Ethylene glycol is represented by the formula #HOCH_2CH_2OH#. Is it likely to be soluble in water? In paint thinner?

1 Answer
Feb 25, 2017

#"In water, it should be absolutely miscible.........."#

Explanation:

Well, both #"ethyl alcohol"#, and #"methyl alcohol"# are infinitely miscible in water, and #"ethylene glycol"#, to which another hydroxyl group has been added, will follow suit.

#"Paint thinners"# cover a range of formulations that contain a lot of organic solvents, such as white spirits, ketones, aromatics....My guess is that ethylene glycol should NOT be soluble in a typical paint thinner.

#"Paint stripper"# is another beast entirely, and contains #"methylene chloride"#, in which #"ethylene glycol"# should have some solubility. The only way you are going to know this to do your own experiment.