Diethylene Glycol

1Identification

Name

Diethylene Glycol

IUPAC name

2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol

CAS number

111-46-6 (also reported: 25322-68-3)

EC number

203-872-2

Molecular formula

C4H10O3

Molecular weight

106.12 g/mol

InChIKey

MTHSVFCYNBDYFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(COCCO)O

PubChem CID

8117

Synonyms

DIETHYLENE GLYCOL, 2,2'-Oxydiethanol, 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethanol, 2,2'-Oxybisethanol, Diglycol, Diethylenglykol, Digol, Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl ether, Glycol ether, Ethanol, 2,2'-oxybis-, Ethylene diglycol, Digenos, Dicol

Recommended uses

• Used as a humectant (tobacco, casein, synthetic sponges, composition corks, glues, gelatin, and paper products), a dehydrating agent (plasticizers, surfactants, and natural gas), a lubricating and finishing agent (wool, worsted, cotton, rayon, and silk), a solvent for vat dyes, an intermediate (triethylene glycol and diethylene glycol dinitrate), a petroleum extraction solvent, and a monomer (unsaturated polyester resins and polyols for polyurethane); Also used in lacquers, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions for sprinkler systems; water seals for gas tanks, brake fluids, lubricants, mold release agents, and inks;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry] Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Production of polyurethane and unsaturated polyester resins, triethylene glycol; textile softener; petroleum solvent extraction; dehydration of natural gas, plasticizers, and surfactants; solvent for nitrocellulose and many dyes and oils; humectant for tobacco, casein, synthetic sponges, paper products; cork compositions, bookbinding adhesives, dyeing assistant, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Fuel agents Heat transferring agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Monomers Wetting agent (non-aqueous) Other CBI Lubricating agent Freeze-thaw additive Solvent Anti-freeze agent Anti-adhesive/cohesive Adhesion/cohesion promoter Intermediate Emulsifier Catalyst Corrosion inhibitor Filler Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Hydraulic fluids Dehydrating agent (desiccant)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Hydraulic fluids Plasticizer Stabilizing agent Catalyst Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Corrosion inhibitor Soil amendments (fertilizers) Adhesion/cohesion promoter Intermediate Solvent Anti-adhesive/cohesive Anti-freeze agent Other Freeze-thaw additive Lubricating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Monomers Fuel agents Heat transferring agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Food Additives -> CARRIER_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• Diethylene glycol appears as a colorless liquid. Denser than water. Contact may slightly irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Diethylene glycol is a hydroxyether.
  ChEBI
• See also: Polyester-5 (tg-38) (monomer of); Polyester-5 (TG-48) (monomer of); Polyester-5 (TG-55) (monomer of) ... View More ...
  PubChem

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

4 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Ingestion of large amounts may cause degeneration of kidney and liver and cause death. Liquid may cause slight skin irritation. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Repeated oral doses in animal experiments causes renal injury; Low toxicity by the dermal route; No evidence of carcinogenicity in animals; [Reference #1] Toxic by ingestion--may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and CNS; [ICSC] A mild irritant based on animal studies; Targets the liver, kidneys, and CNS; [MSDSonline] In 1937, 96 deaths were attributed to ingestion of elixir of sulphanilamide that contained 72% DEG; Deaths occurred about 9 days after ingestion with vomiting, acute renal failure, convulsions, and coma. Autopsies showed severe kidney and liver damage. [AIHA] See GLYCOL ETHERS.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• 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. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Confusion. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Alcohol foam, water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a POTW is acceptable only after review by the governing authority. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must meet Hazardous Material Criteria for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Dry. Well closed. Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Full face mask with canister for short exposures to high vapor levels; rubber gloves; goggles. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• DIETHYLENE GLYCOL is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. It is also incompatible with strong bases. It can react with sulfuric acid and other dehydrating agents, nitric acid, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, perchloric acid and strong acids. Mixtures with sodium hydroxide decompose exothermically when heated to 446 °F. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• ... Can react with oxidizing materials ... Mixtures with sodium hydroxide decompose exothermically when heated to 230 °C and release explosive hydrogen gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Mixtures with sodium hydroxide decompose exothermically when heated to 230 °C and release explosive hydrogen gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Can attack some forms of plastic.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Low volatility
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. This may result in kidney impairment. Ingestion could cause effects on the central nervous system and liver. Ingestion could cause death.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• Diethylene glycol's production and use as a chemical intermediate, textile softener, in petroleum solvent extraction; dehydration of natural gas, in plasticizers, and surfactants, solvent for nitrocellulose and many dyes and oils as well as a humectant for tobacco, synthetic sponges, paper products; book-binding adhesives and in cosmetics may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 5.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates diethylene glycol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethylene glycol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog, age 3-4 weeks); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C; Concentration: 3065000 ug/L for 48 hr /formulated product/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, age < or =24 hr); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C, pH 7.6-7.7; Concentration: 10000000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulated product/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Carassius auratus (Goldfish, weight 3.3 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH 7.0, dissolved oxygen >4.0 mg/L; Concentration: 5000000 ug/L for 24 hr
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Atomize into an incinerator. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Recommendable methods: Incineration. ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of diethylene glycol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: deactivator, adjuvant for formulations used before crop emerges from soil.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Diethylene glycol is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8117 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.