Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (EDG/DE)

Definition

ChEBI: A primary alcohol that is ethanol substituted by a 2-ethoxyethoxy group at position 2.

Preparation

From ethyl alcohol plus ethylene oxide (Arctander, 1969).

General Description

A colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild pleasant odor. Flash point near 190°F. Used to make soaps, dyes, and other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly denser than water and soluble in water. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164].

Reactivity Profile

Mixing 2(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid and oleum, NFPA 1991.

Health Hazard

None expected.

Fire Hazard

2(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol is combustible.

Safety Profile

irritation, and unspecified eye effects, cough,

Metabolism

The major part of an administered dose of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether is oxidized in the body or excreted as the glucuronate, administration to rabbits orally or by sc injection being followed by a marked increase in the urinary content of glucuronic acid (Fellows, Luduena & Hanzlik, 1947).

Purification Methods

Ethylene glycol can be removed by extracting 250g in 750mL of *benzene with 5mL portions of water, allowing for phase separation, until successive aqueous portions show the same volume increase. Dry, and free from peroxides, as described for diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether. [Beilstein 1 IV 2393.]