Propylene Glycol
Description of Propylene Glycol:
RAHA Oil Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula C3H8O2. Other names for are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, and trimethyl glycol. It is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature.
It may exist in air in the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Chemically it is classed as a diol alcohol that is miscible with a broad range of solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform. It falls within the same class of compounds as alcohols. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified it as an additive that is “generally recognized as safe” for use in food.
Applications of Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a versatile substance with a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some of its primary uses:
Food Industry
- Humectant: Helps retain moisture, preventing food from drying out.
- Solvent: Dissolves flavors and colors for use in products.
- Flavoring agent: Provides a sweet taste to foods and beverages.
- Thickening agent: Used in ice cream and other frozen desserts.
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Solvent: Dissolves active ingredients for drug formulations.
- Carrier: Delivers drugs to the body.
- Preservative: Helps prevent microbial growth in products.
- Humectant: Maintains moisture in topical medications.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Humectant: Draws moisture into the skin.
- Solvent: Dissolves other ingredients.
- Emulsifier: Helps mix oil and water-based components.
- Carrier: Delivers active ingredients to the skin.
Industrial Applications
- Antifreeze: Protects engines and systems from freezing.
- Heat transfer fluid: Used in cooling systems.
- Plasticizer: Improves flexibility of plastics.
- Solvent: Used in various industrial processes.
Safety
- Generally considered safe for human use when used in appropriate amounts.
- May cause skin irritation in some individuals.
- Important to follow product instructions and guidelines.
Packing of Propylene Glycol:
Its packed in 180 kg drums, iso tank, flexi tanks and bulk shipments. Each 20 foot container takes 80 drum.
Specification
| Test | Standard | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Clear, colorless, viscous liquid having a slight, characteristic taste. Is practically odorless. Absorbs moisture when exposed to moist air | USP44-NF39 |
| Solubility | Miscible with water. With acetone, and with chloroform. Soluble in ether and will dissolve many essential oils, but is immiscible with fixed oils. | USP44-NF39 |
| Identification | A: Infrared Absorption Spectrum obtained with standard Propylene Glycol B: Limit of DEG & EG NMT 0.1 C: RT of PG chromatogram in B complies Standard peak | USP44-NF39 |
| Specific gravity | 1.035-1.037 | USP44-NF39 |
| Acidity (as Acetic Acid) | NMT 0.2 mol of NaOH 0.1 N | USP44-NF39 |
| Chloride | NMT 70 | USP44-NF39 |
| Sulphate | Min 60 | USP44-NF39 |
| Residue on Ignition (in 50g) | NMT 3.5 | USP44-NF39 |
| Assay (on a dry basis) | Min. 99.5 | USP44-NF39 |
| Water | Max. 0.2 | USP44-NF39 |
| Residual Solvents | Defined as Organic Volatile Chemicals | USP44-NF39 |
