Ethylene+glycol

Ethylene glycol is anti-freeze. Ethylene glycol is poisonous and taste sweet. In its pure form it is odorless and colorless. Due to its low freezing point ethylene glycol resists freezing. In the plastics industry, ethylene glycol is important precursor to polyester fibers and resins. Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic; Ingesting ethylene glycol can result in death. Ethylene glycol is formed from the reaction of water and ethylene oxide: C 2 H 4 O + H 2 O → HO–CH 2 CH 2 –OH

Ethylene glycol (EG) has many product applications, including antifreeze coolants, polyester resin (PET), film and fibers, heat transfer and hydraulic fluids, solvents, plasticizer formulations, unsaturated polyester resins, and raw materials for ester and polyester polyol production. Diethylene glycol (DEG) and triethylene glycol (TEG) have similar applications. DEG is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins and polyols, and TEG is used extensively as a dehydrating agent for natural gas.

Toxicity ethylene glycol is moderatly toxic with an oral LDLO that is equal to 786 mg/kg for humans. The major reason it is dangerous is because of its sweet taste. Because of that, children and animals are alot more inclined to consume large quantities of it than other poisons. When digested, the ethylene glycol is oxidized to become glycolic acid, which in turn, is oxdized to oxalic acid, which is toxic.

Ethylene glycol crystals:

Ethylene glycol is the major ingredient of almost all radiator fluid products in the United States. It is used to increase the boiling point and decrease the freezing point of radiator fluid, which circulates through the automotive radiator. These changes to the boiling and freezing points result from the colligative properties of the solute. Ethylene glycol is added to prevent the radiator from overheating or freezing, depending on the season. Fluorescein dye is often added to radiator fluid to help identify the source of a leak. The fluorescein in the fluid fluoresces when viewed under ultraviolet light.

Toxicity
Ethylene glycol is moderately toxic with an oral LDLO = 786 mg/kg for humans The major danger is due to its sweet taste. Because of that, children and animals are more inclined to consume large quantities of it than of other poisons. Upon ingestion, ethylene glycol is oxidized to glycolic acid which is, in turn, oxidized to oxalic acid, which is toxic. It and its toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system, then the heart, and finally the kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal if untreated.

According to the annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System in 2007, there were about 1000 total cases resulting in 16 deaths. The 2008 American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System annual report lists 7 deaths