Antifreeze | Definition, Uses, Types, & Facts | Britannica

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External Websites

• DigitalCommons at University of Nebraska - Lincoln - Insect-Attracting and Antimicrobial Properties of Antifreeze for Monitoring Insect Pests and Natural Enemies in Stored Corn (PDF)
• Healthline - Antifreeze Poisoning
• CAMEO Chemicals - Anti-freeze [Flammable Liquid]
• National Capital Poison Control - Antifreeze: Bad for Your Kids and Pets
• Cell Press - Biophysical Journal - Antifreeze Proteins Bind Independently to Ice
• Frontiers - Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology - Antifreeze Proteins: A Tale of Evolution From Origin to Energy Applications
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Antifreeze Proteins and Their Practical Utilization in Industry, Medicine, and Agriculture
• Chemistry LibreTexts - The Danger of Antifreeze

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• Antifreeze - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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antifreeze, any substance that lowers the freezing point of water, protecting a system from the ill effects of ice formation. Antifreezes, such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, commonly added to water in automobile cooling systems prevent damage to radiators. Additives to prevent freezing of water in gasoline (e.g., Drygas) usually contain methanol or isopropanol. Organisms that must survive freezing temperatures use various chemicals to inhibit ice crystal formation in their cells and tissues: glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide in insects, glycerol or trehalose in other invertebrates (nematodes, rotifers), and proteins in Antarctic fishes.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.