What are the derivatives of ethylene oxide?

Answer 1

Products derived from EO have many different uses. They include:

• Monoethylene Glycol: Production of polyethylene terephthalate (polyester fibers, films and bottles), antifreeze and coolants for engines, heat transfer liquids and aircraft and runway anti-icing and deicing fluid.
• Diethylene Glycol: Polyurethanes, polyesters, softeners (cork, glue, casein and paper), plasticizers, gas drying and solvents.
• Triethylene Glycol: Lacquers, solvents, plasticizers, gas drying and humectants (moisture-retaining agents).
• Poly(ethylene) Glycols: Cosmetics, ointments, pharmaceutical preparations, lubricants (finishing of textiles, ceramics), solvents (paints and drugs) and plasticizers (adhesives and printing inks).
• Ethylene Glycol Ethers: Brake fluids, detergents, solvents (paints and lacquers) and extractants for SO2, H2S, CO2, and mercaptans from natural gas and refinery gas.
• Ethanolamine: Chemicals for textile finishing, cosmetics, soaps, detergents and natural gas purification.
• Ethoxylation products of fatty alcohols, fatty amines, alkyl phenols, cellulose and poly(propylene glycol): Detergents and surfactants (nonionic), biodegradable detergents, emulsifiers and dispersants.