PROPYLENE GLYCOL USES, SPECIFICATIONS, and WHERE TO BUY

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: COMMON USES, SPECIFICATIONS, and WHERE TO BUY 

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a near odorless, clear, colorless, viscous liquid,  and which possesses a faintly sweet taste. The chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH.  

Propylene glycol, also known by the abbreviation, PG,  is widely used since it is miscible water and a  broad range of other solvents, acetone, and chloroform. Like most glycols, PG, in general is non-irritating and has low  volatility. 

The CAS number for Propylene Glycol is 57-55-6

PG is major industrial chemical and it is produced on a large scale primarily for the production of polymers, and  as a very useful intermediate for other chemicals. In 2019 nearly 2 million metric tons were produced.  

It is used in all kinds of commerical, industrial and even sme home uses. PG is  used in making aircraft deicing fluids, and also has uses in applications like home and auto products, and since it is considered GRAS (see below) also in food products like ice cream. Currently, most propylene glycol is made by reacting propylene oxide with water.

In the US Propylene glycol is a compound which is listed as GRAS, defined as generally recognized as safe, by the US FDA/ Food and Drug Administrations under 21 CFR x184.1666, and is also approved by the FDA for certain uses as an indirect food additive. Propylene glycol is approved and used as a vehicle for topical, oral, and some intravenous pharmaceutical preparations in the U.S. and in Europe.

Make sure that the grade you are buying is suitable for the applications you will use it in . For example, you do not buy a technical grade propylene glycol for an application in a food or a drink for example. If you are using propylene glycol where it will be used as a food ingredient or in a beverage you will need to source a USP food grade propylene glycol. Typically food grade PG  will be slightly more  expensive than a technical grade used in a paint formulation for example. Always request a Certificate of Analysis for your chemicals and ingredients to make sure you will be receiving what you have requested and the best material for your application and usage. 

Don't make the mistake of buying another glycol with a similar name either. Do not buy di-propylene glycol thinking it is the same as propylene glycol. These are not the same chemical and can not be used interchangeably. 

Check Level 7 Chemical for the very best propylene glycol. Level 7 Chemical sells high quality propylene glycol food grade, and can also get a technical grade upon request. Additionally we can also help with custom blends of PG and DI water. 

Level 7 Chemical offers full-service custom solutions to help make your chemical sourcing easier and your business a success.  As a trusted ally, you can depend on our  team of professionals to assist with everything from sourcing propylene glycol and other chemicals, as well as our logistics expertise.