2007-05-14 14:50:40 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It has a very low freezing point and will lower the freezing point of water significantly when added to it. Its very soluble in water because it is a diol with a relatively short carbon chain.
Ethylene glycol is NOT safe to handle. It's extremely toxic.
2007-05-14 14:59:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethylene Glycol is a diol, a form of an alcohol. Alcohols have lower freezing temperatures than water, which allows them to remain liquid in much harsher conditions. Being an alcohol it is also very soluble in water, a very useful solvent. Depending on the concentration of ethylene glycol, antifreeze can avoid freezing down to the -50 or -60 degree Fahrenheit range.
2007-05-14 15:02:56 · answer #2 · answered by C.S. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to lower the freezing point of waer, a solute has to be added. This is called a colligative property.
The more you can add, the lower the FP will get.
With ethylene glycol, you can dissolve a great deal into water. Thus the FP can be made very, very low.
Additionally, eth. gly. is safe to handle
2007-05-14 14:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by reb1240 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋