Mono Propylene Glycol

What is Mono Propylene Glycol?

Molecular Formula (Mono Propylene Glycol): C₃H₈O₂

Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol

Chemical Name: Mono Propylene Glycol

CAS Number: 57-55-6

It is a colorless, odorless, and clear liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Propylene Glycol is a viscous synthetic organic compound. It has solvent and diluent properties.

Glycols are known as compounds containing two hydroxyl groups attached to separate carbon atoms. Propylene Glycol has a low vapor pressure. In addition, like all glycols, MPG is completely miscible with water and is highly soluble in many organic solvents.

The Propylene Glycol family includes Mono Propylene Glycol, Di Propylene Glycol, and Tri Propylene Glycol. It is a chemical with hygroscopic properties.

It is notable for its low toxicity properties. When mixed with water, its freezing point is depressed, making it widely used in many industries.

Other Names Include;

• Propylene Glycol
• 1,2-Propanediol
• 1,2-Dihydroxypropane
• MPG
• Mono Propylene Glycol USP
• Propylene Glycol Pharma
• 1,2-Glycol
• Fiber Grade MPG

How is it Produced?

Mono Propylene Glycol is produced through the hydrolysis of Propylene Oxide. The most common production process is the non-catalytic hydrolysis of Propylene Oxide, used as a raw material, under high temperature and high pressure.

Another production method is also used for Propylene Glycol production. It is obtained with an ion-exchange resin in a non-catalytic process at 150°C, aided by a small amount of sulfuric acid and an alkaline chemical.

This production reaction utilizes the principle of ion displacement. In MPG production, cations and anions are exchanged.

Another manufacturer produces propylene glycol and other by-products by reacting propylene oxide with hydrogen peroxide.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It has a clear and colorless appearance.

Its boiling point is 187.6 °C at 760 mmHg.

It melts at -60 °C.

Mono Propylene Glycol dissolves well in water, alcohol, and ethanol. It is also soluble in benzene. It is soluble in acetone, chloroform, and ether. Propylene Glycol also dissolves well in essential oils. However, it is not miscible with fixed oils.

It has a solubility of 1000 mg/mL at 20 °C.

Mono Propylene Glycol has a density of approximately 1.04 g/cm³ at 20 °C.

Its flash point is 103 °C.

Its surface tension at room temperature is 70 mN/m.

How Should it be Stored?

It is stored in mild steel or stainless steel drums. It is not classified as hazardous for any transportation system.

Mono Propylene Glycol packages should not be stored in areas exposed to direct sunlight. MPG degrades with direct exposure to sunlight.

It should be kept away from flames and hot environments.

What are the Effects of Mono Propylene Glycol on Human Health?

In case of contact with the human body, it should be washed with plenty of water.

If MPG comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause serious eye irritation. In this case, rinse with plenty of water.

If mixed with water, it is hazardous to aquatic life with long-term exposure.

What Should the Mixing Ratio of Mono Propylene Glycol and Water Be?

The ratio is determined by the user's needs and the desired resistance to freezing. The more glycol in the solution, the lower the freezing point of the water. This allows for operation at lower temperatures.

How is Ketosis (Acetonemia) Treated in Dairy Cattle?

Dairy cows experience liver damage due to fatty liver from 2 weeks before calving until 6 weeks after. This condition in dairy cattle is called bovine ketosis (acetonemia).

Due to acetonemia, animals cannot digest properly. As a result, the affected animal experiences weight loss and a decrease in milk yield.

To eliminate these health problems in dairy cattle, 6-16 doses should be administered over a period of 10 days.

What are the Uses of Mono Propylene Glycol?

• It is widely used in many sectors. It is produced in 2 different grades to meet the needs of these fields.
• It is used in a mixture with 1,3-Propylene Glycol in the manufacture of aircraft de-icing fluids. It is used in the production of chemicals that prevent ice formation on aircraft surfaces at temperatures below -32 °C.
• Water is used in closed-loop cooling systems. If the temperature drops below 0 °C, the water freezes. Glycol is used to lower the freezing point of water. Due to its low to negligible toxicity, USP Mono Propylene Glycol is used in cooling systems such as chillers in food production areas.
• It is used together with Glycerin (Glycerol) in the production of stomach-soothing medications for ketosis treatment in cattle.
• It is used for disinfection purposes in the manufacture of polyester compounds.
• Propylene Glycol is used as an antifreeze by the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries in applications where it may come into contact with food. Monoethylene Glycol and Triethylene Glycol are also used in this field.
• In the personal care industry, Propylene Glycol is used as a humectant in the manufacture of makeup, shampoo, bubble baths, and baby wipes.
• Propylene Glycol USP is also used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesizing oral, injectable, and topical formulations.
• In industrial applications, it has several vital properties. Particularly in our vehicles and aircraft, MPG has a significant impact. It is used in the manufacture of automotive antifreeze and aircraft de-icing fluids. Its effect here is to lower the freezing point when mixed with water. This property makes aircraft wings more resistant to cold.
• It is among the glycols used for recycling polyurethane foams.

What are Other Areas of Use?

• It is used as an additive in some foods. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
• It is used in some pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products to absorb excess water. In such applications, it also serves to retain moisture.
• It is widely used in the manufacture of various chemicals. Its most important role is as a solvent. Propylene Glycol adds functionality as a solvent in the production processes of substances in the flavor, food coloring, paint, and plastics industries.
• Propylene glycol is used in the production of artificial smoke, which is used extensively in fire-fighting training in the film industry and on theater stages.
• It is used, modified with surfactants (wetting agents), in the manufacture of components used as defoamers in aqueous dispersions.
• It is used as a humectant in the manufacture of ultrasound gel.
• MPG is used as a solvent or humectant in the production of antiseptic hydrogels for wound treatment. The most important compound for antiseptic hydrogel production is a cationic polymer.
• In fire training and the entertainment industry, it is mixed with water in fog machines to create dense smoke (fog).

Other Uses of Mono Propylene Glycol

• It is used in the manufacture of high-performance unsaturated polyester resins for varnishes and paints. Its role here is as a chemical intermediate.
• Its solvent properties are utilized in the manufacture of printing inks.
• It is a fundamental chemical compound in the manufacture of moldable plastics like unsaturated polyester resins. In this application, wind turbine blades are significant modern materials.
• It is used as an excipient in the production of disinfectant and antibacterial gels.
• Mono Propylene Glycol (MPG) is used as a solvent for the active ingredients in hair strengthening and hair growth products in the pharmaceutical industry.
• It is used in the manufacture of non-ionic cleaning detergents for the petroleum, refined sugar, and paper manufacturing industries.
• Scientists are also planning to use Mono Propylene Glycol in the cryonics industry, leveraging its coolant properties.
• MPG prevents dehydration. Therefore, it is used as an additive in pipe tobacco.
• After cigarette tobacco is cut and disinfected, it is blended with Propylene Glycol USP and a preservative. This helps to soften the tobacco.

What are Other Areas of Use?

• It is used in the manufacture of heat transfer fluids, such as engine coolants.
• In the cosmetics industry, its ability to retain water is utilized when formulating moisturizing creams.
• It is used in the production of baby creams along with Liquid Paraffin, fragrance, and benzyl alcohol. The purpose of MPG here is its moisturizing properties. Creams are produced to prevent diaper rash on babies' skin, and it is an important component in their formulations.
• Fungi cause decay in heat-treated wood due to the depolymerization of cellulose, which degrades the wood's mechanical properties. To prevent this, 10% Propylene Glycol (MPG) solutions are used.
• Mono Propylene Glycol is used as the main compound to prevent corrosion of Aluminum and its alloys at high temperatures.
• High-viscosity shampoos are produced for washing horses' manes and tails. Mono Propylene Glycol is used to increase shampoo viscosity.
• It is used as a humectant in skin-lightening compositions. It also has skin-brightening properties.
• In the medical field, it is used as a humectant and solvent in hair growth drug formulations.
• In toothpaste production, it is used as a humectant to prevent drying out at the tube opening.
• It is used in eye drops for its high water-binding and moisturizing properties.
• In products like dried foods, confectionery, and biscuits, it prevents moisture loss, keeping them fresh and extending their shelf life.

What Factors Affect its Price?

The price of Mono Propylene Glycol is directly dependent on the price of propylene oxide. As the price of propylene oxide increases, the price of Glycol will also increase.

Fluctuations in oil prices occur periodically. An increase in oil prices raises the price of glycol. One of the biggest factors is energy. If energy prices rise, the price of Mono Propylene Glycol increases.

The commissioning of a global-scale Mono Propylene Glycol production facility will cause a short-term price drop. However, if a new application for Propylene Glycol is discovered and implemented, the price of MPG will increase.

As the distance from the production facility increases, logistics costs will rise. This, in turn, increases the unit price of the product.