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Propylene glycol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
CAS number
57-55-6
IUPAC name
propane-1,2-diol
State
State

Under standard conditions, propylene glycol is a liquid that demonstrates hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment.

Melting point (Celsius)
-59.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
214.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
188.20
Boiling point (Kelvin)
461.35
General information
Molecular weight
76.10g/mol
Molar mass
76.0950g/mol
Density
1.0360g/cm3
Appearence

Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless, and slightly viscous liquid at room temperature. It is odorless and has a faintly sweet taste.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Propane-1,2-diol (C3H8O2)

Propane-1,2-diol, commonly known as propylene glycol, exhibits notable characteristics regarding its solubility. This compound is a colorless, odorless liquid that is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Here are some key points about its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Propane-1,2-diol is highly soluble in water. Due to its two hydroxyl (–OH) groups, it forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, promoting its dissolution.
  • Organic Solvents: It is also soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and methanol, making it versatile in many chemical applications.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of propane-1,2-diol can be influenced by temperature. Typically, solubility increases with rising temperatures.
  • Impurity Consideration: The presence of impurities or other solutes can also affect its solubility; however, pure propane-1,2-diol remains consistently soluble.

In summary, propane-1,2-diol is a soluble compound in both aqueous and organic environments, which enhances its usefulness across multiple industries, from pharmaceuticals to food production. Its solubility properties not only make it a valuable solvent but also a popular additive in various formulations.


Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Propane-1,2-diol

Propane-1,2-diol, commonly known as propylene glycol, is a fascinating compound with a wide array of applications and properties that make it a valuable substance in various industries. Here are some engaging aspects of this compound:

  • Versatile Uses: Propylene glycol is utilized in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It serves as a humectant, solvent, and preservative, making it an essential ingredient in products such as salad dressings, baked goods, and skin creams.
  • GRAS Status: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates propylene glycol as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), highlighting its safety for consumption in food products.
  • Antifreeze Properties: The compound is a key component in non-toxic antifreeze formulations, making it safer for the environment compared to traditional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
  • Hydrophilic Nature: Being hygroscopic, propylene glycol can attract and hold moisture, which explains its widespread use in maintaining the moisture content in diverse products.
  • Biomedical Applications: In the pharmaceutical industry, it is often found in injectable medications and as a solvent for drug formulations, ensuring the stability and efficacy of various therapeutic compounds.

Did you know? Propylene glycol can also be involved in the fermentation process of food production, helping in the conversion of sugars to alcohol by microorganisms, thus impacting the flavor and quality of certain beverages.

With its combination of safety, multifunctionality, and utility across numerous fields, 1Propane-1,2-diol stands out as a pivotal compound that has found its way into everyday products and industrial applications alike. Its adaptability and benign nature continue to spur research and innovation in both chemistry and industry.

Synonyms
propylene glycol
1,2-propanediol
57-55-6
propane-1,2-diol
1,2-Propylene glycol
1,2-dihydroxypropane
2-Hydroxypropanol
Isopropylene glycol
Methylethyl glycol
Methylethylene glycol
Monopropylene glycol
Dowfrost
Sirlene
Trimethyl glycol
2,3-Propanediol
Propylene Glycol USP
Solargard P
alpha-Propyleneglycol
Solar Winter BAN
dl-Propylene glycol
DL-1,2-Propanediol
Ucar 35
1,2-Propylenglykol
(RS)-1,2-Propanediol
Sentry Propylene Glycol
PG 12
FEMA No. 2940
(+-)-1,2-Propanediol
Kilfrost ABC-S
(+-)-Propylene glycol
Caswell No. 713
General lube
Kollisolv pg
CCRIS 5929
HSDB 174
1,2 Propanediol
All purpose lubricant
AI3-01898
alpha-Propylene glycol
1,2-Propylenglykol [German]
NSC 69860
HOCH2CH(OH)Me
MeCH(OH)CH2OH
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 068603
CHEBI:16997
Propyleneglycolum
.alpha.-Propylene glycol
CH3CH(OH)CH2OH
HOCH2CH(OH)CH3
1,2-(RS)-Propanediol
propylene glycerol
Propylene glycol (solvent)
1,2-propandiol
EINECS 200-338-0
(+/-)-1,2-propanediol
1000PG
MFCD00064272
NSC-69860
SDM No. 27
1,2-propane-diol
Ins-1520
UNII-6DC9Q167V3
BRN 1340498
DTXSID0021206
PROPANEDIOL-
6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol dl-form
S-(+)-Propylene glycol
Ins no.1520
123120-98-9
propylenglycol
Propylene glycol [USP:JAN]
DTXCID901206
1,2-Propanediol (8CI,9CI)
( inverted exclamation markA)-1,2-Propanediol
1,2-PDO
E-1520
EC 200-338-0
(2RS)-PROPANE-1,2-DIOL
NSC69860
L-1,2-propanediol
Poly(propylene glycol) average Mn 400
NCGC00090739-02
Poly(propylene glycol) average Mn 2000
Poly(propylene glycol) average Mn 4000
Prolugen
Propylene glycol (USP:JAN)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (II)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [II]
propylene-glycol
C3H8O2
Propan-1,2-Diol
Ilexan P
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (MART.)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [MART.]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (USP-RS)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [USP-RS]
1,2-(RS)-Propanediol; 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; 1,2-Propylene glycol
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (EP MONOGRAPH)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [EP MONOGRAPH]
Glycol, Propylene
CAS-57-55-6
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (USP MONOGRAPH)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [USP MONOGRAPH]
63625-56-9
GLYCEROL IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY)
GLYCEROL IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY]
1,2-propane diol
()-1,2-propanediol
(S)-(+)-Propylene glycerol
Propilenoglicol
Propylenglykol
Propylenglycolum
Systane Balance
Metiletilenglicol
Propyleeniglykoli
Vet Lube
Glicol propilenico
Glikol propylenowy
1-2-propanediol
1.2-propanediol
OB Lube
2-Dihydroxypropanol
Propylene glycol; (RS)-propane-1,2-diol; Glycerol Imp. C (EP); GR 43314X; Glycerol Impurity C
Systane COMPLETE
1,2 -propanediol
Lubiseptol Lubricant
1,2-Hydroxypropane
1,2-propyleneglycol
Propylene Glycol (Propane-1,2-diol)
Propane-1,2-glycol
LS-1391
DEROFEN MIEL
Sirlene /Former use/
KETO-TREAT
Propylene glycol, USP
Sterile Lubricant drops
Systane COMPLETE PF
Propylene glycol (TN)
racemic propylene glycol
racemic 1,2-propanediol
DSSTox_CID_1206
Walgreen Sterile Lubricant
Propylene Glycol U.S.P.
bmse000302
Epitope ID:161748
GENERAL OB LUBRICANT
propylene glycol cefatrizine
CVS Health Lubricant Drops
1,2-Propanediol 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
DSSTox_RID_78594
Propylene glycol, FCC, FG
DSSTox_GSID_27863
3-01-00-02142 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
MLS001055394
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [MI]
WLN: QY1&1Q
Eyelash and Eyebrow Lengthener
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [FCC]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [JAN]
CHEMBL286398
GR12
Propylene glycol (JP18/USP)
1,2-Propanediol, ACS reagent
CVS Lubricant Eye Drops 15mL
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [FHFI]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [HSDB]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [VANDF]
(.+/-.)-1,2-Propanediol
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [WHO-DD]
PROPYLENE GLYCOL [WHO-IP]
HMS3039O11
1,2-Propanediol, LR, >=99%
BCP23677
HY-Y0921
NSC35747
NSC35748
NSC35749
Tox21_111003
Tox21_201812
Tox21_300006
Tox21_301441
1,2-Propanediol, USP, 99.5%
BBL011472
MSK000649
NSC-35747
NSC-35748
NSC-35749
STL146584
1,2-Propanediol, analytical standard
Equate Support Moisture Lubricant Eye
1,2-Propanediol, puriss., 99.5%
AKOS000121049
AKOS016355793
Poly(propylene glycol) - M.W=4000
PROPYLENE GLYCOL DL-FORM [MI]
Walgreens Complete Lubricant Eye Drops
DB01839
FP35394
SB44656
SB44657
PROPYLENEGLYCOLUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
Restorative Formula Lubricant Eye Drops
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 068603
NCGC00090739-01
NCGC00090739-03
NCGC00090739-04
NCGC00254159-01
NCGC00255183-01
NCGC00259361-01
1,2-Propanediol, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
BP-21014
DA-66939
E490
FP177015
HEB Lubricant Eye Drops Dry Eye Therapy
Non Spermicidal Sterile Lubricating Jelly
SMR000677948
SY003769
SY003770
1ST000649
CAS-25322-69-4
DB-013280
Lubricant Eye Drops Restorative Performance
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (SOLVENT) [VANDF]
1,2-Propanediol, ACS reagent, >=99.5%
1,2-Propanediol, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
CS-0015917
E1520
NS00009085
P0485
S6258
EN300-21726
1,2-Propanediol, analytical reference material
1,2-Propanediol, tested according to Ph.Eur.
C00583
D00078
1,2-Propanediol, p.a., ACS reagent, 99.5%
1,2-Propanediol, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%
1,2-Propanediol, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%
1,2-Propanediol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
Equate Lubricant Eye Drops Restorative Performance
Propylene Glycol, meets USP testing specifications
Q161495
BRD-A19232309-001-08-6
Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops Restorative Performance
F1908-0071
Z106938868
1,2-Propanediol, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, >=99.5% (GC)
Propylene glycol, British Pharmacopoeia (BP) Reference Standard
Propylene glycol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Propylene glycol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
(R)-(-)-1,2-Propyleneglycol; (R)-(-)-Propylene glycerol; (R)-(-)-Propylene glycol
1,2-Propanediol, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, >=99.5%
Propylene glycol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
200-338-0
613-293-0