Chemistry in Antifreeze

Chemistry in Antifreeze

        Antifreeze is a mixture which is mainly used to lower the freezing point of any liquid. It is used in colder weathers to keep liquids from being frozen during temperatures below their freezing point. At sometimes, it is also used to elevate the boiling point of a liquid. Hence, they can either be used to prevent liquids from freezing during winter and getting overheated during summer.

        Automobiles at extreme weathers face various problems due to freezing or overheating. The IC engines and radiators are one of the most commonly affected components of a vehicle at extreme weathers. Hence, the need for some kind of antifreeze to be added to the vehicle cooling system, and sometimes even to gasoline (freezing point between -40°C and -50°C), became a must as it may affect the functionality of the vehicles.

Salt

        Freezing is one of the major problems faced by people who live in places which get extreme weather conditions. One of the most common and natural antifreeze is common salt. Salt on snow-covered roads acts with the snow and ice to break the bonds between them, thereby preventing the road from being slippery.

        But, it cannot be used at all places as antifreeze due to its corrosive nature. For example, in an automobile cooling system (radiators), the water gets frozen at sub-zero temperatures thereby preventing the cooling system from working. Hence, the need for other antifreeze liquids came into purpose.

Alcohols

        Hence, alcohols were suggested to be used as antifreeze due to its volatile nature. Methanol (CH4O), Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), Propylene glycol (C3H8O2) and Glycerol (C3H8O3) are some of the most common antifreeze that are being commercially used at various fields according to its varied properties.

Methanol

        Methanol (CH3-OH) is the simplest of all the alcohols which is highly flammable, volatile and highly toxic with a very distinct odor. Hence, these are most commonly mixed with gasoline and windshield washer fluids to act as active antifreeze.