texture, effectiveness and shelf life of cosmetic products.
Ethyl diglycol is often used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations such as hair care products to dissolve and evenly integrate poorly soluble ingredients - for example fragrances and preservatives - into the products.
EDG also acts as a humectant by binding water and preventing cosmetic products such as creams, lotions or serums from drying out.
Ethyl diglycol is also used as a penetration enhancer in skin care products. It increases the skin's ability to absorb active ingredients by making the skin barrier more permeable. This is particularly useful in anti-ageing products, moisturisers or in acne treatment.
EDG is used as a carrier substance in perfume and fragrance formulations. It helps to distribute the fragrance molecules evenly and improve the stability ft he perfume.

Further areas of application for ethyl diglycol

Ethyl diglycol is used in the lubricant industry as a solvent and as a viscosity regulator. It optimises the performance of lubricants and thus extends the service life of the lubricated machines and parts.
In water treatment, ethyl diglycol is mainly used as a solvent for various water treatment chemicals (corrosion inhibitors, defoamers or biocides) and as a dispersant to prevent the formation of deposits or clumping of particles in water treatment systems.
In some water-based systems, especially in heating and cooling systems, ethyl diglycol is used as an antifreeze. It lowers the freezing point of water. Ethyl diglycol is also used in cleaning and rinsing agents to remove deposits or biofilms in water treatment plants.
In agriculture, ethyl diglycol is used as a solvent (crop protection agent), dispersing and wetting agent and as a carrier (fertiliser and growth regulator) for various agrochemicals. It is also a component of antifreeze agents.
Ethyl diglycol is mainly used as a solvent and dispersant in the production and application of dyes (especially for the textile, leather and plastics industries). The delay in drying time caused by EDG also ensures uniform colouring.