Diethylene glycol

Diethylene glycol is a colorless, viscous organic compound with formula C₄H₁₀O₃. It is used as a solvent and in industrial products and is toxic if ingested.

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Ethylene glycol: Ethylene glycol is a toxic organic compound with formula C₂H₆O₂, used in antifreeze and chemical manufacturing. It is the smaller glycol related structurally to diethylene glycol.
Solvent: A solvent is a substance that dissolves another substance to form a solution. Diethylene glycol is used as a solvent in industrial formulations.
Diethylene glycol poisoning: Diethylene glycol poisoning is systemic illness caused by ingesting the toxic compound. It is the direct human consequence of accidental or deliberate ingestion.
Propylene glycol: Propylene glycol is a low-toxicity organic compound used in foods, medicines, cosmetics, and industrial products. It is commonly used where diethylene glycol's toxicity makes it unsuitable.
Polyethylene glycol: Polyethylene glycol is a family of polymers formed from repeating ethylene oxide units. It belongs to the broader family of compounds built from ethylene glycol units.
Natural gas dehydration: Natural gas dehydration removes water vapor from gas before processing or transport. Diethylene glycol can absorb water from natural gas in dehydration systems.
Mass poisoning: Mass poisoning is the exposure of many people to a toxic substance in a single incident or linked event. Contaminated medicines have caused large diethylene glycol poisoning outbreaks.
Glycerol: Glycerol is a colorless, viscous triol used in foods, medicines, cosmetics, and chemical manufacturing. Glycerol is a safer, common humectant that has sometimes been adulterated with diethylene glycol.
Hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonding is an attraction involving a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. Its hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds that contribute to its viscosity and water miscibility.
Brake fluid: Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transmits force through a vehicle's braking system. Glycol-based fluids have used diethylene glycol, though its toxicity and performance limit applications.