propylene glycol

propylene glycol, synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O₂. Propylene glycol is a colourless liquid that is relatively viscous, has no odour, and tastes slightly sweet. It is hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs water from the surrounding environment. Annual production of propylene glycol in the United States alone exceeds 450 tons. Worldwide demand for propylene glycol is estimated to be approximately 2 million tons annually; demand is expected to grow to nearly 4 million tons by 2035.

Propylene glycol has a molecular weight of 76.09 grams per mole, a boiling point of 187.6 °C (370.8 °F), a melting point of –60 °C (–76 °F), and a density of 1.0361 grams per cubic centimetre at 20 °C (68 °F). It is considered safe for human consumption; however, large doses over short periods of time can be toxic. In a well-sealed container propylene glycol is stable at cooler temperatures. At higher temperatures and in an open container, it oxidizes and produces various chemicals, including lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and acetic acid.

Propylene glycol reacts with strong oxidizing agents, which can result in a fire hazard. As an example, it reacts with hydrofluoric acid (a strong oxidizing agent), nitric acid, and silver nitrate to form silver fulminate, an extremely explosive compound.

Production

Propylene glycol can be made in commercial production by the direct hydrolysis of propylene oxide with water. Alternatively, the chlorohydrin process or peroxidation can be used; each of these processes starts with the monomer propylene (also called propene, a three-carbon chain that contains one carbon-to-carbon double bond). In both of these processes, an intermediate of propylene oxide forms, which is then reacted in a hydration process to form propylene glycol.

In 2001 American chemical engineers Randy Cortright and James Dumesic, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, developed a process that converts corn-based chemicals to propylene glycol. The catalytic process effectively converted corn-derived lactic acid into propylene glycol. The process avoids the need for petroleum-based chemicals, thereby reducing the cost to produce propylene glycol.

Uses

In general the production of propylene glycol is divided into three categories: food grade, industrial grade, and technical grade. The majority of end-use applications of propylene glycol exist in building and construction, followed by transportation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food-grade production of the chemical. The food-and-beverage and the cosmetic industries account for the largest market growth sector in its use. 

Food grade

Propylene glycol is used in a solution to deliver many intravenous medications to patients, in cough medications, and in topical ointments (e.g., corticosteroids) to treat certain skin conditions. Propylene glycol is also used as a food additive and as an emulsifier, a moisture preserver, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, and an anticaking agent. Propylene glycol is used in some e-cigarettes, and due to its hygroscopic properties it is thought that the use of this chemical is the reason why some e-cigarette users complain of dry mouth and throat. While the consumption of propylene glycol is considered safe, studies are ongoing to investigate the effects on the human body of inhaling propylene glycol vapours.

Are you a student?

Get a special academic rate on Britannica Premium.

Subscribe