Diethylene glycol

1. Primarily used as a gas dehydrating agent and aromatic hydrocarbon extraction solvent. Also used as a solvent for resins, oils, printing inks, etc., a softening and finishing agent for textiles, and for extracting coumarone and indene from coal tar. Additionally, diethylene glycol is used as a brake fluid additive, celluloid softener, antifreeze, and diluent in emulsion polymerization. It is also employed in the production of rubber and resin plasticizers, polyester resins, fiberglass, polyurethane foam, lubricant viscosity modifiers, and more. Used in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins, among others.

2. Used in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins, plasticizers, etc. Also applied in antifreeze, gas dehydrating agents, plasticizers, solvents, aromatic extraction agents, cigarette humectants, textile lubricants and finishing agents, anti-drying agents for pastes and various adhesives, and as a humectant solvent for vat dyes. It is a common solvent for oils, resins, etc.^[2]

3. Diethylene glycol is an important raw material in polyurethane synthesis. Polyurethane is an elastic polymer material widely used in furniture, automobiles, construction, textiles, waterproof coatings, adhesives, and other fields. As a soft segment raw material for polyurethane, diethylene glycol enhances the material's flexibility and also acts as a cross-linking agent.

4. Diethylene glycol serves as a solvent and humectant for dissolving dyes, paints, inks, etc., making it a crucial raw material in the printing, dye, and coating industries. It can also be used as an electrical fluid, such as in brake fluid and capacitor fluid. In cosmetics and skincare products, diethylene glycol functions as a humectant and emollient, improving product moisturization and user experience.

5. As an intermediate, diethylene glycol can be used to synthesize other organic compounds, such as surfactants, plasticizers, and lubricants. It is also employed in the synthesis of fragrances and pharmaceuticals.

6. In the pesticide field, diethylene glycol can be used to prepare herbicides like glyphosate.

7. In the pharmaceutical field, it is utilized to produce various drugs, such as antibiotics and antitumor agents.

8. In the fuel sector, diethylene glycol can be mixed with other compounds to produce renewable energy sources like biodiesel.

9. In the food industry, diethylene glycol is used as a stabilizer and humectant, helping to maintain the freshness and taste of food products. It can also serve as a disinfectant for food packaging materials.