Diethylene glycol (
DEG) is an
organic compound with the formula (HOCH
2CH
2)
2O. It is a colorless, practically odorless, poisonous, and
hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. It is
miscible in
water,
alcohol,
ether,
acetone, and
ethylene glycol. DEG is a widely used solvent. It can be a contaminant in consumer products; this has resulted in numerous epidemics of poisoning since the early 20th century.