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E1520 (Propylene Glycol) = 1,2-Propanediol
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a colorless, nearly odorless, thick liquid. It has a variety of uses beyond being a food additive.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a synthetic liquid that’s used for a variety of purposes in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and manufacturing industries.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) typically odorless, tasteless, and colorless and its texture is somewhat oily or syrupy.
It's used in many products because it helps them maintain their consistency, moisture, and texture.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is an alcohol that absorbs water and mixes completely with many solvents.
While you might see E1520 (Propylene Glycol) described as an organic compound, this does not mean it’s naturally occurring.
Rather the term organic compound refers to the fact that it contains carbon.
While it’s a liquid, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) can become vapor in the air when it is heated or shaken vigorously. E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is generally considered safe and non-toxic by the US Food and Drug Administration
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) can be created in two different ways.
It is primarily made by treating propylene oxide—a chemical produced from refining petroleum—with water.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) can also be obtained from glycerol, a major byproduct of the biodiesel production process.
This kind of E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is mainly used for industrial purposes like making plastic or antifreeze.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a
clear,
colorless,
viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste.
Its chemical structure is CH3CH[OH]CH3OH.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) and ethylene glycol have similar physical properties and uses.
Their chemical structures differ by only one methyl group (ethylene glycol = HOCH2CH2OH; E1520 (Propylene Glycol) = CH3CH[OH]CH2OH).
Ethylene glycol is a potent cause of acute toxicity in humans.
In contrast, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a “generally recognized as safe” additive for foods and medications.
Most reported cases of E1520 (Propylene Glycol) toxicity have resulted from E1520 (Propylene Glycol) used as a diluent for intravenous administration of benzodiazepines.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) (IUPAC name: propane-1,2-diol) is a viscous, colorless liquid, which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) chemical formula is CH3CH(OH)CH2OH.
Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of 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.
In the European Union, it has E-number E1520 for food applications. For cosmetics and pharmacology, the number is E490. E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is also present in E1520 (Propylene Glycol) alginate, which is known as E405.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a compound which is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration under 21 CFR x184.1666, and is also approved by the FDA for certain uses as an indirect food additive.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is approved and used as a vehicle for topical, oral, and some intravenous pharmaceutical preparations in the U.S. and in Europe.
Structure:
The compound is sometimes called (alpha) α-E1520 (Propylene Glycol) to distinguish it from the isomer propane-1,3-diol, known as (beta) β-E1520 (Propylene Glycol).
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is chiral.
Commercial processes typically use the racemate.
The S-isomer is produced by biotechnological routes.
Production:
Industrial
Industrially, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is mainly produced from propylene oxide (for food-grade use).
According to a 2018 source, 2.16 M tonnes are produced annually.
Manufacturers use either non-catalytic high-temperature process at 200 °C (392 °F) to 220 °C (428 °F), or a catalytic method, which proceeds at 150 °C (302 °F) to 180 °C (356 °F) in the presence of ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali.
Final products contain 20% E1520 (Propylene Glycol), 1.5% of diE1520 (Propylene Glycol), and small amounts of other polyE1520 (Propylene Glycol)s.
Further purification produces finished industrial grade or USP/JP/EP/BP grade E1520 (Propylene Glycol) that is typically 99.5% or greater.
Use of USP (US Pharmacopoeia) E1520 (Propylene Glycol) can reduce the risk of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) rejection.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) can also be obtained from glycerol, a byproduct from the production of biodiesel.
This starting material is usually reserved for industrial use because of the noticeable odor and taste that accompanies the final product.
Applications:
Polymers:
Forty-five percent of E1520 (Propylene Glycol) produced is used as a chemical feedstock for the production of unsaturated polyester resins.
In this regard, E1520 (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, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) reacts with propylene oxide to give oligomers and polymers that are used to produce polyurethanes.
E1520 (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.
Antifreeze:
The freezing point of water is depressed when mixed with E1520 (Propylene Glycol).
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) used as aircraft de-icing and anti-icing fluid.
A 50% water-diluted and heated solution is used for removal of icing accretions from the fuselages of commercial aircraft on the ground (de-icing), and 100% undiluted cold solution is used only on wings and tail surfaces of an aircraft in order to prevent ice accretion from forming during a specific period of time before takeoff (anti-icing).
Normally, such time-frame is limited to 15–90 minutes, depending on the severity of snowfall and outside air temperature.
Water-E1520 (Propylene Glycol) mixtures dyed pink to indicate the mixture is relatively nontoxic are sold under the name of RV or marine antifreeze.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is frequently used as a substitute for ethylene glycol in low toxicity, environmentally friendly automotive antifreeze.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is also used to winterize the plumbing systems in vacant structures.
The eutectic composition/temperature is 60:40 E1520 (Propylene Glycol):water/−60 °C.
The −50 °F/−45 °C commercial product is, however, water rich; a typical formulation is 40:60.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified E1520 (Propylene Glycol) as an additive that is “generally recognized as safe” for use in food.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint and plastics industries.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions.
Other names for E1520 (Propylene Glycol) are 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 1,2-propanediol, methyl glycol, and trimethyl glycol.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid at room temperature. It may exist in air in the vapor form, although E1520 (Propylene Glycol) must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is practically odorless and tasteless.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is a synthetic food additive that belongs to the same chemical group as alcohol.
It is a colorless, odorless, slightly syrupy liquid that is a bit thicker than water. It has practically no taste
Additionally, it can dissolve some substances better than water and is also good at retaining moisture. This makes it very useful as a food additive, so it can be found in a wide variety of processed foods and drinks.
Where and How Is It Used?
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is commonly used as an additive to aid in the processing of foods and improve their texture, flavor, appearance and shelf life.
In foods, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) may be used in the following ways:
Anti-caking agent:
It helps prevent food components from sticking to one another and forming clumps, such as in dried soups or grated cheese.
Antioxidant:
It extends the shelf life of foods by protecting them against deterioration caused by oxygen.
Carrier:
It dissolves other food additives or nutrients to be used in processing, such as colors, flavors or antioxidants.
Dough strengthener:
It modifies the starches and gluten in dough to make it more stable.
Emulsifier:
It prevents food ingredients from separating, such as oil and vinegar in salad dressing.
Moisture preserver:
It helps foods maintain a stable level of moisture and stops them from drying out. Examples include marshmallows, coconut flakes and nuts.
Processing aid:
It is used to enhance the appeal or the use of a food, for example, to make a liquid clearer.
Stabilizer and thickener:
It can be used to hold food components together or thicken them during and after processing.
Texturizer:
It can change the appearance or mouthfeel of a food.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is commonly found in many packaged foods, such as drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mix, soft drinks, popcorn, food coloring, fast foods, bread and dairy products.
It is also used in injectable medications, like lorazepam, and in some creams and ointments that are applied to the skin, such as corticosteroids.
Due to its chemical properties, it is also found in a wide variety of hygiene and cosmetic products. Additionally, it is used in industrial products like paint, antifreeze, artificial smoke and e-cigarettes.
Synonyms:
E1520 (Propylene Glycol)
1,2-Propanediol
Trimethyl glycol
Methyl ethyl glycol
Dihydroxypropane
Propanediol
1,2-dihydroxypropane,
methyl glycol
Sometimes people confuse it with ethylene glycol.
They both have low melting points and are used in antifreeze, but they're not the same.
The product comes in various grades for use in different applications.
Apart from being used as a food additive, E1520 (Propylene Glycol) is also an active ingredient in engine coolants, airplane deicers, enamels, paints, varnishes, and polyurethane cushions.
E1520 (Propylene Glycol) has been found in some of the most hazardous waste sites in the country, but in normal amounts, it’s not considered unsafe.
But the fact that it’s also an ingredient in antifreeze raises concerns about the possible side effects of eating any food contaminated with it.
Identifiers:
CAS Number = 57-55-6 racemic check/4254-15-3 S-enantiomer
ChEBI = CHEBI:16997 check
ChEMBL = ChEMBL286398 check
ChemSpider = 13835224 check
ECHA InfoCard = 100.000.307
EC Number = 200-338-0
E numbeR = E1520
PubChem CID = 1030
RTECS number = TY6300000
UNII = 6DC9Q167V3 check
Properties:
Chemical formula = C3H8O2
Molar mass = 76.095 g·mol−1
Appearance = colourless liquid
Odor = odorless
Density = 1.036 g/cm3
Melting point = −59 °C (−74 °F; 214 K)
Boiling point = 188.2 °C (370.8 °F; 461.3 K)
Thermal conductivity = 0.34 W/m-K (50% H2O @ 90 °C (194 °F))
Viscosity = 0.042 Pa·s
