Ethylene glycols scientific (IUPAC) name is "ethane-1,2-diol".
It is an excellent choice for use in things such as car antifreeze, due to its great heat transfer properties and its terrific antifreeze up and antiboil over chemistry when combined with water.
It has a sweet taste and a pleasant flavour profile which is why bittering agents are added to antifreeze/coolant formulations, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Despite its sweet taste, ethylene glycol is a very poisonous substance, due to its metabolic breakdown in the body;
Ethylene glycol itself is relatively non-toxic, but when it's ingested by humans or animals, the liver will try to metabolise the antifreeze the same way as metabolises regular food-grade alcohol, but it will accidentally convert the glycol into poisonous and harmful organic acids, which can poison the body and be lethal.
It is an excellent choice for use in things such as car antifreeze, due to its great heat transfer properties and its terrific antifreeze up and antiboil over chemistry when combined with water.
It has a sweet taste and a pleasant flavour profile which is why bittering agents are added to antifreeze/coolant formulations, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Despite its sweet taste, ethylene glycol is a very poisonous substance, due to its metabolic breakdown in the body;
Ethylene glycol itself is relatively non-toxic, but when it's ingested by humans or animals, the liver will try to metabolise the antifreeze the same way as metabolises regular food-grade alcohol, but it will accidentally convert the glycol into poisonous and harmful organic acids, which can poison the body and be lethal.
Example 1: This high-performance coolant contains ethylene glycol, which provides great antifreeze and antiboil protection in the engine. Bittering agents have also been added to the formula for safety of your children and pets.
by Black Cat - 5000 December 12, 2025
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