Difference Between Ethylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol
Main difference
The main difference between ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol is that there is a fixed molecular weight value for ethylene glycol while there is no fixed molecular weight value for polyethylene glycol .
Ethylene Glycol vs. Polyethylene Glycol
Although both ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol have almost similar names, they are different compounds from each other due to their general properties and chemical structures. Ethylene glycol is an alcoholic compound. Polyethylene glycol, on the other hand, is a polyether compound. Due to the presence of –OH groups, both compounds are miscible with water. Ethylene glycol is actually a simple linear molecule. Polyethylene glycol, on the other hand, is a polymeric material.
Ethylene glycol appears in a liquid state at room temperature. Polyethylene glycol, on the other hand, can have different appearances based on its molecular weight. To produce ethylene glycol, we use ethylene as the main chemical compound. On the other hand, when a reaction occurs between ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol, or ethylene glycol oligomers, polyethylene glycol is produced.
Comparison chart
| ethylene glycol | polyethylene glycol |
| Alcoholic compounds that are colorless and odorless are called ethylene glycols. | Compounds that are polyether, meaning they have many ether groups, are called polyethylene glycols. |
| General Formula | |
| It has the general formula C 2 H 6 O 2 | Polyethylene glycol has the general formula H− (O − CH 2 −CH 2 ) n −OH |
| Morphology | |
| Ethylene glycol is called a simple linear molecule. | Polyethylene glycol is called a polymeric material. |
| Molecular weight | |
| Ethylene glycol has a fixed value of molecular weight which is about 62.07 g/mol. | Polyethylene glycol does not have a fixed molecular weight value. It is based on the value of “n” in its general formula. |
| Production | |
| Ethylene glycol is produced when a reaction takes place between ethylene oxide and water. | When a reaction takes place between ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol oligomers or ethylene glycol, it gives rise to polyethylene glycol. |
| Catalyst | |
| Both acidic and basic catalysts are used for the production of ethylene glycol. | Both acidic and basic catalysts are used for the production of polyethylene glycol. |
| Use | |
| Ethylene glycol is mainly used as antifreeze for automobiles and for the manufacture of polyester fibers. | Polyethylene glycol has many uses, including biological use, industrial use, medical use, chemical use, etc. |
| Toxicity | |
| Ethylene glycol is considered a moderately toxic compound. | It is not toxic. |
Ethylene glycol is known as a simple linear molecule and its IUPAC name is ethane-1,2-diol. There is a fixed molecular weight value for ethylene glycol. It is considered a colorless, odorless and sweet-tasting viscous dihydroxy alcohol. It is moderately toxic if ingested. Its molar mass is about 62.07 g/mol. It is considered a syrupy liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is mentioned as a viscous liquid with a boiling point of about 198 °C. Ethylene glycol is made up of two –OH groups. That is why this molecule can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. So, it is miscible with water. It is sweet in taste.
The most common applications of ethylene glycol are that it is used as an automotive antifreeze and as a raw material for the production of polyester fibers. Automotive antifreeze is a liquid used in the cooling system of the combustion engine and the radiator of vehicles. It is also important in the manufacture of low-freezing resins and dynamites.
What is polyethylene glycol ?
Polyethylene glycol is called a polymeric material. It may have a mild scent. It does not have a fixed molecular weight value for polyethylene glycol. Its value is based on the value of “n” in your general formula. Polyethylene glycol can have different forms depending on its molecular weight. It is considered an opaque liquid below a molecular weight of 700. It transforms into a semi-solid material with molecular weights between 700 and 900. It can be a white waxy solid, powder or flakes above a molecular weight of 900.
Key differences
- Alcoholic compounds that are colorless and odorless are called ethylene glycols, while compounds that are polyether, that is, have many ether groups, are called polyethylene glycols.
- Ethylene glycol has the general formula C 2 H 6 O 2 , on the other hand, polyethylene glycol has the general formula H− (O − CH2 − CH2) n − OH.
- Ethylene glycol is called a simple linear molecule, while polyethylene glycol is called a polymeric material.
- Ethylene glycol has a fixed value of molecular weight which is about 62.07 g/mol, on the other hand, polyethylene glycol does not have a fixed value of molecular weight which in turn depends on the value of “n” in its general formula.
- Ethylene glycol is produced when a reaction occurs between ethylene oxide and water, on the other hand, when a reaction occurs between ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol oligomers, or ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol is produced.
- Ethylene glycol is mainly used as automotive antifreeze, and for the manufacture of polyester fibers, on the other hand, polyethylene glycol has many uses, including biological use, industrial use, medical use, chemical use, etc.
- Ethylene glycol is considered to be a moderately toxic compound, on the other hand, polyethylene glycol is not a toxic compound.
The above discussion summarizes that ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol are very important molecules. The former is considered a syrupy liquid at room temperature and comprises a fixed value for molecular weight, while the latter is considered a solid material and does not comprise a fixed value for molecular weight.