Properties & Production
Propylene glycol is a bivalent, aliphatic alcohol (=diol). It exists as a clear, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid with a sweet taste and is miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone. Its boiling point is approximately 189 °C, and its density is slightly higher than that of water. Propylene glycol has a great ability to bind active substances/water.
Propylene glycol is produced, among other methods, through the hydrolysis of propylene oxide, which is derived from propane. Propane is a byproduct of petroleum processing.
Applications
Thanks to its excellent properties, Propylene glycol is used in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, animal feed, cosmetics, and technology.
In the pharmaceutical industry, propylene glycol is used as a solvent, co-solvent, humectant, preservative, and for promoting dermal drug absorption. It is present in many medications and medical products (e.g., creams, gels, inhalation preparations, injection preparations, and film-coated tablets). Propylene glycol is generally considered to be well-tolerated.
In the food industry, it is mainly used as a carrier for flavors, colorants, emulsifiers, and antioxidants, thanks to its colorless, tasteless, and odorless properties. The maximum permitted content is 1000 mg/kg of finished food.
Propylene glycol is also used in animal feed. As it naturally attracts water, it helps to keep the feed moist, fresh, and chewable, making it more easily digestible for animals. It also serves as a stabilizer and preservative to prolong the shelf life of the feed.
Due to its water-binding properties, it can be used to provide additional moisture to the skin. In cosmetics, it is thus a safe moisturizer.
Its application in technical areas (e.g., de-icing fluid, antifreeze) is also well-known, as well as its controversial use in the e-cigarette industry.
Availability and pricing
Since the end of Q4/2022, prices have decreased by 20%, following an increase in 2021 and stabilization in 2022. The main reason for this is the weak global and European demand, as well as lower propylene and energy prices. Production capacities in Europe were temporarily reduced due to maintenance work. However, this has no impact on availability and spot prices.
Please feel free to contact us for a current quotation and available documentation – we look forward to hearing from you.
Synonyms:
- Propylenglycolum
- Propylene glycol
- Propan-1,2-diol
- Propandiol
- MPG
- E 1520