Diethylene glycol (DEG)

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound, it is a colorless, practically odorless, toxic, moist liquid with a sweet taste. It is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone and ethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol is similar in properties to MEG (monoethylene glycol), but DEG has a higher boiling point, viscosity, and specific gravity.

DEG is produced from the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. Depending on the conditions, different amounts of DEG and related glycols are produced. The resulting product is two ethylene glycol molecules connected by an ether bond.

DEG is a widely used solvent. Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a valuable chemical intermediate used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), plasticizers, acrylate and methacrylate resins, and urethanes. DEG is used as part of several different products including antifreeze preparations, cosmetics, lubricants, brake fluids, wallpaper, heating/coolant fuel and as an emollient.