Which of the following compounds can be used as antifreeze in automobile radiators?
- Methyl alcohol
- Glycol
- Nitrophenol
- Ethyl alcohol
Answer
(2) Glycol
Solution
Glycol (ethylene glycol, ethane-1,2-diol) HO-CH2-CH2-OH is completely miscible with water, has a high boiling point and is non-volatile.
Added to the water of the radiator, it lowers the freezing point (depression of freezing point) without evaporating away.
∴ Glycol is used as antifreeze in automobile radiators.
Methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol are too volatile and inflammable; nitrophenol is not miscible with water in the required proportion.
Answer: (2)