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1,3-Propanediol is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic liquid with a slightly sweet taste.
1,3 PROPANDIOL is a diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a three-carbon chain.
1,3 PROPANDIOL is commonly used as a building block in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of polymers like polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and other materials.
1,3-Propanediol is also utilized as a solvent, plasticizer, and in cosmetics and personal care products. It is derived from renewable sources such as corn glucose and is considered a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived propylene glycol.
CAS Number: 504-63-2
Synonyms:
Propylene glycol, 1,3-,Trimethylene glycol,Propane-1,3-diol,1,3-Dihydroxypropane,Propyl glycol,1,3-Propanediol
Introduction
Definition and Overview 1,3 Propanediol, also known as trimethylene glycol, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C3H8O2.
It is a colorless, viscous liquid that is chemically classified as a diol (a compound with two hydroxyl groups, -OH) and is considered a valuable chemical intermediate in various industrial applications. 1,3 Propanediol is used in the production of polymers, cosmetics, food additives, and several other products due to its versatile properties.
Historical Development The development of 1,3 Propanediol dates back to the early 20th century when it was first synthesized.
Its initial applications were primarily in the area of synthetic chemistry and polymer production.
However, with the increased focus on sustainable and green chemistry practices, bio-based production methods have emerged, leading to a surge in its use in bio-based and eco-friendly materials.
Importance in Modern Industry 1,3 Propanediol is gaining significant attention as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals.
Its role as a monomer in polymer production, particularly in the synthesis of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a biodegradable plastic, highlights its importance in advancing the use of renewable resources in industrial processes.
Furthermore, it is utilized in the formulation of various cosmetic and personal care products due to its moisturizing and solvent properties.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure and Formula The chemical formula of 1,3 Propanediol is C3H8O2.
It has two hydroxyl (-OH) groups located on the first and third carbon atoms of the propane chain.
The structure is simple, but its reactivity and interactions make it highly useful in chemical syntheses. The IUPAC name is propane-1,3-diol, and its systematic structure is as follows:
Molecular Weight: 76.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 504-63-2
SMILES Notation: C(CO)CCO
Physical Properties
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Slightly sweet or neutral
Boiling Point: 214°C (417.2°F)
Melting Point: -23.5°C (-10.3°F)
Density: 1.049 g/cm³ (at 25°C)
Refractive Index: 1.453 (at 20°C)
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone. It is also soluble in various organic solvents.
Chemical Reactivity 1,3 Propanediol is a relatively stable compound but can participate in a range of chemical reactions.
Its hydroxyl groups make it reactive in esterification, polymerization, and other chemical processes.
The compound is generally non-reactive with acids and bases under standard conditions, though it can be oxidized under specific conditions.
Production Methods
3.1 Conventional Production Historically, 1,3 Propanediol has been produced via the hydrogenation of acetol, which itself is derived from propylene glycol.
This method is energy-intensive and largely dependent on petrochemical feedstocks.
The hydrogenation process involves the catalytic reduction of acetol over a metal catalyst, such as copper or nickel, under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Bio-based Production In recent years, the production of 1,3 Propanediol has shifted towards bio-based methods, driven by the increasing demand for renewable resources.
A major bio-based route involves the fermentation of glucose by genetically engineered microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli.
This method typically employs glycerol as a starting material, which is obtained from biodiesel production.
The bio-fermentation process offers a more sustainable pathway, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impacts.
Industrial Scale Production The global production of 1,3 Propanediol has rapidly increased due to the rise in demand for bio-based products.
Companies like DuPont (with their bio-based product, Sorona®) and various other biotechnology firms have developed large-scale fermentation processes for the commercial production of 1,3 Propanediol.
These methods are designed to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable materials in the chemical and textile industries.
Applications
Polymer Production One of the most significant applications of 1,3 Propanediol is in the production of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a high-performance, biodegradable polyester.
PTT is used in applications such as fibers, plastics, and films.
It has several advantages over other polyesters, including improved durability, higher resilience, and better environmental profiles.
Cosmetics and Personal Care 1,3 Propanediol is commonly used as a humectant in cosmetic and personal care products.
It helps retain moisture in skin care formulations and is known for being a mild and non-irritating ingredient.
It is often found in products like moisturizers, shampoos, deodorants, and facial cleansers. Additionally, it can be used as a solvent in the formulation of fragrances and active ingredients.
Industrial and Chemical Synthesis 1,3 Propanediol is used as a solvent, plasticizer, and intermediate in the synthesis of a variety of chemical compounds.
It is employed in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants.
Its ability to interact with different chemicals and materials makes it an essential component in many industrial applications.
Food Additive and Pharmaceuticals In the food industry, 1,3 Propanediol is utilized as a food additive (E number E1520), primarily in flavoring and preservation.
It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where it acts as a carrier for active ingredients, enhancing the solubility and stability of certain drugs.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT 1,3 PROPANDIOL
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
