Triethylene glycol

Triethylene glycol, also known as triglycol, with the English name Triethylene glycol, is a colorless, transparent, slightly sweet, stable viscous liquid. It has a freezing point of -7.2°C, a melting point of -4.3°C, a boiling point of 289.4°C (134°C at 0.267 kPa), a relative density (15°C) of 1.1274, a refractive index of 1.4578 (15°C), an ignition point of 173.9°C, a flash point of 330°C (closed cup), a fire point of 412.8°C, and a vapor pressure of 1 Pa (20°C). It is miscible with water, ethanol, benzene, and toluene, poorly soluble in ethers, and insoluble in petroleum ether. It is hygroscopic. With oxygen atoms and hydroxyl groups linked to alkyl groups, it exhibits the properties of both alcohols and ethers.

Production Process of Triethylene Glycol: It is produced as a byproduct (accounting for about 0.5%-1%) during the hydration of ethylene oxide to produce ethylene glycol.

Uses of Triethylene Glycol: It is used as an excellent dehydrating agent for natural gas, oilfield associated gas, and carbon dioxide; as a solvent for nitrocellulose, rubber, resins, oils, paints, pesticides, etc.; as an air disinfectant; as a plasticizer for PVC, polyvinyl acetate resins, glass fiber, and asbestos pressed boards in the form of triethylene glycol esters; as a tobacco anti-drying agent, fiber lubricant, and desiccant for natural gas; and also in organic synthesis, such as in the production of high-boiling-point brake fluids with good low-temperature performance.