Propylene glycol 99%

Colorless viscous stable absorbent liquid, almost tasteless and odorless. Miscible with water, ethanol and many organic solvents.

Propylene glycol is an intermediate in the fungicide phenyl ether metronidazole.

Propylene Glycol 99% is a high-purity, colorless, odorless, and tasteless synthetic organic compound. It is a versatile chemical widely used across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications. It is chemically classified as a diol or glycol, a type of alcohol with two hydroxyl groups (-OH), and has excellent hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment.

Key Features

1. Chemical Structure:

   • Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O₂

   • Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol

   • CAS Number: 57-55-6

   • Purity: 99%

2. Physical Properties:

   • Appearance: Colorless liquid

   • Odor: Odorless or slightly sweet

   • Viscosity: Low viscosity

   • Boiling Point: 188.2°C (370.76°F)

   • Freezing Point: -59°C (-74.2°F)

   • Solubility: Miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform; soluble in alcohol and ether

3. Solubility:
   Propylene Glycol 99% is highly soluble in water and alcohol and is compatible with a wide range of other solvents, making it an excellent choice for a variety of formulations.

Applications

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare

• Solvent for Medications: Used as a solvent in many oral, topical, and injectable pharmaceutical preparations. It helps dissolve active ingredients and ensures their uniform distribution.

• Humectant in Skin Care: Propylene Glycol is commonly used in creams, lotions, and ointments to maintain moisture levels and improve skin hydration.

• Antifreeze in Medical Applications: In specific instances, it is used in medical applications requiring antifreeze properties, such as in the transportation of organs.

Food and Beverages

• Food Additive (E1520): It is classified as a food additive and is used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative in a wide variety of processed foods. It helps retain moisture, especially in baked goods, candies, and chewing gum.

• Flavor Carrier: In the food industry, it is often used as a carrier for flavors, allowing the flavors to be more evenly dispersed in food products.

• Sweeteners: Some sweeteners and syrups, particularly in low-calorie or sugar-free products, may use propylene glycol as a base.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

• Skin Care and Hair Care: Widely used in lotions, shampoos, and deodorants due to its ability to absorb moisture and maintain a smooth, hydrating feel on the skin.

• Cosmetic Formulations: Propylene Glycol helps to stabilize formulations, ensuring a smooth texture and enhancing the absorption of active ingredients in skincare products like moisturizers, serums, and creams.

Industrial Uses

• Antifreeze and Deicing Fluids: One of the primary uses of propylene glycol is in antifreeze products. It is often used in the automotive and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industries because of its ability to lower the freezing point of water without being as toxic as ethylene glycol.

• Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids: Propylene glycol 99% is used as a base for the formulation of lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids.

• Polymerization and Resin Production: It serves as a raw material in the production of unsaturated polyester resins and plasticizers.

Other Applications

• Animal Feed Additive: Propylene glycol is sometimes added to animal feed as a source of energy, particularly for dairy cows.

• E-Cigarette Liquids: In the production of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes, propylene glycol serves as a base liquid, helping to dissolve nicotine and flavorings.

Mode of Action

As a humectant, propylene glycol functions by attracting and retaining moisture, which helps in maintaining the hydration and consistency of products. In pharmaceuticals, it acts as a solvent to ensure that active ingredients dissolve efficiently in liquid formulations, allowing for improved bioavailability when ingested or applied topically.

Advantages

1. Non-Toxic and Safe: Propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making it a preferred choice over other chemicals.

2. Versatile: Its applications span numerous industries, making it a valuable compound across various sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing.

3. Improved Stability: It improves the stability of formulations, prolonging shelf life and preventing the separation of ingredients.

4. Moisturizing Properties: Its ability to retain moisture makes it a valuable component in skin care products.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and open flames. Containers should be tightly closed to avoid contamination.

• Safety: Propylene glycol 99% is considered safe for use in consumer products. However, when handling large quantities, it is important to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles to prevent prolonged skin contact.

• Inhalation and Skin Contact: While low toxicity, exposure to propylene glycol in large amounts can cause mild irritation to the skin or respiratory system.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradable: Propylene Glycol is biodegradable, and its environmental impact is minimal when used in proper quantities.

• Water Contamination: Care should be taken to prevent large-scale spills, as excessive quantities could affect aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

Propylene Glycol 99% is a versatile, safe, and highly effective compound widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Its ability to retain moisture, serve as a solvent, and act as a base liquid makes it indispensable across numerous sectors. Whether used for personal care formulations, food production, or as an antifreeze, propylene glycol remains a vital ingredient in modern industry.

FAQ

1. Is Propylene Glycol 99% safe to use in food products?
Yes, Propylene Glycol 99% is recognized as safe by the FDA for use in food and beverages as a food additive and humectant.

2. Can Propylene Glycol be used in cosmetics?
Yes, Propylene Glycol 99% is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, including moisturizers, shampoos, and deodorants, for its moisturizing and stabilizing properties.

3. What industries use Propylene Glycol 99%?
Propylene Glycol 99% is used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, animal feed, and various industrial applications such as antifreeze, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids.

4. Is Propylene Glycol toxic?
No, Propylene Glycol 99% is generally considered non-toxic and is regarded as safe for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, large quantities may cause irritation.

5. How should Propylene Glycol be stored?
It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and open flames, and in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination.

6. Can Propylene Glycol be used in e-liquids for e-cigarettes?
Yes, Propylene Glycol is commonly used as a base liquid in e-cigarettes, where it helps dissolve nicotine and flavoring compounds.