This reaction can be catalyzed by either acids or bases, or can occur at neutral pH under elevated temperatures. The highest yields of ethylene glycol occur at acidic or neutral pH with a large excess of water. Under these conditions, ethylene glycol yields of 90% can be achieved.

Ethylene glycol is being widely used to inhibit the formation of natural gas clathrates in long multiphase pipelines that convey natural gas from remote gas fields back to an onshore processing facility. Ethylene glycol can be recovered from the natural gas and reused as an inhibitor after a purification treatment that removes water and inorganic salts.

Ethylene glycol has become increasingly important in the plastics industry for the manufacture of polyester fibers and resins, including polyethylene terephthalate, which is used to make plastic bottles for soft drinks. The antifreeze capabilities of ethylene glycol have made it an important component of vitrification mixtures for low-temperature preservation of biological tissues and organs.

Ethylene glycol may also be used as a protecting group for carbonyl groups in organic synthesis. Reacting a ketone or aldehyde with ethylene glycol will, with acid catalyst (e.g. p-toluenesulfonic acid; BF₃·Et₂O), give a cyclic acetal — a 1,3-dioxolane, which is resistant to bases and other nucleophiles

Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans and animals, and death can occur by renal failure. The LD50 for small mammals has been tested at between 2 and 25 g/kg - much less toxic than its relative ethylene glycol, but still inappropriate for even minor consumption. Several poisonings have occurred when DEG is substituted for the non-toxic naturally occurring "triol" glycerine (HOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH, also called glycerol) in foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals

Ethanol, 2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)]bis-; triglycol; ethylene glycol dihydroxy-diethyl ether