Propylene Glycol (1,2-Propanediol) 500ml Merck, Germany

Propylene Glycol (1,2-propanediol) is a viscous, colorless liquid that is nearly odorless but has a faintly sweet taste.

Its chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH. It is miscible with various solvents, including water, acetone, and chloroform. In general, glycols are non-irritating and have very low volatility.

It is produced on a large scale primarily for the production of polymers. The European Union has E-number E1520 for food applications. For cosmetics and pharmacology, the number is E490. Propylene glycol is also present in propylene glycol alginate, which is known as E405. Propylene glycol is approved and used as a vehicle for topical, oral, and some intravenous pharmaceutical preparations in the U.S. and Europe.

• Product title: Propylene Glycol / 1,2-Propanediol / E1520 / Merck-Germany ~ 500 Ml
• Maximum shelf life: 1 year – 5 years
• Pack Capacity: 500 mL
• Storage requirements: Room Temperature
• Country of origin: Germany
• High-quality Propylene Glycol from Merck-Germany.

★ Forty-five percent of propylene glycol produced is used as a chemical feedstock for the production of unsaturated polyester resins. In this regard, propylene glycol reacts with a mixture of unsaturated maleic anhydride and isophthalic acid to give a copolymer. This partially unsaturated polymer undergoes further crosslinking to yield thermoset plastics. Related to this application, propylene glycol reacts with propylene oxide to give oligomers and polymers that are used to produce polyurethanes. Propylene glycol is used in water-based acrylic architectural paints to extend dry time which it accomplishes by preventing the surface from drying due to its slower evaporation rate compared to water.

★ The freezing point of water is depressed when mixed with propylene glycol. It is used as aircraft de-icing and anti-icing fluid. A 50% water-diluted and heated solution is used for the removal of icing accretions from the fuselages of commercial aircraft on the ground (de-icing), and a 100% undiluted cold solution is used only on the wings and tail surfaces of an aircraft to prevent ice accretion from forming during a specific period before takeoff (anti-icing). Normally, such a time frame is limited to 15–90 minutes, depending on the severity of snowfall and outside air temperature. Water-propylene glycol mixtures dyed pink to indicate the mixture is relatively nontoxic are sold under the name of RV or marine antifreeze. Propylene glycol is frequently used as a substitute for ethylene glycol in low-toxicity, environmentally friendly automotive antifreeze. It is also used to winterize the plumbing systems in vacant structures. The eutectic composition/temperature is 60:40 propylene glycol:water/−60 °C. The −50 °F/−45 °C commercial product is, however, water-rich; a typical formulation is 40:60.

★ In the cosmetics industry, where propylene glycol is very commonly used as a carrier or base for various types of makeup.

★ For trapping and preserving insects (including as a DNA preservative).

★ For the creation of theatrical smoke and fog in special effects for film and live entertainment. So-called ‘smoke machines’ or ‘hazers’ vaporize a mixture of propylene glycol and water to create the illusion of smoke. While many of these machines use a propylene glycol-based fuel, some use oil. Those that use propylene glycol do so in a process that is identical to how electronic cigarettes work; utilizing a heating element to produce a dense vapor. The vapor produced by these machines has the aesthetic look and appeal of smoke, but without exposing performers and stage crew to the harms and odors associated with actual smoke.

★ As an additive in PCR to reduce the melting temperature of nucleic acids for targeting GC-rich sequences.

★ As a surfactant, it is used to prevent water from beading up on objects. It is used in photography for this purpose to reduce the risk of water spots or deposits of minerals from water used to process film or paper.