Ethane-1,2-diol or ethylene glycol found in standard carpentry levels
 
 

What is Ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol, commonly known as anti-freeze, is an alcohol with two -OH groups, each attached to the ends of a two carbon chain. In its pure form, it is odorless, colorless, thick and has a sweet taste.  Ethylene glycol was first prepared by the French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz.  During World War I it was produced small scale for coolants and ingredients in explosives. Now ethylene glycol is mass produced as automotive coolant and anti-freeze by companies such as Havoline and Prestone.
 
 

Properties of Ethylene glycol

Boiling point: 197.3°C; Melting point: -12.9°C;   Colorless; Odorless; Sweet tasting but very toxic: if ingested seek emergency medical attention immediately .
 
 

Preparation of Ethylene glycol

Ethylene glycol is made from ethylene with the intermediate ethylene oxide.  Ethylene oxide then reacts with water to make ethylene glycol.

C₂H₄O + H₂O ---> HOCH₂CH₂OH

Carpenter Levels

Carpenter levels, commonly know as bubble levels, spirit levels, and box levels, are very essential in the construction on any house, especially a straight house.  Carpenter levels can be made from many types of metals and metal alloys, and even wood, but the amazing part of the level is the little bubble surrounded by liquid.  This little bubble lets the user know where middle of the tangent line of the earth is (because the earth is spherical), and therefore lets the user make creations as parallel and perpendicular to the earth as possible.

What is this bubble?

The bubble is ethylene glycol*, generally dyed yellow for viewing ease.  Ethylene glycol is used in levels because of it's low freezing point and its viscosity.

*Ethylene glycol is the main chemical in levels, confirmed by two major tool manufacturers, please recognize that other companies may have "secret" additives to their particular levels.

History of the Level

 The concept of a level has been used since ancient Egypt, but the level was perfected by MelchisedechThevenot  (born in either 1620 or 1621; died 1692).   Traditional levels were called "spirit levels" due to the alcohol used in the level, usually ethanol.
 
 

Is a Carpenter level necessary?

YES! Do you want a CROOKED house? NO! 

Back to Index