Propylene glycol

  • 1,2-Dihydroxypropane
  • Methyl ethylene glycol
  • 1,2-Propanediol
  • Propane-1,2-diol
  
Formula CH3CHOHCH2OH
Structure
Description Thick odorless colorless liquid.
Uses Component of cellophane.

 

Registry Numbers.

CAS 57-55-6
EINECS 200-338-0
RTECS TY2000000
EPA Pest. No. 68603
Beilstein Reference 3-01-00-02142
Beilstein Number 1340498
Merck Index 8040
57-55-6 is listed on the TSCA.

 

Chemical and physical properties.

Formula mass 76.1
Melting point, °C -60.0
Boiling point, °C 95-96
Vapor pressure, mmHg 0.1
Vapor density (air=1) 2.62
Specific gravity/density 1.04
Solubility in water Miscible
Refractive index 1.4324 (20oC)
Partition coefficient, pKow -0.92
Equilibrium constant pKa = 14.8 @ 25 oC

 

Hazards and protection.

Storage Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Store protected from moisture.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.
Small spills or leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acid chlorides, nitric acid, acid anhydrides, silver nitrate, hydrofluoric acid, chloroformates, moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, propionaldehyde, lactic acid, pyruvic acid.
Other hazards The vapor is heavier than air.

 

Fire related information.

NFPAHealth 0  
 Flammability1 
 Reactivity0 
  Special- 
Flash Point,°C 99
Autoignition temp., °C 421
Upper exp. limit, % 12.5
Lower exp. limit, % 2.6
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Vapors may be heavier than air. They can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. Extinguishing media: Use alcohol foam. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Fire potential This chemical is combustible.

 

Health related information.

Exposure effects

 
  May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Exposure to large doses may cause central nervous system depression. Chronic ingestion may cause lactic acidosis and possible seizures.
Ingestion May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause hemoglobinuric nephrosis. May cause changes in surface EEG.
Inhalation Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Skin Causes moderate skin irritation. Contact with the skin may cause erythema, dryness, and defatting.
Eyes Causes mild eye irritation. Contact may cause irritation, tearing, and burning pain.
First aid 
Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.
Skin Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Eyes Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

 

Shipping information.