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

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂, CAS No. 57-55-6) is a clear, odorless, water-miscible liquid widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and industry. Known for its hygroscopic and solvent properties, it acts as a humectant, carrier, and stabilizer in various formulations. Fully compliant with USP standards, it ensures high purity and safety for food and pharma applications. Its versatility and reliability make it essential in moisture retention and high-performance formulation systems. 

Key Chemical Properties of Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol’s popularity stems from its balanced combination of chemical stability and compatibility. Here are the core chemical attributes that define its performance: 

  • Solubility: Fully miscible with water and organic solvents; ideal for complex formulations due to excellent solvent properties. 
  • Boiling Point: Approximately 188.2°C 
  • Freezing Point: -59°C 
  • Viscosity: Moderate viscosity enhances its performance in personal care and pharmaceutical applications 
  • Hygroscopic Nature: Attracts and retains moisture from the environment 
  • Non-corrosive and non-volatile: Safe for use in sensitive formulations 

These attributes ensure Propylene Glycol remains stable under varied thermal and processing conditions, making it ideal for long-term product consistency. 

Molecular Formula and Composition

Understanding the molecular structure of Propylene Glycol provides insight into its functional capabilities: 

  • Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₂ 
  • Molar Mass: 76.09 g/mol 
  • Structure: Contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) that contribute to its solubility and hygroscopic behaviour 

Propylene Glycol’s two hydroxyl groups classify it as a diol, enhancing its effectiveness as a solvent, emulsifier, and carrier in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. This structure also ensures low toxicity and excellent compatibility, especially in pharmaceutical and food applications. 

Physical Characteristics – Appearance & Handling

Propylene Glycol is prized for its clean and user-friendly physical profile: 

Attribute  Specification 
Appearance  Clear, colourless, and slightly syrupy liquid 
Odor  Practically odourless and tasteless 
Density  Approximately 1.036 g/cm³ at 20 °C 
Viscosity  Medium viscosity; easy to pump and mix 
Handling & Packaging  Non-reactive with packaging materials; typically available in HDPE drums, IBC tanks, and bulk tankers 
Shelf Stability  Excellent shelf life when stored in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and moisture 

How is Propylene Glycol Manufactured?

Propylene Glycol (CAS No. 57-55-6) is industrially produced through two primary processes, both ensuring high purity and yield: 

  • Hydrolysis of Propylene Oxide: The primary method, involving hydration of propylene oxide to produce mono- and di-propylene glycols, followed by distillation and purification. 
  • Bio-Based Synthesis: A sustainable alternative using hydrogenolysis of glycerol from biodiesel, reducing reliance on petroleum sources. 

Post-production, Lab Chemicals ensures USP-grade Propylene Glycol through advanced filtration, distillation, and rigorous testing to eliminate impurities like heavy metals, aldehydes, and peroxides. 

Industrial Applications of Propylene Glycol

USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) is a versatile chemical used across multiple industries. Its applications include:

Pharmaceuticals: 

  • Acts as a carrier solvent in oral, injectable, and topical drug formulations. 
  • Functions as a humectant to retain moisture in creams, ointments, and lotions. 
  • Promotes uniform distribution of active ingredients. 

Food & Beverage: 

  • Functions as a food additive and flavour solvent 
  • Maintains moisture content in baked goods and processed foods 
  • Serves as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in edible chemical formulations 

Cosmetics & Personal Care: 

  • Commonly used in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants 
  • Provides a smooth texture and moisture-retention capacity 
  • Enhances preservative efficacy by maintaining water activity levels 

Industrial Use: 

  • Essential for manufacturing antifreeze and coolant formulations. 
  • Utilized in hydraulic and brake fluids owing to its excellent thermal stability. 
  • Plays a role in plasticizer and resin production 

Laboratory and Chemical Synthesis: 

  • Used as a solvent in chemical reactions 
  • Acts as a carrier fluid in chromatography and reagent formulations 

Simplify Your Formulations with Confidence

Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂, CAS no 57 55 6) is a versatile, low-toxicity solvent known for its moisture retention, solubility enhancement, and compatibility across industries like pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food. Manufactured to USP-grade standards, it functions effectively as a humectant, emulsifier, and carrier. At Lab Chemicals, we ensure consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and reliable supply. Trust us as your dependable Propylene Glycol supplier for high-performance, application-ready solutions tailored to your formulation needs. 

FAQs:

  1. What is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) and its uses?

    Propylene Glycol USP, also known as PAA-grade propylene glycol, is a high-purity chemical used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetic formulations. Its key applications include serving as a solvent, humectant, and preservative. Industries often prefer USP propylene glycol for formulations requiring strict quality standards.

  2. Is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) safe for food and pharmaceutical use?

    Yes. USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) meets rigorous standards for purity and safety, making it suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. It complies with USP testing specifications and is free from harmful impurities.

  3. What is the CAS number of Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    The CAS number for USP propylene glycol (PAA) is 57-55-6. This identifier is crucial for ensuring compliance in pharmaceutical and industrial supply chains.

  4. What are the key specifications of Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    High-quality PAA-grade propylene glycol typically has the following specifications:

  • Assay: ≥ 99.7% 
  • Specific Gravity: 1.036–1.038 
  • Refractive Index: 1.432–1.434 
  • Water Content: ≤ 0.1% 

These specifications ensure suitability for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-grade applications.

  1. Can Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) be used in cosmetics?

    Absolutely. USP propylene glycol (PAA) is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, stabilizer, and carrier for active ingredients. Its high purity ensures safety for topical and personal care formulations.

  2. How is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) different from industrial-grade propylene glycol?

    PAA-grade propylene glycol meets USP standards, ensuring high purity, minimal impurities, and suitability for pharmaceutical and food applications. Industrial-grade variants may contain contaminants, making them unsuitable for sensitive applications.

  3. What packaging options are available for Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) is typically available in drums, bulk containers, or as per customer specifications. Packaging is designed to maintain product purity during transport and storage.

  4. Where can I buy high-quality Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) in India?

    You can purchase USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) from reputable suppliers who provide certified products, technical specifications, and safety data sheets (SDS). Ensure the supplier complies with USP testing specifications for authenticity.

  5. How should Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) be stored?

    Store PAA propylene glycol in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage ensures long shelf life and preserves pharmaceutical-grade quality.

  6. Does Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) have regulatory certifications?

    Yes. USP propylene glycol (PAA) often comes with certifications like USP compliance, ISO, FSSAI (for food applications), and WHO-GMP (for pharmaceutical use). These certifications ensure safety, reliability, and high-quality standards.

Molecular Formula and Composition

Understanding the molecular structure of Propylene Glycol provides insight into its functional capabilities: 

  • Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₂ 
  • Molar Mass: 76.09 g/mol 
  • Structure: Contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) that contribute to its solubility and hygroscopic behaviour 

Propylene Glycol’s two hydroxyl groups classify it as a diol, enhancing its effectiveness as a solvent, emulsifier, and carrier in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. This structure also ensures low toxicity and excellent compatibility, especially in pharmaceutical and food applications. 

Physical Characteristics – Appearance & Handling

Propylene Glycol is prized for its clean and user-friendly physical profile: 

Attribute  Specification 
Appearance  Clear, colourless, and slightly syrupy liquid 
Odor  Practically odourless and tasteless 
Density  Approximately 1.036 g/cm³ at 20 °C 
Viscosity  Medium viscosity; easy to pump and mix 
Handling & Packaging  Non-reactive with packaging materials; typically available in HDPE drums, IBC tanks, and bulk tankers 
Shelf Stability  Excellent shelf life when stored in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and moisture 

How is Propylene Glycol Manufactured?

Propylene Glycol (CAS No. 57-55-6) is industrially produced through two primary processes, both ensuring high purity and yield: 

  • Hydrolysis of Propylene Oxide: The primary method, involving hydration of propylene oxide to produce mono- and di-propylene glycols, followed by distillation and purification. 
  • Bio-Based Synthesis: A sustainable alternative using hydrogenolysis of glycerol from biodiesel, reducing reliance on petroleum sources. 

Post-production, Lab Chemicals ensures USP-grade Propylene Glycol through advanced filtration, distillation, and rigorous testing to eliminate impurities like heavy metals, aldehydes, and peroxides. 

Industrial Applications of Propylene Glycol

USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) is a versatile chemical used across multiple industries. Its applications include:

Pharmaceuticals: 

  • Acts as a carrier solvent in oral, injectable, and topical drug formulations. 
  • Functions as a humectant to retain moisture in creams, ointments, and lotions. 
  • Promotes uniform distribution of active ingredients. 

Food & Beverage: 

  • Functions as a food additive and flavour solvent 
  • Maintains moisture content in baked goods and processed foods 
  • Serves as an emulsifier and anti-caking agent in edible chemical formulations 

Cosmetics & Personal Care: 

  • Commonly used in moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants 
  • Provides a smooth texture and moisture-retention capacity 
  • Enhances preservative efficacy by maintaining water activity levels 

Industrial Use: 

  • Essential for manufacturing antifreeze and coolant formulations. 
  • Utilized in hydraulic and brake fluids owing to its excellent thermal stability. 
  • Plays a role in plasticizer and resin production 

Laboratory and Chemical Synthesis: 

  • Used as a solvent in chemical reactions 
  • Acts as a carrier fluid in chromatography and reagent formulations 

Simplify Your Formulations with Confidence

Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂, CAS no 57 55 6) is a versatile, low-toxicity solvent known for its moisture retention, solubility enhancement, and compatibility across industries like pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food. Manufactured to USP-grade standards, it functions effectively as a humectant, emulsifier, and carrier. At Lab Chemicals, we ensure consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and reliable supply. Trust us as your dependable Propylene Glycol supplier for high-performance, application-ready solutions tailored to your formulation needs. 

FAQs:

  1. What is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) and its uses?

    Propylene Glycol USP, also known as PAA-grade propylene glycol, is a high-purity chemical used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetic formulations. Its key applications include serving as a solvent, humectant, and preservative. Industries often prefer USP propylene glycol for formulations requiring strict quality standards.

  2. Is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) safe for food and pharmaceutical use?

    Yes. USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) meets rigorous standards for purity and safety, making it suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. It complies with USP testing specifications and is free from harmful impurities.

  3. What is the CAS number of Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    The CAS number for USP propylene glycol (PAA) is 57-55-6. This identifier is crucial for ensuring compliance in pharmaceutical and industrial supply chains.

  4. What are the key specifications of Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    High-quality PAA-grade propylene glycol typically has the following specifications:

  • Assay: ≥ 99.7% 
  • Specific Gravity: 1.036–1.038 
  • Refractive Index: 1.432–1.434 
  • Water Content: ≤ 0.1% 

These specifications ensure suitability for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-grade applications.

  1. Can Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) be used in cosmetics?

    Absolutely. USP propylene glycol (PAA) is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, stabilizer, and carrier for active ingredients. Its high purity ensures safety for topical and personal care formulations.

  2. How is Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) different from industrial-grade propylene glycol?

    PAA-grade propylene glycol meets USP standards, ensuring high purity, minimal impurities, and suitability for pharmaceutical and food applications. Industrial-grade variants may contain contaminants, making them unsuitable for sensitive applications.

  3. What packaging options are available for Propylene Glycol USP (PAA)?

    USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) is typically available in drums, bulk containers, or as per customer specifications. Packaging is designed to maintain product purity during transport and storage.

  4. Where can I buy high-quality Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) in India?

    You can purchase USP-grade propylene glycol (PAA) from reputable suppliers who provide certified products, technical specifications, and safety data sheets (SDS). Ensure the supplier complies with USP testing specifications for authenticity.

  5. How should Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) be stored?

    Store PAA propylene glycol in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage ensures long shelf life and preserves pharmaceutical-grade quality.

  6. Does Propylene Glycol USP (PAA) have regulatory certifications?

    Yes. USP propylene glycol (PAA) often comes with certifications like USP compliance, ISO, FSSAI (for food applications), and WHO-GMP (for pharmaceutical use). These certifications ensure safety, reliability, and high-quality standards.