α-Propylene glycol
CAS 57-55-6
EC 200-338-0
Formula C3H8O2
MW 76.09 g/mol
Alcohols & Glycols Personal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & HealthcareFood & NutritionPlastics & Polymers Solvent & CarrierHumectant & MoisturizingAntioxidant & StabilizerCross-linking & Curing
Description
α-Propylene glycol (CAS 57-55-6) is a diol alcohol commercially available under trade names including DOWFROST, ARCOPLUS, and Sirlene, and identified by FEMA 2940 in flavour applications. It carries no E-number designation in the EU but is approved across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical categories under distinct regulatory frameworks.
In personal care formulations, propylene glycol functions as a humectant by drawing moisture into the stratum corneum and as a carrier solvent that improves the skin penetration of active ingredients. In polymer processing, it acts as a crosslinker and heat stabiliser, participating in polyester backbone formation and inhibiting thermal degradation during compounding.
Propylene glycol is supplied in USP/Ph.Eur., FCC, and technical grades to meet pharmaceutical, food, and industrial specifications respectively. It is fully REACH-registered and handled under standard REACH compliance documentation. Typical packaging includes IBC containers and bulk tanker delivery for high-volume procurement.
In personal care formulations, propylene glycol functions as a humectant by drawing moisture into the stratum corneum and as a carrier solvent that improves the skin penetration of active ingredients. In polymer processing, it acts as a crosslinker and heat stabiliser, participating in polyester backbone formation and inhibiting thermal degradation during compounding.
Propylene glycol is supplied in USP/Ph.Eur., FCC, and technical grades to meet pharmaceutical, food, and industrial specifications respectively. It is fully REACH-registered and handled under standard REACH compliance documentation. Typical packaging includes IBC containers and bulk tanker delivery for high-volume procurement.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -59 °C |
| Boiling Point | 188.2 °C |
| Density | 1.036 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | 225 °F |
| Appearance | Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid. |
| Color | APHA: ≤10 |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. odorless very slight alcoholic |
| Form | Viscous Liquid |
| Water Solubility | miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.08 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.432(lit.) |
| pH | 6-8 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.92 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS07 GHS08
H
H336H370H372
P
P260P261P264P270P271P319P321P405P501P304+P340P308+P316P403+P233
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29053200 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Propylene glycolpropane-1,2-diolMEGPPD(RS)-propylene glycolPG 12SirleneARCOPLUS(R)
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.