Glycols

Abstract

Glycols are generally organic molecules that contain two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbons. Some include organic molecules with two hydroxyl groups on carbon atom that are not adjacent to each other. All of these chemicals are correctly called diols. Ethylene glycol is the simplest diol with the formula (CH 2 OH) 2 . The main uses of ethane‐1,2‐diol are as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, sweet‐tasting, viscous liquid that can cause kidney damage in children and pets who may drink the sweet liquid. Propylene glycol or propane‐1,2‐diol does not cause kidney damage and is produced on a large scale primarily for the production of polymers, and in smaller quantities used in food applications, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Many molecules of ethane‐1,2‐diol can be connected via ether linkages to produce polyethylene glycol or PEG which can have molecular weights in the thousands. As with many organic chemicals, the higher the molecular weight, the lower the toxicity.