[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol to oxalic acid

Ethylene Glycol Diacetate Properties

Ethylene glycol diacetate (Ethylene Glycol Diacetate, referred to as EGDA) is a colorless transparent liquid, the chemical formula is C6H10O4. It has medium volatility, low toxicity and faint fruit flavor. EGDA has a boiling point of about 186°C, a density of 1.10g/cm³, and a refractive index of 1.416. It has good stability at room temperature, is not easy to decompose or react, but may be hydrolyzed in strong acid and alkali environment. The low toxicity of ethylene glycol diacetate gives it a safety advantage in many applications.

Ethylene glycol diacetate uses

Ethylene glycol diacetate is widely used in coatings, paints, inks and cleaning agents. As a highly efficient solvent, EGDA can dissolve a variety of resins and oils, improving the leveling and gloss of coatings. In the ink industry, ethylene glycol diacetate is used to adjust the drying speed and improve the printing quality. EGDA is also used as a carrier for drugs and fragrances, benefiting from its low toxicity and good solubility.

Ethylene glycol diacetate upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of ethylene glycol diacetate relies primarily on ethylene glycol and acetic anhydride. Ethylene glycol (Ethylene Glycol) is an important chemical raw material, which is mainly produced by the epoxidation of ethylene, while acetic anhydride (Acetic Anhydride) is obtained by the catalytic dehydration of acetic acid. In the production process, ethylene glycol reacts with acetic anhydride under the action of acid catalyst to produce ethylene glycol diacetate and acetic acid. This process requires strict control of the reaction conditions to ensure high yields and high purity of the product.

Ethylene glycol diacetate production process

The production process of ethylene glycol diacetate mainly includes three steps: esterification reaction, separation and purification. In the esterification reaction, ethylene glycol reacts with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst to produce ethylene glycol diacetate and acetic acid. Next, acetic acid is separated from the product by distillation, and finally the crude product is rectified to obtain ethylene glycol diacetate of high purity. In order to improve the yield and product purity, the reaction conditions (such as temperature, pressure and catalyst dosage) need to be optimized.

Ethylene glycol diacetate storage method

Ethylene glycol diacetate should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Its storage container should be sealed, usually corrosion-resistant metal or glass containers. Store away from sources of fire, heat and strong oxidants to prevent chemical reactions or fires. Due to the volatility of EGDA, the storage area needs to be well ventilated. Operators should wear protective equipment to avoid skin and eye contact to ensure safety.

Ethylene Glycol Diacetate Market Prospects

With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the development trend of green chemical industry, the market demand of ethylene glycol diacetate as a low-toxic environmental solvent is increasing. In the paint and ink industry, EGDA has become an alternative to many traditional solvents due to its good solubility and low volatility. With the development of pharmaceutical and fragrance industries, the demand for solvents with high purity and low toxicity is also increasing, which opens up new markets for the application of ethylene glycol diacetate.

Environmental Protection and Safety

The low toxicity and biodegradability of ethylene glycol diacetate give it an advantage in terms of environmental protection. In practical applications, the volatility of EGDA is low, reducing the pollution of the atmosphere, and its waste is easy to handle, and will not cause serious harm to the environment. It is still necessary to pay attention to protection during production and use to avoid leakage and excessive contact to ensure the health and safety of operators.

Conclusion

As a chemical product with good solubility and low toxicity, ethylene glycol diacetate has a wide range of applications in many industries, such as coatings, inks, pharmaceuticals and spices. Its production relies on ethylene glycol and acetic anhydride, and a highly pure product is obtained through a strictly controlled esterification reaction. With the development of green chemical industry, the market demand of ethylene glycol diacetate is expected to continue to grow, but safety protection and environmental protection measures should be paid attention to in the process of production and use to ensure its healthy market development.