Propylene Glycol (PG) is a clear, colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with the molecular formula C₃H₈O₂ and CAS No. 57-55-6. As a trusted propylene glycol supplier, Thousands Chemical Store provides industrial-grade and USP-grade PG with 99.5%+ purity for manufacturers worldwide, offering competitive factory pricing, flexible packaging, and reliable global logistics.
Propylene Glycol (PG) Overview
Propylene Glycol is produced commercially through the hydration of propylene oxide. It is completely miscible with water and most polar organic solvents, has low volatility, and exhibits excellent hygroscopic properties. Its low toxicity profile — compared to ethylene glycol — makes propylene glycol the preferred choice for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications where safety is critical. Industrial-grade PG is used extensively in antifreeze, heat transfer fluids, coatings, and chemical intermediates.
Key Features
- USP & Industrial Grade Available: Propylene Glycol is supplied in both United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade for food, pharma, and cosmetics, and industrial grade for antifreeze, coatings, and chemical manufacturing. Each grade meets strict purity specifications with COA provided.
- High Purity (99.5%+): Our propylene glycol supplier network sources PG with a minimum purity of 99.5% by GC analysis, ensuring consistent performance across sensitive formulations and industrial processes.
- Low Acute Toxicity: Unlike ethylene glycol, propylene glycol has a very low toxicity profile (oral LD50 >20,000 mg/kg in rats), making it safe for use in food-contact, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications under regulatory guidelines.
- Excellent Solvency & Hygroscopicity: PG acts as an effective solvent for flavors, colors, vitamins, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its hygroscopic nature also makes it valuable as a humectant and moisture-retaining agent in cosmetics and food products.
- Versatile Chemical Intermediate: Propylene Glycol serves as a key raw material for unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane polyols, and plasticizers, underpinning its critical role in the composites and coatings industries.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Name: 1,2-Propanediol (Propylene Glycol)
- CAS No.: 57-55-6
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O₂
- Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol
- Purity: ≥ 99.5% (GC)
- Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
- Odor: Practically odorless
- Boiling Point: 188.2 °C at 760 mmHg
- Flash Point: 99 °C (closed cup)
- Density at 20°C: 1.036 g/cm³
- Viscosity at 20°C: ~56 mPa·s
- Water Content: ≤ 0.2%
- Grades Available: Industrial Grade, USP Grade
Applications by Industry
Propylene Glycol serves diverse industries due to its unique combination of solvency, low toxicity, and hygroscopicity. In the composites and resin industry, PG is a primary raw material for unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) synthesis, where it reacts with dicarboxylic acids to form the polyester backbone. In pharmaceuticals, propylene glycol is used as a solvent and carrier for oral, injectable, and topical formulations. Food-grade PG is an FDA-approved food additive (GRAS) used as a humectant, solvent for flavors, and carrier for food colors.
In personal care and cosmetics, propylene glycol functions as a moisturizer, skin conditioner, and solvent in lotions, serums, and hair care products. Industrial applications include heat transfer fluids and aircraft de-icing solutions where its low-toxicity profile provides environmental advantages over ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is also used in paints, coatings, and inks as a co-solvent and viscosity modifier.
Packaging & Supply Information
- Standard Packaging: 200 kg HDPE drums, IBC totes (1,000 kg), ISO tank containers
- MOQ: 1 drum (200 kg); bulk orders welcome
- Lead Time: 3–7 business days for stock orders
- Documents Available: Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), REACH compliance documents
- Shipping: Worldwide — FCL/LCL sea freight, air freight, road transport
Frequently Asked Questions — Propylene Glycol Supplier
- What is the minimum order quantity for propylene glycol? Our minimum order quantity is 1 drum (200 kg). For bulk orders of IBC totes or ISO tanks, please contact us for preferential pricing.
- Do you supply both USP-grade and industrial-grade PG? Yes. We stock both USP-grade propylene glycol (suitable for food, pharma, and cosmetics) and industrial-grade PG (for antifreeze, resins, and coatings). Both grades include COA and SDS documentation.
- What is the purity of your propylene glycol? Our propylene glycol meets a minimum purity of 99.5% by GC analysis, with water content below 0.2%.
- Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order? Yes, samples are available upon request. Contact our team to arrange a free sample with COA documentation.
- What certifications and documents are available? We provide Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), REACH registration confirmation, and export documentation as required by destination country regulations.
- How long does global delivery take? Delivery timelines depend on destination. Standard sea freight to major ports is 15–35 days. Air freight options are available for urgent orders.
Propylene Glycol (PG): Safety & Handling
Propylene Glycol is classified as a low-hazard substance under most regulatory frameworks. It is not classified as flammable under standard conditions (flash point 99°C), has low acute toxicity, and is not considered a skin or eye sensitizer at normal exposure levels. However, users should review the Safety Data Sheet prior to handling and use appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses) in industrial settings.
Store propylene glycol in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents. For full safety information, SDS documents are available upon request. For related bulk chemical products, see also Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Bulk Chemical Raw Materials.
