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 Point | 242 °C |
| Density | 1.2047 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 270 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | odorless |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 240 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.13 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.421(lit.) |
| pH | 7.0 (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 Code | 29209010 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 108-32-7
- EC Number
- 203-572-1
- Mol. Weight
- 102.09
- HS Code
- 29209010
- Category
- Heterocyclic Compounds