Diethylene Glycol (DEG) – Industrial Solvent & Intermediate

Understanding Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a performance-driven industrial glycol used primarily as a solvent, plasticizer, and formulation aid in chemical manufacturing. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a high boiling point, low volatility, and strong affinity for both water and organic compounds. DEG is produced strictly for industrial use and is not suitable for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications.

Rather than serving as a bulk polymer raw material, DEG plays a functional role in processes where chemical stability, solvency strength, and formulation control are critical.

Why DEG Is Used in Industrial Formulations

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is selected not for volume, but for behavior. Its molecular structure allows it to bridge water-based and solvent-based systems, making it especially valuable in complex chemical formulations.

Industries rely on DEG when they need:

• Controlled viscosity and flow behavior

• Strong solvency for resins and polymers

• Thermal stability during processing

• Reliable moisture retention in non-consumer applications

This makes DEG a formulation tool rather than a commodity input.

Key Industrial Applications of DEG

Diethylene Glycol is commonly used across a range of industrial and specialty chemical sectors, including:

• Solvent for resins, plastics, and polymer compounds

• Plasticizer in adhesives and flexible chemical systems

• Alkyd and polyester resin production

• Industrial lubricants and functional fluids

• Brake fluids and hydraulic formulations

• Paints, coatings, and surface treatment products

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is particularly valued in applications where formulation balance and processing stability matter more than sheer production volume.

DEG vs MEG vs MPG: Functional Differences

Within the glycol family, DEG occupies a clearly defined middle position:

• MEG is optimized for high-volume PET and polyester production

• MPG is selected where human safety is required (food, pharma, cosmetics)

• DEG is used where solvency strength and formulation control are the priority

Compared to MEG, DEG has a narrower but more specialized market. Due to its toxicity, DEG use is restricted to controlled industrial environments.

Technical Characteristics

From a processing and formulation standpoint, DEG offers several key advantages:

• High boiling point, allowing stable performance at elevated temperatures

• Low vapor pressure, reducing losses during processing

• Excellent compatibility with a wide range of chemical systems

• Consistent behavior in solvent-based and hybrid formulations

These characteristics make DEG a reliable component in demanding industrial applications.

Commercial Grade

In international trade, Diethylene Glycol is supplied as:

• Industrial Grade

No food or pharmaceutical grades are produced due to regulatory and safety considerations.

Packaging, Handling, and Export

DEG is transported in liquid form using standard industrial export packaging, including:

• IBC tanks

• Steel drums

• Bulk shipments for long-term or contract supply

Handling requires standard chemical safety procedures and controlled storage conditions to ensure product integrity.

Supply and International Reach

Diethylene Glycol is supplied through Basekim’s export network operating from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, supporting deliveries to industrial customers across multiple regions. This dual-hub structure allows flexibility in logistics planning and consistent access to global markets.

FAQ

1. What is Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and how is it different from MEG?

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an industrial glycol primarily used as a solvent, plasticizer, and formulation aid. Unlike Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG), which is mainly used in PET and polyester production, DEG is selected for applications requiring strong solvency and formulation control. DEG’s industrial role is narrower and more specialized, and it does not serve as a primary raw material for bulk polymer production.

2. Is DEG safe for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications?

No. DEG is intended strictly for industrial use and is not suitable for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications. Due to its toxicity and regulatory classification, it is used only in controlled industrial environments where safety systems are in place.

3. What are the typical applications of DEG in industrial products?

DEG is commonly utilized in industrial formulations such as:

• Solvents for resins, plastics, and polymer compounds

• Plasticizers in adhesives and flexible materials

• Production of alkyd and polyester resins

• Industrial lubricants and functional fluids

• Brake fluids and hydraulic systems

• Paints, coatings, and surface treatment products
  These applications take advantage of DEG’s solvency properties and stability under processing conditions.

4. What grades of DEG are available for purchase and export?

In international trade, Diethylene Glycol is typically supplied in Industrial Grade only. There are no food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic grades available due to safety and regulatory requirements. Industrial Grade DEG is suitable for chemical formulation and industrial manufacturing purposes.

5. How is DEG supplied and packaged for export?

DEG is supplied in liquid form using export-standard industrial packaging options such as:

• IBC tanks

• Steel drums

• Bulk shipments under contract
  Packaging choice depends on order volume, destination regulations, and handling infrastructure at the delivery point. Proper handling and compliance documentation are required for safe transport.