Ethylene glycol

Athanor · official

C₂H₆O₂ · 62.07 g/mol

IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol

Also called ethane-1,2-diol, MEG, antifreeze, glycol

Solvents

Open in Athanor

Drawn from its SMILES with RDKit

WarningHarmful if swallowed

Names and identifiers

IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol
Synonyms: ethane-1,2-diol, MEG, antifreeze
+ 38 more
glycol, Ethane-1,2-diol, 1,2-ethanediol, monoethylene glycol, 2-hydroxyethanol, 1,2-Dihydroxyethane, Glycol alcohol, Ethylene alcohol, Fridex, Tescol, Norkool, Ethylene dihydrate, Zerex, ethanediol, Macrogol 400 BPC, Dowtherm SR 1, Ucar 17, Lutrol-9, Aethylenglykol, 1,2-Ethandiol, DTXSID8020597, 146AR, Athylenglykol, NCI-C00920, FC72KVT52F, NANOSILVER+EG, CHEBI:30742, NSC-93876, LOWENOL T-163A, DTXCID40597, 2 Hydroxyethanol, Glycol, Ethylene, 1,2 Ethanediol, Glycol, Monoethylene, RefChem:6638, HO-CH2-CH2-OH, CHEBI:13643, CHEBI:23976
Molecular formula: C₂H₆O₂
Empirical formula: CH₃O
Molecular weight: 62.07 g/mol
Exact mass: 62.03678
CAS number: 107-21-1
PubChem CID: 174
Canonical SMILES: C(CO)O
Isomeric SMILES: C(CO)O
InChI: InChI=1S/C2H6O2/c3-1-2-4/h3-4H,1-2H2
InChIKey: LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molfile

Names, InChI and the identifiers from PubChem, retrieved 2026-10-14.

Physical properties

TemperaturePressureDensity

Appearance: Clear, colorless, syrupy, liquid [Note: A solid below 9 degrees F].[6]
7 values
From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless syrupy liquid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Since it is a liquid it can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams. [1] CAMEO Chemicals
– CBI; Other Solid; Liquid [2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
– ODOURLESS COLOURLESS VISCOUS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid. [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid. [antifreeze] [Note: A solid below 9 °F.] [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
– Clear, colorless, syrupy (viscous) liquid at room temperature. Often colored fluorescent yellow-green when used in automotive antifreeze. [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown Clear, colorless, syrupy, liquid [Note: A solid below 9 degrees F]. [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from, as of Sept 15, 2011: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd02
Odor: Odorless[6]
Melting point: -12.69 °C[7]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
−13 °C 9 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−13 °C -13 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−13 °C 9 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−12.7 °Cshown -12.69 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−13 °C 9 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Boiling point: 197.3 °C @760 [mmHg][7]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
197.6 °C 387.7 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
197 °C 197 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
198 °C 388 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
197.3 °Cshown 197.3 °C @760 [mm Hg] [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
198 °C 388 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Density: 1.1135 @ 20°C[7]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
– 1.115 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
– Relative density (water = 1): 1.1 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– 1.11 [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–shown 1.1135 @ 20°C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
– 1.11 [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
1 more value was reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so it is not shown.
Solubility in water: Solubility in water: miscible[3]
4 values
From ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
– Miscible with water [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 264
–shown Solubility in water: miscible [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Miscible [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
log P: -1.36[3]
2 values
2 of 2 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
– log Kow = -1.36 [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 5
–shown -1.36 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
pKa: pKa = 15.1[6]
Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 6.5[3]
4 values
Sources disagree; from ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative.
Value As written Source
0.06 mmHg 0.06 mmHg at 68 °F [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1 mmHg 1 mmHg at 127.4 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.092 mmHg 0.092 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/ [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Daubert, T.E., R.P. Danner. Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Taylor and Francis, 1989.
0.049 mmHgshown Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 6.5 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
2 more values were reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so they are not shown.
Flash point: 111.11 °C c.c., 115 °C o.c.[3]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
111 °C 232 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
111 °C 232 °F (111 °C) (closed cup) [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-61
111.1 °Cshown 111.11 °C c.c., 115 °C o.c. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
111 °C 232 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
111 °C 232 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Autoignition temperature: 398 °C[3]
3 values
2 of 3 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
413 °C 775 °F (USCG, 1999) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
398 °C 748 °F (398 °C) [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-61
398 °Cshown 398 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Viscosity: 21 mPa*s at 20 °C[3]

Value	As written	Source
–	Ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless syrupy liquid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Since it is a liquid it can easily penetrate the soil and contaminate groundwater and nearby streams.	[1] CAMEO Chemicals
–	CBI; Other Solid; Liquid	[2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
–	ODOURLESS COLOURLESS VISCOUS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid.	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–	Clear, colorless, syrupy, odorless liquid. [antifreeze] [Note: A solid below 9 °F.]	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–	Clear, colorless, syrupy (viscous) liquid at room temperature. Often colored fluorescent yellow-green when used in automotive antifreeze.	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown	Clear, colorless, syrupy, liquid [Note: A solid below 9 degrees F].	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from, as of Sept 15, 2011: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd02

Value	As written	Source
−13 °C	9 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−13 °C	-13 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−13 °C	9 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−12.7 °Cshown	-12.69 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−13 °C	9 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
197.6 °C	387.7 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
197 °C	197 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
198 °C	388 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
197.3 °Cshown	197.3 °C @760 [mm Hg]	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
198 °C	388 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	1.115 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
–	Relative density (water = 1): 1.1	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	1.11	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–shown	1.1135 @ 20°C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
–	1.11	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
–	Miscible with water	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Riddick, J.A., W.B. Bunger, Sakano T.K. Techniques of Chemistry 4th ed., Volume II. Organic Solvents. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons., 1985., p. 264
–shown	Solubility in water: miscible	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Miscible	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	log Kow = -1.36	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 5
–shown	-1.36	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Value	As written	Source
0.06 mmHg	0.06 mmHg at 68 °F	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1 mmHg	1 mmHg at 127.4 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.092 mmHg	0.092 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Daubert, T.E., R.P. Danner. Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Taylor and Francis, 1989.
0.049 mmHgshown	Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 6.5	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Value	As written	Source
111 °C	232 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
111 °C	232 °F (111 °C) (closed cup)	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-61
111.1 °Cshown	111.11 °C c.c., 115 °C o.c.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
111 °C	232 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
111 °C	232 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
413 °C	775 °F (USCG, 1999)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
398 °C	748 °F (398 °C)	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-61
398 °Cshown	398 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Each value as its source reports it, with the source's number after it (listed under References). Where several sources report a property, the row shows the value most of them agree on, the rule the app uses; open the values to see every one.

Calculated

Heavy atoms: 4
Rings: 0
Aromatic rings: 0
Fraction sp³ carbons (Fsp3): 1
H-bond donors: 2
H-bond acceptors: 2
Rotatable bonds: 1
TPSA (Å²): 40.5
Formal charge: 0
XLogP3: -1.4 PubChem
Complexity: 6 PubChem
Stereocenters: None
Double-bond geometry: None specified
Point group: C1 of one 3D conformer with its hydrogens, by Athanor’s engine (as in the app)

Elemental analysis

C38.70%
H9.74%
O51.55%

Isotope pattern

Each peak is a nominal mass with its abundance-weighted exact mass, as a percentage of the tallest, from IUPAC natural isotope abundances.

Computed from the structure with RDKit 2026.09 when this page was built, beside PubChem's own computed values from its record; where the two differ, both are shown.

Predicted

log P: -1.03 Crippen (Wildman and Crippen 1999)
log S (water solubility): 0.49 ESOL (Delaney 2004), log mol/L
Synthetic accessibility: 2.28 SA score, 1 easy to 10 hard (Ertl and Schuffenhauer 2009)

Drug-likeness: Lipinski’s rule of five

Molecular weight ≤ 500: 62.07
log P ≤ 5 (Crippen): -1.03
H-bond donors ≤ 5: 2
H-bond acceptors ≤ 10: 2

Passes all four rules.

¹³C NMR shifts, predicted

Predictions, not measurements; each names its method. A measured log P, where a source reports one, is under Physical properties.

Safety

Warning

Harmonized EU classification (CLP Annex VI). Source [8].

Harmful or irritant

NFPA 704[6]

H302Harmful if swallowed

Precautionary statements: P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, P501

View all classifications (3)

[8] Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · WarningH302
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (3 of 8196) of reports.
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · 8,196 reports · WarningH373

Exposure limits

PEL: None See Appendix G[5]
REL: See Appendix D[5]
TLV: (vapour and aerosol): 25 ppm as TWA.[3]
TLV-TWA (Time Weighted Average): 25 ppm (vapor fraction) [2016][4]
TLV-STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): 50 ppm (vapor fraction), 10 mg/m³ (inhalable particulate matter, aerosol only) [2016][4]
IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH index[5]

First aid

Eyes: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. Immediately transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. Skin: Immediately flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing.[1]
(General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water.[5]
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.[3]
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.[3]

Storage

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and strong acids. Dry. Ventilation along the floor.[3]
... Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from oxidizing agents.[6]
Temperature: Ambient[6]

Incompatibilities

Mixing ethylene glycol and 96% sulfuric acid in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase.[6]
Contact of aq ethylene glycol soln with DC-energized silvered copper wires causes ignition of the latter. Bare copper or nickel- or tin-plated wires were inert and silver-plated wire can be made by adding benzotriazole as a metal deactivator to the coolant soln. This problem of electrical connector fires in aircraft has been studied in detail to identify the significant factors.[6]
A mixture of phosphorus(V) sulfide, ethylene glycol, and hexane in a mantle-heated flask spontaneously overheated and exploded at an internal temperature of about 180 °C. It had been intended to maintain the reaction temp at 60 °C, but since alcoholysis of the sulfide is exothermic, presence of the heating mantle prevented the dissipation of heat, and the reaction accelerated continuously until explosive decomposition occurred.[6]
Mixing of equal weights (of ethylene glycol and potassium dichromate) at ambient temp uneventful, but at 100 °C an exotherm of 170 °C occurs.[6]

Safety data sheets on the supplier’s page: Sigma-Aldrich, abcr GmbH, Alfa Chemistry.

Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet before working with it.

Spectra

Experimental spectra held by these sources; each link opens the source's own record.

Literature

Reading PubChem, OpenAlex and GSRS…

Bioactivity

Reading ChEMBL…

References

[1]CAMEO Chemicals · Public domain (NOAA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[2]EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) · Public domain (US EPA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[3]ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[4]Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Public domain (US DOL) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[5]The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) · Public domain (US CDC) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[6]Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · Public domain (US NLM) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[7]PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy · Public domain (US DOE) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[8]Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · EU reuse policy, CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[9]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · ECHA legal notice: reuse with acknowledgement · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[10]NMRShiftDB · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[11]Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[12]SpectraBase · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[13]MassBank of North America (MoNA) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[14]NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[15]MassBank Europe · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
·Calculated values: computed by Athanor with RDKit 2026.09 from the structure.
·Literature on PubChem

Data last updated 2026-10-14.