Ethylene glycol is a colorless, practically odorless, low-volatility, low-viscosity, hygroscopic liquid. It is completely miscible with water and many organic liquids. The hydroxyl groups on glycols undergo the usual alcohol chemistry, giving a wide variety of possible derivatives. Hydroxyls can be converted to aldehydes, alkyl halides, amines, azides, carboxylic acids, ethers, mercaptans, nitrate esters, nitriles, nitrite esters, organic esters, peroxides, phosphate esters and sulfate esters. This chemistry permits ethylene glycol to act as an intermediate in a wide range of reactions. Especially significant is resin formation, including the condensation with dimethyl terephthalate or terephthalic acid resulting in a polyester resin.

The reactivity and solubility of ethylene glycol provide the basis for many applications. The widespread use of ethylene glycol as an antifreeze is based on its ability to lower the freezing point when mixed with water. The physical properties of ethylene glycol-water mixtures are therefore extremely important. The end uses for ethylene glycol are numerous.

Ethylene glycol is a clear, odorless, slightly viscous liquid. It is combustible and has a low vapor pressure. Odor does not provide any warning of hazardous concentrations. Ingestion is the most important exposure route.