Mono ethylene glycol (MEG)

Mono ethylene glycol (also known as MEG, EG, 1,2-ethanediol or 1,2-Dihydroxyethane) is an organic compound with the formula C2H6O2. It is a slightly viscous liquid with a clear, colourless appearance and a sweet taste that emits virtually no odour. It’s miscible with water, alcohols, and many other organic compounds and is primarily used in the industry for manufacturing polyester fibres and as a component in the production of antifreeze, coolants, aircraft anti-icers and de-icers.There is strong global demand for mono ethylene glycol in the plastic industry as it is a vital ingredient in the production of polyester fibres, films, and resins, one of which is polyethene terephthalate (PET). PET is created by heating ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid in an esterification reaction. This chemical is then converted into plastic bottles, microwaveable containers and is even used in the textile industry. It is estimated that 70-80% of all the MEG consumed is used as a chemical intermediate in these polyester production processes.Mono ethylene glycol is also used in the manufacture of alkyd resins which are used to form a film in paints, enamels, and varnishes. In the gas industry, ethylene glycol is used to remove water vapour from the gas before it is processed further. Here, it is also used as a desiccant in gas pipelines to stop the formation of clathrates.For the electronic industry, MEG is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of capacitors. Or for the treatment and prevention of fungi and rot in wood, mono ethylene glycol can be used, especially useful for exhibitions and museums. In the medical field, ethylene glycol can be used in the production of vaccines, although it is not present in the final administered vaccine. It is a minor ingredient in a variety of cleaners, including screen cleaners for electronics where it is paired with isopropyl alcohol.