Ethylene carbonate

Ethylene carbonate (CAS 96-49-1), also sold as glycol carbonate and abbreviated EC, is a cyclic carbonate ester used as a high-polarity solvent and carrier across pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing. Its ability to dissolve a broad range of active ingredients and polymers makes it a practical alternative to conventional solvents in formulation-sensitive applications. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, EC functions as a solvent.

It acts as a co-solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients where low toxicity and controlled solvation are priorities. Personal care formulators use it as a carrier in skin-conditioning products to aid delivery. It improves spreadability in creams and lotions while serving as a processing solvent in polymer synthesis and resin formulations. Its high solvating power supports consistent dissolution of film-forming agents.

In preservation systems, EC can act as a carrier medium that improves the distribution and efficacy of antimicrobial actives within a formulation. This ensures stability and performance in complex mixtures. Ethylene carbonate is available as a solid flake or low-melting solid at ambient temperature, typically supplied in bags or drums. Pharmaceutical and personal care applications are served by high-purity grades.

These grades meet USP or equivalent specifications to ensure safety and compliance. Technical-grade material is also available for industrial and polymer processing uses where high purity is not required.