How is ethylene glycol made?

1 Answer
Simon Moore
Mar 26, 2018

Usually via the reaction of water with ethylene oxide.

Explanation:

Ethylene oxide is generally manufactured by the direct oxidation of ethylene, using silver coated pummice or similar silver based catalyst.

Ethylene oxide can form stable aqueous solutions, but if dilute sulphuric acid is added, the EO readily hydrolyses and forms the glycol.

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