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Heterocyclic Compounds

Propylene carbonate

CAS: 108-32-7

Overview

Propylene carbonate (CAS 108-32-7 ), commonly abbreviated as PC, is a cyclic carbonate solvent used across energy, electronics, and personal care manufacturing. It dissolves a broad range of polar and nonpolar compounds.

This material is a preferred carrier in formulations where low volatility and high solvency are both required. In lithium-ion battery electrolytes, PC functions as a primary solvent or co-solvent, supporting ion transport.

It performs exceptionally well at low temperatures where other solvents underperform. Personal care formulators incorporate it as a solvent and humectant in skin creams, hair treatments, and color cosmetics.

The compound aids active ingredient penetration without leaving a greasy residue. The oil and gas industry uses PC as a solvent for natural gas purification, specifically for selective absorption of CO₂ and H₂S.

This is utilized in the Fluor Solvent process for efficient gas treatment. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a non-aqueous carrier in topical and oral formulations where aqueous systems are incompatible.

Propylene carbonate is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tankers. Standard commercial grades include technical and high-purity specifications, with the battery-grade variant subject to strict limits.

The battery-grade material must meet rigorous moisture and metal ion requirements. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP and Ph. Eur. compendial standards for regulated applications.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point-48.8 °C
Boiling Point242 °C
Density1.2047 g/cm³
Flash Point270 °F
Appearancecolourless liquid
ColorClear
Odorodorless
FormLiquid
Water Solubility240 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure0.13 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.421(lit.)
pH7.0 (200g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P-0.41 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H319 Causes serious eye irritation Precautionary Statements P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29209010
Storage Class10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

4-methyl-13-dioxolan-2-one | 12-Propylene carbonate | 12-Propanediol cyclic carbonate | Arconate 5000 | Texacar PC | Cyclic propylene carbonate | 12-Propanediol carbonate | 13-Dioxolan-2-one4-methyl- | PC

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
108-32-7
EC Number
203-572-1
Mol. Weight
102.09
HS Code
29209010

Industries

Documentation