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

Thanks to its low toxicity and multifunctional profile, Propylene Glycol is utilized in a wide variety of industries: 

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 

Conclusion

Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂) 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. 

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

Thanks to its low toxicity and multifunctional profile, Propylene Glycol is utilized in a wide variety of industries: 

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 

Conclusion

Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂) 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.