Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Its Applications
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a straight-chain, bifunctional alcohol with hydroxyl groups at the ends of its aliphatic chain. It is an odorless, colorless, transparent organic compound with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀O₃, soluble in water and many organic solvents. Due to its excellent moisture-absorbing properties, DEG is widely used in various chemical industries. It serves as a solvent and reactant in plastic production and other applications. DEG is miscible with water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol, making it a highly versatile solvent. It is a relatively viscous, colorless liquid with a mild odor.
Because triethylene glycol (TEG) is less toxic than DEG, it has replaced DEG in some industrial applications.
DEG is produced through the hydrolysis of ethylene oxide, yielding varying amounts of DEG and other glycols. In fact, DEG is a byproduct of monoethylene glycol (MEG) production.
In terms of properties, DEG is similar to MEG but has a higher boiling point, viscosity, and density. While MEG is primarily used in producing polyester fibers, PET resins, alkyds, and unsaturated polyesters, DEG is used in unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers.
Applications of DEG
DEG is used in industries requiring moisture absorption, lubrication, and low volatility. Its applications include adhesives, cement production, aircraft deicing fluids, antifreeze, cement grinding aids, chemical intermediates, cork binders, natural gas dehydration, glass grinding aids, heat transfer fluids, humectants, ink and dye solvents, plasticizers, polyester polyols, printing inks, drywall joint compounds, thermoplastic polyurethanes, emulsifiers, and unsaturated polyester resins.
In the U.S. and Western Europe, about 51% of DEG is used as an intermediate in producing unsaturated polyester resins, plasticizers, acrylate/methacrylate resins, and urethanes.
DEG’s superior humectant properties make it ideal for fibers, paper, adhesives, printing inks, leather, and cellophane. It is also a key component in hydraulic fluids, paper/plasticizers, synthetic sponges, ink solvents, ester production (emulsifiers/demulsifiers), lubricants, and selective solvents in oil refining.
In textiles, DEG acts as a dye solvent, lubricant, and coupling agent. In oil refining, it selectively extracts aromatics.
Altin Alish Verish Company is ready to supply high-quality DEG from Iran.
