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Monomers & Building Blocks

1,3-propanediol

CAS: 504-63-2

Overview

1,3-Propanediol (CAS 504-63-2 ), also known as trimethylene glycol or PDO, is a bifunctional diol used as a monomer, solvent, and humectant across polymer, personal care, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Its two terminal hydroxyl groups make it a reactive building block for polyesters and polyurethanes, while its solvent and moisture-retention properties support formulation work across multiple sectors.

In polymer production, PDO is the key monomer for polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a polyester used in carpet fiber, apparel, and engineering plastics. Personal care formulators incorporate it as a humectant.

It is used in skin creams, serums, and hair conditioners, where it supports moisture retention and helps dissolve active ingredients. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use PDO as a carrier solvent in topical and oral formulations.

It is valued for its compatibility with a broad range of actives. In industrial coatings and adhesives, it functions as a cross-linking agent and reactive intermediate in polyurethane and UV-curable resin systems.

1,3-Propanediol is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid in drum and IBC quantities, with bulk tanker options for large-volume buyers. It is available in technical grade for polymer and industrial applications.

High-purity grades meeting USP and pharmaceutical specifications are also available. Bio-based PDO, produced via fermentation, is commercially available and increasingly specified in sustainable formulation programs.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point-26.7 °C
Boiling Point215 °C
Density1.0538 g/cm³
Flash Point>230 °F
AppearanceColorless oil liquid; odorless. Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Combustible.
ColorClear
FormOily Liquid
Water Solubility100 g/L
Vapor Pressure0.8 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.440(lit.)
pH4.5-7.0 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P-0.71 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation Precautionary Statements P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29053980
Storage Class10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

trimethylene glycol | omega-propanediol | HOCH2CH2CH2OH | HO(CH2)3OH | CH2(CH2OH)2 | beta-propylene glycol | 2-deoxyglycerol | 2-(hydroxymethyl)ethanol | PDO

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
504-63-2
EC Number
207-997-3
Mol. Weight
76.09
HS Code
29053980

Industries

Documentation