Which chemicals are good coolants?

There are many chemicals that can be used for coolants. One of the most popular ones is Propylene glycol. This chemical has no color, and it barely has any smell. However, if you were to taste it, you would have a taste that is sweet. Though it is used in automobiles as an anti-freeze, it is extremely toxic.

Another chemical that is commonly used for coolants is ethylene glycol. Like propylene glycol, it is colorless, and it does not have an odor. It also has a sweet taste. The difference between them is that ethylene glycol is not toxic. However, it will cost much more.

Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are the two most used chemicals for coolants in both anti-freeze for cars and industrial cooling operations. Propylene glycol is considered toxic. Propylene glycol is a glutinous, colorless liquid, which is nearly odorless but possesses a subtly sweet taste.

Its chemical formula is CH2OH. It contains two alcohol groups, as it is classified as a diol. It is mixable with a wide range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform.

Ethylene glycol is an organic compound mostly employed for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and anti-freeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting viscous liquid.

Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are probably the two most commonly used chemicals for coolants in both anti-freeze for automobiles and in industrial cooling operations. A disadvantage for propylene glycol is that it is toxic. Ethylene glycol is not toxic but it is more costly. Aqueous (meaning water) solutions of ethanol and methanol are also common chemicals used as coolants.

A disadvantage for both ethanol and methanol is that they are flammable and can present hazards if not stored, handled or used properly. Also methanol is considered more harmful than propylene glycol. Ethanol is made from de-natured grain alcohol and is considered non-toxic.