ETHYLENE GLYCOL Meaning and
Definition
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Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, and viscous organic compound commonly known as antifreeze. It is classified as a diol or a glycol due to its two hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups and is represented by the chemical formula C2H6O2. The compound has a sweet taste and is highly soluble in water.
Ethylene glycol finds extensive use in various industrial applications, primarily as an antifreeze agent in automobile cooling systems. Its ability to lower the freezing point and increase the boiling point of water makes it a vital component in preventing the formation of ice and protecting the engine from overheating. Additionally, it serves as a heat transfer fluid in many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Moreover, ethylene glycol plays a crucial role in several other industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and manufacturing. It acts as a solvent in the production of medications, cosmetics, and inks. It is also employed as a raw material in the synthesis of resins, polyesters, and plastics.
Despite its widespread industrial application, it is important to handle ethylene glycol with caution as it is highly toxic to humans and animals when ingested or absorbed through contact with the skin. Ingestion may cause severe health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system, and can even prove fatal if not treated promptly.
Common Misspellings for ETHYLENE GLYCOL
- wthylene glycol
- sthylene glycol
- dthylene glycol
- rthylene glycol
- 4thylene glycol
- 3thylene glycol
- erhylene glycol
- efhylene glycol
- eghylene glycol
- eyhylene glycol
- e6hylene glycol
- e5hylene glycol
- etgylene glycol
- etbylene glycol
- etnylene glycol
- etjylene glycol
- etuylene glycol
- etyylene glycol
- ethtlene glycol
Etymology of ETHYLENE GLYCOL
The word "ethylene glycol" has a straightforward etymology. It consists of two parts:
1. Ethylene: The term "ethylene" originates from the Latin word "aethereum" (aethereal/ethereal), which means "an ethereal substance". The term "glycol" comes from the Greek word "glýkys", meaning "sweet".
2. Glycol: Ernest Frankland, a British chemist, named this chemical compound in 1859 by combining "glycerin" and the Greek word "kólla" (glue), referring to its sticky property. Glycerin is a sweet, syrupy liquid obtained during soap-making and has a similar structure to ethylene glycol.
Therefore, "ethylene glycol" combines "ethylene", referring to its chemical structure, with "glycol", emphasizing its sweet and sticky nature.
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