Chemistry centers on the two hydroxyl (OH) groups that characterize

them as glycols.
They, therefore, have intermediate properties between alcohols, with a
single hydroxyl group and glycerin with its three hydroxyl groups.
Likewise, the solubility characteristics of glycols tend to be between
those of the simple alcohols and glycerin.
Glycols are normally quite stable under normal storage conditions, but
can oxidize in the presence of air, particularly when heated.
This gives rise to oxidation products such as carbonyl compounds and
acids. The effects of such degradation can be controlled by the use of
stabilizers, to the extent that these glycols can be used as heat transfer
media at relatively high temperatures.
Physical Properties
Glycol Heat-Transfer Fluids Ethylene Glycol versus Propylene Glycol

Water is probably the most efficient heat-transfer fluid known. If it did not freeze, water would be the
ideal heat-transfer fluid for cooling applications.

When freeze conditions exist (<35 F), ethylene glycol and propylene glycol can be added to water to
provide freeze protection and burst protection.

Both glycols have lower heat-transfer efficiencies than water and are denser, resulting in higher
volumetric flow rates or heat-exchange areas required to maintain the same temperature levels (see
Tables 1 and 2). Higher flow rates lead to higher pressure drops, energy consumption, and equipment
wear. As a result, it is important to accurately determine the minimal concentration of glycol needed
to do the job in order to maintain system efficiency.
 Table 1 - Ethylene Glycol Versus Propylene Glycol Thermal Conductivities
Ethylene Glycol Thermal Propylene Glycol Thermal
Temperature Conductivity [Btu/(hrft^2)(F/ft)] at Conductivity [Btu/(hr ft^2)(F/ft)]
(F) 30% Volume at 30% Volume
10 0.238 0.235
20 0.243 0.239
30 0.247 0.243
40 0.251 0.247
50 0.255 0.251
60 0.259 0.254
70 0.263 0.258
80 0.266 0.261

Table 2 - Flow Increases Necessary to Achieve Same Heat Transfer as Pure Water
Percent Solution at 50F Ethylene Glycol Volume Propylene Glycol Volume
Flow Increase vs. Water Flow Increase vs. Water
0 1.00 1.00
10 1.020 1.008
20 1.050 1.014
30 1.090 1.043
40 1.140 1.075
50 1.210 1.132

Water Quality: High quality water will help maintain system efficiency and prolong glycol fluid life.
Recommended water characteristics include:

Less than 50 ppm calcium (as CaCO3),

Less than 50 ppm magnesium (as CaCO3),

Less than 100 ppm total hardness (as CaCO3), Less

than 25 ppm chloride (as CaCO3), and Less than 25
ppm sulfate (as CaCO3).

The difference between Propylene Glycol and Ethylene

Glycol in antifreeze comes down to both toxicity levels and
efficiency of performance.
] Ethylene glycol possess far superior heat transfer
properties whereas Propylene Glycol carries a very low
toxicity.

What are glycols?

A glycol is an organic chemical compound belonging to the alcohol family. Within the
glycol (another terms for diol), molecule, it contains two hydroxyl groups attached to
different carbon atoms. Glycols belong in the alcohol group of chemicals.
Although both propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have a large number of applications
across a variety of industries and uses including cosmetics and preservatives
(propylene glycol) and within the manufacture of resins, inks and polyethylene
terephthalate (ethylene glycol) both have a common use within antifreeze and coolant
mixes.

What is antifreeze?
Antifreeze is typically a mixture of distilled water with a base product - ethylene or
propylene glycol. In some formulas a specialised inhibitor is also sometimes added to
help protect system metals from corrosion.
The role of antifreeze has a dual purpose - lowering the freezing point of liquid in a
cooling system as well as also raising the boiling temperature of water. Through this, an
antifreeze solution helps keep cooling systems free flowing and clear of icy build-up
during cold weather conditions as well as preventing any issues with over-heating.

What is the difference between propylene glycol

and ethylene glycol?
The main difference between propylene glycol and ethylene is the level of toxicity.
Propylene glycol has a very low toxicity, which is why it is also found in cosmetics and
personal care products, whereas ethylene glycol is poisonous and must be handled with
caution to restrict any human or animal exposure.
So why not just use propylene glycol? There are a number of benefits using ethylene
glycol over propylene glycol, especially in closed loop systems were risk of contact with
food is minimal. For example, freeze point depression is much more effective using
ethylene glycol – so more propylene glycol would be required to maintain the same
freeze point as ethylene. As well as this, due to the lower viscosity of ethylene glycol it
possesses excellent heat transfer properties.
The use of propylene or ethylene glycol depends on the application in hand and the risk
of accidental contact with food, potable water or human ingestion. For example, in
aeroplane de-icing propylene glycol is used for both removing ice and contaminates
from an aeroplane as well as being used during winter and periods of snowfall to
actively prevent accumulation of snow and ice. It is also present in a number of
supermarket antifreeze products. Whereas ethylene glycol would be used in closed
systems and in controlled industrial applications.