Propylene glycol

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Propylene glycol
Image:Propylene glycol chemical structure.png
Systematic name	propane-1,2-diol
Other names	propylene glycol
Chemical formula	C₃H₈O₂
Molecular mass	76.09 g/mol
Density	1.036 g/cm³
Melting point	-59 °C
Boiling point	188.2 °C
Thermal Conductivity	0.34 W/m-K (50% H2O @ 90°C)
CAS number	[57-55-6]
SMILES	CC(O)CO
Disclaimer and references

Propylene glycol, known also by the systematic name propane-1,2-diol, is an organic compound (a diol alcohol), usually a tasteless, odorless, and colorless clear oily liquid that is hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. It is manufactured by the hydration of propylene oxide.

1 Applications
2 Safety
3 Reference
4 External link

[edit] Applications

Propylene glycol is used:

As a moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, and tobacco products
As a medical and sexual lubricant (A.K.A. "personal lubricant")
As a flavoring agent in Angostura and Orange bitters
As a solvent for food colors and flavourings
As a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520
As a carrier in fragrance oils
As a food grade antifreeze
In smoke machines to make artificial smoke for use in firefighters' training and theatrical productions
In hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions, and saline solutions
As a main ingredient in many cosmetic products, including baby wipes, bubble baths, and shampoos
As a base ingredient in aircraft deicing fluid and some automobile antifreezes
In cryonics
As a working fluid in hydraulic presses
To regulate humidity in a cigar humidor
As the killing and preserving agent in pitfall traps, usually used to capture ground beetles.

[edit] Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined propylene glycol to be "generally recognized as safe" for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines. Like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol affects the body's chemistry by increasing the amount of acid. Propylene glycol is metabolized into lactic acid, which occurs naturally as muscles are exercised, while ethylene glycol is metabolized into oxalic acid, which is toxic.