Basic Information

Chinese Name：1,2 - 丙二醇

English Name：1,2-Propanediol

CAS No.：57-55-6

Chemical Formula：C₃H₈O₂

Structural Formula：CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH

Molecular Weight：76.09 g/mol

Appearance & Odor：Colorless, transparent, viscous liquid; odorless with a slight sweet taste

Physical Constants：Melting Point: -59℃; Boiling Point: 188.2℃; Density: 1.036 g/cm³ (20℃); Flash Point: 99℃ (closed cup)

Product Grade：Industrial Grade / Food Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade

Solvent Characteristics

Solubility Performance

As a polar diol solvent, it is infinitely miscible with polar solvents such as water, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate, forming a homogeneous and transparent solution.

Slightly soluble in ether and chloroform; insoluble in non-polar solvents like benzene and petroleum ether. It can dissolve some organic compounds (e.g., essence, dyes, resins) and inorganic compounds (e.g., certain inorganic salts).

Special Solvent Advantages

Has the dual function of moisturization and dissolution. In daily chemical and food formulations, it can serve as both a solvent and a moisturizer to improve product stability.

Its dissolving capacity is less affected by temperature. It can dissolve most target substances at room temperature, and is not prone to delamination or crystallization after mixing with solutes.

Excellent chemical stability: does not react with most acids, alkalis and oxidants at room temperature. Under high temperature (＞200℃) or strong acid/alkali catalysis, it will undergo dehydration to form acrolein.

Main Applications

Daily Chemical & Cosmetics Industry

Core moisturizer and solvent: used in creams, lotions, shampoos, hand creams, etc. It can lock in moisture, improve skin feel, and dissolve ingredients such as essence and preservatives.

Applied as a solvent in hair dyes and nail polish removers to reduce product irritation.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical solvent: acts as a solubilizer for oral and injectable drugs to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs; used as an ointment base to improve drug permeability.

Medical antifreeze: used in the preparation of cryopreservation solutions to protect biological tissues and cells.

Food Industry

Food additive (complies with GB 2760 and FDA standards): used as a humectant, anti-caking agent and thickener in pastries, bread, beverages, condiments, etc., to extend the shelf life of food.

Solvent for edible essence: dissolves edible flavors for flavor blending of candies, ice cream and other products.

Chemical Production Field

Raw material for polyurethane foam plastics, used in the production of rigid foam; film-forming aid for coatings and inks to improve the gloss and adhesion of paint films.

Component of antifreeze coolant and brake fluid, with the advantages of low freezing point and high boiling point; humectant for tobacco to maintain tobacco humidity.

Safety

Toxicity & Hazards

Low-toxicity substance with extremely low acute oral toxicity (rat LD₅₀ ≈ 20 g/kg). Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products can be safely used in human-contact formulations.

No obvious irritation to skin and eyes; long-term contact may cause mild skin dryness. Inhalation of large amounts of vapor may lead to respiratory discomfort.

Non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic; not flammable and explosive (flash point 99℃, much higher than room temperature).

Handling Precautions

Wear protective gloves and operate in a well-ventilated environment to prevent the accumulation of large amounts of vapor.

Do not mix with strong oxidants (e.g., potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide) or strong acids (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid) to avoid decomposition reactions.

Emergency Measures

Skin Contact: Rinse the affected area thoroughly with plenty of running water for 10–15 minutes, and apply moisturizer to relieve dryness.

Eye Contact: Lift the eyelids immediately and rinse with normal saline or clean water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if discomfort persists.

Ingestion: Drink plenty of warm water for dilution, do not induce vomiting, and seek medical treatment promptly.

Storage & Transportation

Storage: Seal and store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse, away from heat sources and oxidants, avoid direct sunlight; shelf life is 24 months under sealed conditions.

Transportation: Transport at room temperature, avoid exposure to sunlight and rain. Bulk transportation shall be managed in accordance with Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods (UN 3082) and comply with relevant transportation regulations.