Packings

PROPYLENE GLYCOL MEETS USP TESTING SPEC&

PROPYLENE GLYCOL MEETS USP TESTING SPEC&
Category
Product Code
P4347-4L
HSN Code
29053200
CAS Number
57-55-6
Brand Name
Packing Size
1 EA

Propylene Glycol Supplier USP Grade C3H8O2 (CAS No 57 55 6) for Pharma, Food & Lab Use

Lab Chemicals is an established propylene glycol supplier in India, supplying USP grade propylene glycol (C3H8O2, CAS 57 55 6) from leading propylene glycol manufacturers to pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage producers, cosmetic formulators, and research laboratories across the country. Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is a clear, colourless, practically odourless, water-miscible diol used as a solvent, humectant, carrier, and stabiliser. Our USP grade meets United States Pharmacopoeia testing specifications with assay ≥99.7%, controlled heavy metals, and documented water content and is supplied with Certificate of Analysis and pan-India delivery in HDPE drums, IBC tanks, and bulk formats. 

What is propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol identified by CAS no 57 55 6 is a synthetic diol belonging to the glycol family. It is produced industrially by hydration of propylene oxide and is fully approved for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic use by regulatory bodies including USFDA, EFSA, and FSSAI. Its two hydroxyl (−OH) groups give it complete miscibility with water, strong solvent power for both polar and non-polar compounds, and hygroscopic moisture-retention behaviour that makes it effective as a humectant. 

Chemical formula and structure (c3h8o2)

Chemical formula: C3H8O2 | Molar mass: 76.09 g/mol | CAS: 57 55 6 

The molecule contains a three-carbon backbone with hydroxyl groups at positions 1 and 2, classifying it as a diol (glycol). This structure is distinct from ethylene glycol (C2H6O2, which is toxic) and dipropylene glycol (a condensation byproduct with different viscosity and molecular weight). The formula c3h8o2 is how buyers and procurement teams commonly search for this compound in chemical databases and procurement systems. 

Key chemical properties

  • Solubility: Fully miscible with water and organic solvents ideal for complex aqueous and non-aqueous formulations 
  • Boiling point: Approximately 188.2°C non-volatile at room temperature, safe for pharmaceutical processing 
  • Freezing point: −59°C remains liquid well below ambient conditions 
  • Viscosity: Moderate easy to pump and mix; enhances performance in personal care and injectable pharmaceutical applications 
  • Hygroscopic nature: Attracts and retains moisture from the environment key humectant property 
  • Non-corrosive and non-volatile: Safe for use in sensitive formulations and standard packaging materials 
  • Flash point: 99°C (closed cup) low fire hazard at room temperature 

Propylene glycol manufacturers and grade standards

Propylene glycol manufacturers produce this compound at industrial scale primarily through propylene oxide hydration. Major global producers include Dow Chemical, Huntsman Corporation, LyondellBasell, and ADM (for bio-based propylene glycol from glycerol). Indian buyers typically source through authorised distributors who supply from these propylene glycol manufacturers with full pharmacopoeial grade documentation. The key distinction between manufacturers is the grade offered: 

Grade 

Standard  Suitable for 
USP / BP / EP  Pharmacopoeial monograph 

Pharmaceutical, food (FCC), cosmetic use 

FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) 

FCC monograph  Food and beverage only 
Industrial / technical grade  No pharmacopoeial standard 

Antifreeze, hydraulic fluids, industrial processes only 

Lab Chemicals supplies USP grade from verified propylene glycol manufacturers with CoA confirming compliance against USP, BP, EP, and FCC specifications. 

Applications of propylene glycol USP

Pharmaceutical formulations

Propylene glycol USP is used as a carrier solvent in oral liquid formulations, injectable drug products, and topical preparations. It solubilises poorly water-soluble APIs, promotes uniform distribution of active ingredients, and functions as a penetration enhancer and humectant in transdermal and topical systems. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, USP grade with CoA is the minimum documentation requirement. It is commonly used in formulations delivered via plastic disposable syringe where complete API dissolution before fill is critical to dose uniformity. 

Food and beverage (E1520)

Approved as food additive E1520 (EU) with GRAS status (USA), propylene glycol functions as a humectant, flavour carrier, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent in food applications. For food manufacturers in India requiring FSSAI-acceptable documentation, see also our range of food grade chemicals for compatible food-contact excipients. 

Cosmetics and personal care

Propylene glycol USP appears as a moisturiser, solvent, and humectant in face creams, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and oral care products. Its high purity makes it acceptable under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, US FDA 21 CFR, and BIS cosmetic standards. 

Laboratory and chemical synthesis 

Used as a solvent in chemical reactions, as a carrier fluid in chromatography, and as a co-solvent alongside dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in pharmaceutical and laboratory formulations where broader solubility coverage of hydrophobic compounds is required. 

Industrial applications 

 Antifreeze and heat-transfer fluid manufacture, hydraulic and brake fluid formulations, plasticiser and resin production. Note: industrial grade is used for these applications — USP grade is not required. 

Physical characteristics and handling

Attribute 

Specification 

Appearance 

Clear, colourless, slightly syrupy liquid 

Odour 

Practically odourless and tasteless 

Density 

~1.036 g/cm³ at 20°C 

Viscosity 

Medium — easy to pump and mix 

Flash point 

99°C (closed cup) 

Handling 

Non-reactive with standard packaging; use gloves and goggles for bulk handling 

Packaging 

HDPE drums, IBC tanks, bulk tankers — airtight to prevent moisture absorption 

Storage 

Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight, oxidisers, and strong acids 

Shelf life 

2 years from manufacture date when stored as directed 

 

Why order from Lab Chemicals?

Lab Chemicals has been a trusted propylene glycol supplier in India for over three decades, supplying pharmaceutical manufacturers, food companies, cosmetic formulators, and research institutions with USP grade material and full pharmacopoeial documentation. We source from verified propylene glycol manufacturers and supply with CoA confirming compliance with USP, BP, EP, and FCC specifications. Available in HDPE drums, IBC tanks, and bulk formats with pan-India delivery. Our technical team can advise on grade suitability, regulatory documentation for GMP filings, and FSSAI-acceptable specifications for food applications. 

Propylene glycol manufacturers and grade standards

Propylene glycol manufacturers produce this compound at industrial scale primarily through propylene oxide hydration. Major global producers include Dow Chemical, Huntsman Corporation, LyondellBasell, and ADM (for bio-based propylene glycol from glycerol). Indian buyers typically source through authorised distributors who supply from these propylene glycol manufacturers with full pharmacopoeial grade documentation. The key distinction between manufacturers is the grade offered: 

Grade 

Standard  Suitable for 
USP / BP / EP  Pharmacopoeial monograph 

Pharmaceutical, food (FCC), cosmetic use 

FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) 

FCC monograph  Food and beverage only 
Industrial / technical grade  No pharmacopoeial standard 

Antifreeze, hydraulic fluids, industrial processes only 

Lab Chemicals supplies USP grade from verified propylene glycol manufacturers with CoA confirming compliance against USP, BP, EP, and FCC specifications. 

Applications of propylene glycol USP

Pharmaceutical formulations

Propylene glycol USP is used as a carrier solvent in oral liquid formulations, injectable drug products, and topical preparations. It solubilises poorly water-soluble APIs, promotes uniform distribution of active ingredients, and functions as a penetration enhancer and humectant in transdermal and topical systems. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, USP grade with CoA is the minimum documentation requirement. It is commonly used in formulations delivered via plastic disposable syringe where complete API dissolution before fill is critical to dose uniformity. 

Food and beverage (E1520)

Approved as food additive E1520 (EU) with GRAS status (USA), propylene glycol functions as a humectant, flavour carrier, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent in food applications. For food manufacturers in India requiring FSSAI-acceptable documentation, see also our range of food grade chemicals for compatible food-contact excipients. 

Cosmetics and personal care

Propylene glycol USP appears as a moisturiser, solvent, and humectant in face creams, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and oral care products. Its high purity makes it acceptable under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, US FDA 21 CFR, and BIS cosmetic standards. 

Laboratory and chemical synthesis 

Used as a solvent in chemical reactions, as a carrier fluid in chromatography, and as a co-solvent alongside dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in pharmaceutical and laboratory formulations where broader solubility coverage of hydrophobic compounds is required. 

Industrial applications 

 Antifreeze and heat-transfer fluid manufacture, hydraulic and brake fluid formulations, plasticiser and resin production. Note: industrial grade is used for these applications — USP grade is not required. 

Physical characteristics and handling

Attribute 

Specification 

Appearance 

Clear, colourless, slightly syrupy liquid 

Odour 

Practically odourless and tasteless 

Density 

~1.036 g/cm³ at 20°C 

Viscosity 

Medium — easy to pump and mix 

Flash point 

99°C (closed cup) 

Handling 

Non-reactive with standard packaging; use gloves and goggles for bulk handling 

Packaging 

HDPE drums, IBC tanks, bulk tankers — airtight to prevent moisture absorption 

Storage 

Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight, oxidisers, and strong acids 

Shelf life 

2 years from manufacture date when stored as directed 

 

Why order from Lab Chemicals?

Lab Chemicals has been a trusted propylene glycol supplier in India for over three decades, supplying pharmaceutical manufacturers, food companies, cosmetic formulators, and research institutions with USP grade material and full pharmacopoeial documentation. We source from verified propylene glycol manufacturers and supply with CoA confirming compliance with USP, BP, EP, and FCC specifications. Available in HDPE drums, IBC tanks, and bulk formats with pan-India delivery. Our technical team can advise on grade suitability, regulatory documentation for GMP filings, and FSSAI-acceptable specifications for food applications.