As a chemical expert with a strong background in material science, I'm well-versed in the properties and behaviors of various compounds. Let's delve into the solubility of ethylene glycol in water.

Ethylene glycol, also known as monoethylene glycol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOCH2CH2OH. It is widely used as a raw material in the manufacturing of polyester fibers, antifreeze formulations, and other industrial applications. One of the key properties of ethylene glycol that makes it so versatile is its solubility in water.

Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a certain temperature to form a homogeneous solution. When it comes to ethylene glycol and water, the solubility is quite remarkable. Ethylene glycol is miscible with water, which means that it can mix with water in any proportion to form a homogeneous mixture. This is due to the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the ethylene glycol molecule, which can form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules. Hydrogen bonding is a significant factor in determining the solubility of a substance in water, and it is one of the reasons why ethylene glycol is so soluble.

The boiling point of ethylene glycol is approximately 197.3 degrees Celsius (387.1 degrees Fahrenheit; 470.4 Kelvin), which is higher than that of water. This high boiling point indicates that ethylene glycol can be used in applications where a higher operating temperature is required, such as in antifreeze and coolant formulations for engines.

Furthermore, ethylene glycol is also soluble in most organic solvents. This dual solubility makes it a valuable component in a variety of formulations, including those used in the textile industry and in the production of certain types of plastics and films.

In terms of vapor pressure, ethylene glycol has a relatively low vapor pressure of 0.06 mmHg at 20 degrees Celsius. This low vapor pressure means that it does not readily evaporate at room temperature, which is an important consideration for its use in formulations that require a stable, non-volatile component.

In summary, ethylene glycol's solubility in water is excellent due to its molecular structure, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Its miscibility with water, along with its solubility in organic solvents and its relatively high boiling point, make it a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in various industries.

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Ethylene glycolNamesBoiling point197.3 --C (387.1 --F; 470.4 K)Solubility in waterMiscibleSolubilitySoluble in most organic solventsVapor pressure0.06 mmHg (20 --C)58 more rowsread more >>