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.
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 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.
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 fluids that control viscosity, dissolve active ingredients, and stop the corrosion of metals. Industrial-grade propylene glycol is also used as a starting material in the production of plastics and resins that are used to manufacture items such as the hulls of boats, automotive and electrical parts, and blades used on wind turbines. Propylene glycol is also used in antifreeze, in place of ethylene glycol, since it is less harmful to the environment.
Propylene glycol is used as a deicing chemical for aircraft and as an additive to windshield washer fluid for vehicles. It is also used in the production of hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, and liquid detergents. As a heat-transfer fluid, propylene glycol is used in the heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, ice-rink refrigeration, and cold storage units. It is also a main ingredient in the solution for fog machines that are used in theatrical productions, in firefighter training, at concerts, and in Halloween displays.
Propylene glycol is a versatile chemical compound with a broad range of applications across multiple industries. Its beneficial physical and chemical properties, such as its solvent capabilities and hygroscopic nature, make it invaluable in areas from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and antifreeze. However, while it is considered safe within certain limits, it’s important to understand potential health impacts from overexposure and to use it responsibly.
Future prospects for this compound appear promising as researchers continue to delve into potential novel uses, including its role in the emerging field of biofuels. As our understanding of propylene glycol expands, so too will its application and influence in our daily lives.
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