REACTION KINETICS

Ethylene glycol is a compound that contains more than one –oly groups is called polyhydrate alcohol
(dihydric alcohol) polyols (Diols). It is called dihydric alcohol as it contains to –OH groups on one carbon
are rarely found. The reason is there are unstable and always undergoes spontaneous decomposition to
give corresponding carbonated compound and water.

The elementary steps of the series-parallel reactions for the non-catalytic reactions of Ethylene
Glycol – reaction of Ethylene Oxide with water to give Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) and its products
which are di- and tri- ethylene glycol.​[1][2]

C 2 H 4 O + H 2 O K1→ C 2 H 6 O2 (1)

C 2 H 4 O + C 2 H 6 O2 K2→ C 4 H 10 O3 (2)

C 2 H 4 O + C 4 H 10 O3 K3→ C 6 H 14 O4 (3)

In industrial methods, to produce ethylene glycol is by hydration of ethylene oxide. Firstly, ethylene
oxide reacts with water to form glycol and further react with ethylene glycol in a series of consecutive
​
reactions as shown in the following equations: [3][5]

THERMODYNAMICS
Ethylene glycol(EG(Gibb’s Free Energy is given by the following equation:

∆G = − RT ln ln K
ka×kb
Where K= Kequ = kc×kd

From reactions, ka and kb are rate constants for the products. Similarly, kc and kd are rate constants for
the reactants. The reaction is assume as exothermic and irreversible; value of kc and kd will not be in
consideration to find out the equilibrium rate constants. Hence, Kequ is given by:

Kequ=ka×kb

Enthalpy, Gibb’s Free Energy and specific heat data are below at reaction temperature 100⁰C in the
​
form of functional group. [4]

References
[1] Batiha, M. (2004). Dynamic Modelling of the Non-Catalytic Process of Ethylene Oxide Hydrolysis.
Journal of Science and Technology​, Vol.9 (1&2), pp.17-27.

[2] Batiha, M. (2004). Kinetic Investiagtion On Consecutive - Parallel Reactions in the Non- Catalytic
Process of Ethylene Oxide Hydrolysis. ​Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Engineering Science,​
Vol 15, (1), pp. 19-31.

[3] Othmer, K. &. (1996). ​Encylopedia of Chemical Technology. (4​th​ edition). ​ New York, Toronto: John
Wiley & Sons. Vol 12, pp 696 - 714

[4] Perry R.H & Green D.W. (1998). ​Perry Chemical Engineers handbook​ (7 ed.). New York: Mc-Graw Hill
International Edition. pp 2.347

[5] Ullmann. (2003). ​Ullamann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry​ (sixth edition ed.). Weinheim:
Wiley V-C-H Verlag Gmbu & Co. pp 593-608