I am doing a report on ethylene glycol, AKA antifreeze, and I need to figure out if it is naturally occurring or if it is man-made. I can't seem to find this answer anywhere! Please help!
It's man made.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol
Thank you!
To determine if ethylene glycol is naturally occurring or man-made, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by conducting a general search on ethylene glycol to gather background information. Look for reliable sources such as scientific journals, governmental websites, or reputable academic sources.
2. Check the chemical composition of ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2. It is a diol, or a type of alcohol.
3. Look for information on natural sources of ethylene glycol. Research if ethylene glycol is found in plants, animals, or any natural processes. Common natural sources of diols include sugars, such as glucose or fructose, which can undergo fermentation processes to produce alcohol compounds.
4. Search for information on the production and industrial uses of ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is primarily used as an industrial solvent and coolant, particularly in antifreeze formulations. It is often derived from ethylene, a petrochemical compound produced from natural gas or petroleum.
5. Compare the gathered information. Evaluate the sources and analyze the evidence you have found. Consider the scientific consensus and expert opinions in your evaluation.
Based on the information provided, ethylene glycol is primarily produced through industrial processes and is not naturally occurring. It is synthetically manufactured from ethylene, which is derived from natural gas or petroleum feedstocks. However, keep in mind that while this answer is based on the current understanding of ethylene glycol, it is always a good idea to consult reputable sources to obtain the most up-to-date information.