Product Profile Mono ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, and slightly viscous liquid, more hygroscopic than glycerol and miscible with water in all proportions. This grade is used as an intermediate for the manufacture of polyester resins and fibers. Ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol) in its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Product characteristics Appearance: Clear colorless liquid Chemical Formulae: C2H6O2 Purity: 99.8% min Molecular weight: 62.07 Applications Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) can be used for applications that require chemical intermediates for resins, solvent couplers, freezing point depression, solvents, humectants and chemical intermediates. These applications are vital to the manufacture of a wide range of products, including resins; deicing fluids; heat transfer fluids; automotive antifreeze and coolants; water-based adhesives, latex paints and asphalt emulsions; electrolytic capacitors; textile fibers; paper and leather. Ethylene Glycol is the most common antifreeze fluid for standard heating and cooling applications. Ethylene glycol is also used in the manufacture of some vaccines, but it is not itself present in these injections. It is used as a minor (1–2%) ingredient in shoe polish and also in some inks and dye. Production of Ethylene Glycol Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene, via the intermediate ethylene oxide Ethylene oxide reacts with water to produce ethylene glycol according to the chemical equation C2H4O + H2O ? HOCH2CH2OH This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, ethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved. The major byproducts are the ethylene glycol oligomers diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol. Market scenario The demand for mono ethylene glycol is largely driven by the polyester products like polyester staple fibre, polyester fibre yarn, polyethylene terephthalate and polyester chips. The growth oriented application sector is polyester resins, which in turn is used in coating, ink and PU systems. Small quantity is used in the production of explosives (low freezing dynamite). AAGR in demand for monoethylene glycol through 2017 is 7%. Indian demand of monoethylene glycol is estimated to be 1.05 million metric tonnes. Global demand for mono ethylene glycol increased 12.1% in 2010 to about 19.5 million metric tonne and it is forecast to grow about 5.4% per year through 2015.