Propylene glycol (pharma)
General Product Information
| Article | Propylene glycol (pharma) |
| Synoniemen | E1520, Propane-1,2-diol, α-Propylene glycol, 1,2-Propanediol, 1,2-Dihydroxypropane, Methyl ethyl glycol, Methylethylene glycol |
| CAS No. | 57-55-6 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-338-0 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29053200 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless and syrupy liquid with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is a widely used chemical because of its low toxicity, high solubility in water and good miscibility with various organic solvents. The product is Hygroscopic and biodegradable. For business use, it is available in technical, USP/FCC and industrial grades.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- High Boiling Point and relatively low freezing point: Is therefore often used as a component in refrigeration and antifreeze mixtures.
- Non-corrosive
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Grade: Pharmaceutical.
- Flavor: Slightly sweet.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C3H8O2 |
| Molar Weight | 76.10 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -60 °C |
| Boiling Point | 188 °C |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water, ethanol and acetone. |
| Density | 1.036 g/cm³ (at 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
| Color | Colorless |
| Shape | Syrupy liquid |
Applications
Monopropylene glycol is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
In medicines, creams, gels, ointments and oral liquids as a solvent or humectant.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
In lotions, deodorants, toothpastes and makeup because of its moisturizing effect.
3. Food Industry
As wetting agent, solvent and carrier (as food additive E1520) in flavors, dyes and confectionery, among others.
4. Construction & Plastics Industry
In the production of polyester resins and coatings.
5. Industrial Applications
In coolants, antifreeze, brake fluids, hydraulic fluids and as a heat transfer fluid.
Interessing Links
- British Pharmacopoeia of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- CAS Common Chemistry – (±)-Propylene glycol
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem – Propylene Glycol of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Propylene glycol