1,2-Ethanediol, also known as ethylene glycol, is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is widely used as an antifreeze, coolant, and solvent. It is a dihydric alcohol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a two-carbon chain, and is a key compound in the context of naming alcohols and phenols.
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1,2-Ethanediol is the IUPAC name for the compound, where the numbers 1 and 2 indicate the positions of the hydroxyl groups on the two-carbon chain.
Ethylene glycol is the common name for 1,2-ethanediol, and it is the simplest dihydric alcohol.
1,2-Ethanediol is a key component in the production of polyester resins, antifreeze, and other industrial chemicals.
Due to its toxicity, ingestion of ethylene glycol can lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage and central nervous system effects.
The naming of 1,2-ethanediol follows the general rules for naming alcohols, where the parent chain is identified, and the positions of the hydroxyl groups are specified.
Review Questions
Explain the significance of the term '1,2-ethanediol' in the context of naming alcohols.
The term '1,2-ethanediol' is important in the context of naming alcohols because it follows the IUPAC naming convention for dihydric alcohols. The numbers 1 and 2 indicate the positions of the two hydroxyl (-OH) groups on the two-carbon chain, and the term 'ethanediol' specifies that the compound is a dihydric alcohol with a two-carbon backbone. This naming system helps to uniquely identify the structure and functional groups of the alcohol, which is crucial for understanding its properties and reactivity.
Describe the relationship between 1,2-ethanediol and the broader category of glycols.
1,2-Ethanediol, also known as ethylene glycol, is a member of the broader class of compounds called glycols. Glycols are dihydric alcohols, meaning they contain two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon chain. The distinguishing feature of 1,2-ethanediol is that the two hydroxyl groups are attached to adjacent carbon atoms, forming a two-carbon backbone. This structural arrangement is characteristic of glycols and gives them unique physical and chemical properties, such as their ability to lower the freezing point of water, making them useful as antifreeze and coolant agents.
Evaluate the potential hazards and safety concerns associated with 1,2-ethanediol, and explain how this knowledge is important in the context of naming alcohols and phenols.
1,2-Ethanediol, or ethylene glycol, is a potentially hazardous substance due to its toxicity. Ingestion of this compound can lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage and central nervous system effects. This information is crucial in the context of naming alcohols and phenols because it highlights the importance of accurately identifying and understanding the properties of these compounds. Proper naming conventions, such as the IUPAC system used for 1,2-ethanediol, help to clearly communicate the structure and potential risks associated with a particular alcohol or phenol, which is essential for ensuring safe handling, storage, and use of these chemicals in various applications.
Related terms
Dihydric Alcohol: A dihydric alcohol is an organic compound that contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon chain.
A glycol is a type of dihydric alcohol, where the two hydroxyl groups are attached to adjacent carbon atoms.
Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a liquid mixture, often containing ethylene glycol, that is used to lower the freezing point of water in cooling systems, preventing them from freezing in cold temperatures.