[Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering]:What are the functions and uses of ethylene glycol

Ethylene glycol is a chemical widely used in various industries, and its role and use are very wide. Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2, which is a colorless and odorless liquid at room temperature and pressure. It has good solubility and stability and is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, plastic, printed circuit board and other industries. In the following, we will introduce the role and usage of ethylene glycol from several aspects.

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1. The role of ethylene glycol in pharmaceuticals


Ethylene glycol is used in the pharmaceutical industry in an extremely wide range of applications. It can be used as a pharmaceutical intermediate and solvent for the synthesis and extraction of drugs. Ethylene glycol can also be used in the preparation of products such as anesthetics, topical drugs, oral solutions, injections, and eye drops. In addition, ethylene glycol is also an effective antifreeze agent, which can increase the stability of drugs and prolong the shelf life of drugs.

2. Glycols in cosmetics


Glycol is also used in cosmetics in a wide range of applications. It can be used as a moisturizer, antifreeze agent, solvent, etc. Ethylene glycol can absorb moisture from the air to keep cosmetics moist and prevent them from deteriorating due to dryness. In addition, ethylene glycol can be used as a solvent in cosmetics such as hair dyes and lipsticks.

3. Glycols in plastic industry


Ethylene glycol also has a wide range of applications in the plastics industry. It can be used as a raw material for polyester resin, which is used to make plastic products. Ethylene glycol can also improve the toughness and transparency of plastic products, and it does not affect the physical properties of plastic and improve the quality of products.

4. Ethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards


Ethylene glycol is also used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards. It can be used as a cleaning solution for cleaning circuit boards and printed circuit boards. The glycol in the cleaning solution can effectively remove the grease and dirt from the surface of the circuit board and printed circuit board, making the surface smooth and clean.

In conclusion, ethylene glycol is a very important organic compound with a wide range of applications. From pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics to printed circuit board manufacturing, glycols are important in their roles and uses. With the continuous development of technology and the expansion of application fields, the application prospect of ethylene glycol will be even broader.