METHOXY PROPANOL

METHOXY PROPANOL

Methoxy propanol (also known as propylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, PM, and PGME), is a colourless liquid that is soluble in water and is highly flammable.  It is a methoxy alcohol derivative and has a formula of C4H10O2.
CAS NO:107-98-2
EC NO:203-539-1

IUPAC Name
1-methoxypropan-2-ol

SYNONYMS
+/-)-1-methoxy-2-propanol / 1-methoxy-2-hydroxypropane / 1-Methoxy-2-propanol / 1-methoxy-2-propanol, (+/-)- / 1-methoxypropan-2-ol / 1-methoxypropanol-2 / 2-methoxy-1-methylethanol / 2-propanol, 1-methoxy- / 2-Propanol, 1-methoxy- / alpha-propylene glycol 1-methyl ether / alphapropylene glycol monomethyl ether / dowtherm 209 / glycol ether PM / methoxy ether of propyleneglycol / methoxyisopropanol / methyl ether of propylene glycol / monoethyl ether of propylene glycol / monopropylene glycol methyl ether / MP-S / PGME (= propylene glycol monomethyl ether) / poly-solve MPM / propasol solvent M / propylene glycol methyl ether / propylene glycol monomethyl ether / UCAR PM solvent / UCAR solvent LM / UCAR triol HG-170)
: 203-539-1;1-Methoxy-2-propanol,99.5%,mixtureofisomers;MethoxyPropanol(PM);1-Methoxy-2-propanol,98.5%,extrapure;1-Methoxy-2-propanol,98.5%1LT;1-Methoxy-2-propanol,98.5%25ML;1,2-PROPYLENEGLYCOL-1-METHYLETHER;1-Methoxy-2-hydroxypropane; Propylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1-Methoxy-2-propanol, 1-Methoxy-2-hydroxypropane, 1-Methoxypropan-2-ol, 1-Methoxypropanol-2, 2-Methoxy-1-methylethanol, 2-Propanol-1-methoxy1-methoxy-2-propanol, pgme, methoxyisopropanol, 2-propanol, 1-methoxy, closol, dowtherm 209, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, poly-solve mpm, propasol solvent m, dowanol 33b;Methoxypropanol ;1-methoxypropan-1-ol;1-methoxy-1-propanol;Dowanol PM;13071-62-0;28677-93-2;Methyl Propasol;Arcosolv PM;Solvenon PM;Kuraray PGM;PM (solvent);Methoxy-1-propanol;1-Propanol, 1-methoxy-;methoxy propanol;CCRIS 8872;Methyl ether of propylene glycol;Propionaldehyde, methyl hemiacetal;1,2-Propanediol, monomethyl ether;1-methoxy-propanol;EINECS 215-306-1;Propylenglykol-monomethylaether [German];CTK1A2938 ;DTXSID50891182SC-25588;33019-EP2275414A1;33019-EP2311815A1;A806355;Q22932764;1-Methoxy-2-propanol;107-98-2;1-Methoxypropan-2-ol;Methoxyisopropanol;PGME;2-Propanol, 1-methoxy-;Closol;Propylene glycol monomethyl ether;Dowtherm 209;Poly-Solve MPM;Propasol solvent M;Dowanol 3B;PROPYLENE GLYCOL METHYL ETHER;2-Methoxy-1-methylethanol;1-Methoxy-2-hydroxypropane;2-Propanol, methoxy-;Propylene glycol 1-methyl ether;NSC 2409
 

METHOXY PROPANOL

Propylene glycol methyl ether (PGME or 1-methoxy-2-propanol) is an organic solvent with a wide variety of industrial and commercial uses.[3] Similar to other glycol ethers, it is used as a carrier/solvent in printing/writing inks and paints/coatings. It also finds use as an industrial and commercial paint stripper. It is used as an antifreeze in diesel engines.

How is it produced?
Methoxy propanol is produced by the reaction of 1,2-epoxy propane and methanol in the presence of a catalyst, and this is then followed by distillation.

The worldwide annual production of methoxy propanol is approximately 100,000 to 500,000 tonnes.

How is it stored and distributed?
Methoxy propanol has a specific gravity of 0.924 and a flash point of 33° C and is therefore highly flammable so should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area that is free from sources of ignition.  For transport purposes, methoxy propanol is classified as packing group III and hazard class 3 and is an irritant.

What is Methoxy Propanol (PM) used for?
Methoxy propanol is predominately used in the manufacture of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (otherwise known as PMA) and is also used in industrial and commercial products including paints, varnishes, inks, synthetic resin and rubber adhesives, and automotive and oven cleaners.  It is also used as a cleaning agent in the LCD and electronics industry.

Methoxy Propanol (PM) is a colourless highly flammable liquid that is soluble in water. It is a methoxy alcohol derivative with the formula of C4H10O2. It is an organic solvent with a variety of industrial and commercial uses. Methoxy Propanol is mainly used in the production of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (also known as PMA). Similar to other glycol ethers, it is used as a carrier solvent in printing inks. Furthermore is it used as industrial and commercial paint stripper, paints, varnishes and inks.

USES FOR PM Propylene glycol methyl ether

• Active solvent for solvent-based coatings.
• Active and tail solvent for solvent based gravure and flexographic printing inks.
• Coupling agent in solvent blends for water-based gravure, flexographic, and silk screen printing inks.
• Carrier solvent for ball point and felt tip writing pen inks.
• Coupling agent and solvent for household and industrial cleaners, rust removers, and hard surface cleaners.
• Solvent for agricultural pesticides, deactivator and emollient for livestock pesticides
Methoxy propanol, also known as propylene glycol methyl ether, is a clear, colourless liquid with a faint ether-like odour. It is soluble in water and has moderate volatility. Methoxy propanol is a propylene oxide-based glycol ether which is fast evaporating and hydrophilic. It has low surface tension as well as excellent solvency and coupling abilities.

Methoxy propanolis produced by reacting propylene oxide with methanol using a catalyst.
Applications of Methoxy propanol (Propylene glycol methyl ether)

Methoxy propanol isprimarily used as a chemical building block for the production of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate. It is also used as a solvent in manufacturing processes for the chemical, automotive and agricultural industries and in paint, lacquer and varnishes. It is used as a coalescing agent in water-based paints and inks where it promotes polymer fusion during the drying process.
Methoxy propanol is formulated into a wide range of cleaners for industrial and commercial use such as those for ovens, glass, hard surfaces, floors, carpets and upholstery, as well as in speciality sanitation products such as swimming pool cleaners. It is also present in many everyday products such as polish, laundry aids, caulk, sealants, pesticides, inks for ballpoint and felt-tip pens, synthetic resin and rubber adhesives.
Storage and Handling
Methoxy propanol and its vapours are flammable. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place away from sources of ignition. It must be isolated from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers, bases and acids.
Methoxy propanol is a mild, but usually temporary, irritant to the eyes. Repeated or prolonged contact with the skin may cause irritation, and in very large amounts skin absorption may cause drowsiness or dizziness. High levels of methoxy propanol vapour may produce eye, nose and throat irritation, and at very high levels may produce anaesthetic or narcotic effects. Unnecessary exposure should be prevented by appropriate work practices and engineering controls, adequate ventilation and by the use of approved personal protective equipment including gloves, clothing and safety goggles and the use of respirators where appropriate to the task being carried out.
Methoxy Propanol also known as dowanol PM is a glycol commonly used in surface coating formulations. Methoxy Propanol is a non-flammable product with a distillation range of 117-125°C and a specific gravity of 0.921. Our Methoxy Propanol is very pure with less than 0.01 of water content. It is very fast evaporating and has a high water solubility and active solvency. Out of all the glycols, Methoxy Propanol is the fastest evaporating and offers better viscosity reduction than heavier molecular weight glycol ethers.

Methoxy Propanol Uses
Methoxy Propanol is widely used in coating and cleaning applications, it offers better viscosity in epoxy and high solids acrylic systems, Methoxy Propanol can be used as a coupling agent and solvent for household and industrial cleaners, rust removers and hard surface cleaner. It can also be used in 2-pack epoxies and graffiti removers, and for certain ink and cleaning applications. Methoxy Propanol is also used as an additive in metal degreasing agents and hydraulic fluids.

Methoxy Propanol Hazards
When using Methoxy Propanol it is important to be cautious. It is advised to wear safety glasses and use chemical resistant gloves.

Features:
Moderate evaporation rate.
Low viscosity.
High dilution rate.
Low surface tension.
Highly versatile.
Strong active solvency and coupling abilities.
Can be used in coating applications such as 2-pack epoxies and graffiti removers,
and for certain ink and cleaning applications.
Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
Chemical Properties
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether is a color- less liquid. Ethereal odor. The Odor Threshold is 10 ppm.
Chemical Properties
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether is a colorless liquid with a sweet ether-like odor and bitter taste. It is soluble in water, ether, acetone, and benzene.
Uses
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether is primarily used in the manufacture of lacquers and paints, as an anti-freeze in industrial engines, a tailing agent for inks used on very high-speed presses, a coupling agent for resins and dyes in waterbased inks, and a solvent for celluloses, acrylics, dyes, inks, and stains. It is also used in cleaning products such as glass and rug cleaners, carbon and grease removers, and paint and varnish removers; and in pesticide formulations as a solvent for applications to crops and animals.
Uses
PGME is used as a solvent for cellulose, acrylics, dyes, inks, and cellophane.
Uses
A glycol ether and a good biological indicator of exposure.
General Description
A colorless liquid. Flash point near 89°F. Less dense than water. Contact irritates skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure to vapors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness and intoxication. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent and as an antifreeze agent.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979 p.151-154, 164].
Reactivity Profile
1-Methoxy-2-propanol is a methoxy alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Hazard
Flammable, moderate fire risk. TLV: 100 ppm; STEL 150 ppm.
Health Hazard
VAPOR: Irritating to eyes, nose, and throat. LIQUID: Irritating to skin and eyes.
Health Hazard
PGME is a mild toxicant. The toxicity is lower than that of the methyl, ethyl, and butyl ethers of ethylene glycol. The toxic symptoms from inhaling high concentrations are nausea, vomiting, and general anesthetic effects. In humans, toxic effects may be felt at exposure to a level of 3000–4000 ppm.

PM or methoxy propylene glycol is a colorless, clear and hygroscopic solvent. It is moderately soluble, miscible with water.

It is used for coatings and printing inks and has a slight alcohol odor and good solvent power for many raw materials used in coatings.
It improves the applicability, fluidity and gloss of air-drying paints. It is the fastest drying solvent in the propylene glycol family (especially compared to DPM propylene glycol ether solvent, PNB and DPNB).
Its miscibility with water and with many common organic solvents allows it to be used in the coatings industry for the production of cellulose nitrate-based varnishes, for printing inks, in particular flexographic cellulose nitrate inks.

Methoxy propanol is mostly used in the production of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (otherwise known as PMA) and is also used in industrial and commercial products, including paints, varnishes, inks, synthetic resin and rubber adhesives, and automotive and oven cleaners.

Methoxy propanol is found as an impurity in propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), which is a solvent used in various products such as industrial and consumer paints.

Methoxy propanol may also be found as an impurity in cosmetics (nail polish and nail polish remover), at very low levels.Methoxy propanol is frequently used as a solvent in the chemical industry, for example for chemical reactions or for recrystallizing certain compounds. After use, the methoxy propanol frequently contains water.

Methoxy  propanol is an intermediate of herbicide acetochlor.
Use as a solvent, dispersant or diluent for coatings, inks, printing and dyeing, pesticides,
cellulose, acrylic and other industries. Can also be used as fuel antifreeze, cleaning agent,
extraction agent, non-ferrous metal dressing agent, etc.. Can also be used as raw materials for organic synthesis.
Use is mainly used as a good solvent, nitrocellulose alkyd resin and maleic anhydride modified phenolic resin.

Formula-C4H10O2
CAS no.-107-98-2
Gas Response Factor, 11.7 eV-0.95
Gas Response Factor, 10.6 eV-1.6
Gas Response Factor, 10.0 eV-2.7
ppm per mg/m⁻³, (20 °C, 1 bar)-0.267
Molecular Weight, g/mole-90.0
Melting point, °C- -95
Boiling point, °C-119
Flash point, °C    -38.9
Lower Explosive Limit, %-1.8
Density, g.cm⁻³    -0.92
Ionisation Energy, eV-9.6
EH40 TWA, ppm-100
EH40 TWA, mg.m⁻³-375
EH40 STEL, ppm-150
EH40 STEL, mg.m⁻³-560
NIOSH ST, ppm-150
NIOSH TWA REL, ppm-100
NIOSH ST, mg.m⁻³-540
NIOSH TWA REL, mg.m⁻³-360

Physical State :Liquid
Storage :Store at room temperature
Boiling Point :118-119° C
Density :.922 g/mL at 25° C
Refractive Index :n20/D 1.4030

USES
-Agent for soaking up liquid (product use or application unknown)    
-General adhesives and binding agents for a variety of uses    
-Consumer electronic equipment of all types, including phones, computers, cameras etc.     
-Adhesion of molecules to a surface    
-Relating to agricultural, including the raising and farming of animals and growing of crops
-Related to animals (but non-veterinary) e.g., animal husbandry, farming of animals/animal production, raising of animals for food or fur, animal feed, products for household pets     
-Products used on crops, or related to the growing of crops    
-Used to prevent adhesion    
-General antifouling agents (application unknown), sometimes applied to paint and then indicated as such
-Antifreezing agents, or de-icing products    
-Additives to reduce friction    
-Spray powder used to make air gap between printed sheets of paper    
-Used to care for apparel (e.g., she polish, products to repair footwear or leather, wterproofing sprays, etc.)    
-Chemicals detected in substances or products (note that these chemicals may be absent from an 'ingredient list' for the product and thus unexpected, but have been detected in product testing studies) 
-Relatived to the maintenance and repair of automobiles, products for cleaning and caring for automobiles (auto shampoo, polish/wax, undercarriage treatment, brake grease)     
-Related to food and beverage service activities    
-Agents, used in paint, sand, etc    
-Various types of paint for various uses, modifiers included when more information is known    
-Related to the building or construction process for buildings or boats (includes activities such as plumbing and electrical work, bricklaying, etc)
-Related to the building or repair of ships, pleasure boats, or sporting boats    
-Bricks or related to bricklaying/masonry    
-Used in the building process, such as flooring, insulation, caulk, tile, wood, glass, etc.    
-Fillers for paints, textiles, plastics, etc    
-Flooring materials (carpets, wood, vinyl flooring), or related to flooring such as wax or polish for floors
-Insulating materials to protect from noise, cold, etc (such as used in homes or buildings), insulating materials related to electricity    
-Plastic products, industry for plastics, manufacturing of plastics, plastic additives (modifiers included when known)    
-Wall construction materials, or wall coverings    
-Includes preservatives used in cosmetics, film, wood preserving agents, foods, etc 
-Casting agents or molding compounds for plastics, sand, or metals
-Related to all forms of cleaning/washing, including cleaning products used in the home, laundry detergents, soaps, de-greasers, spot removers, etc; mod     
-Related to carpets/rugs, the manufacturing of carpets, carpet detergents    
 -Detergents with wide variety of applications; modifiers included when known    
-Consumer electronic equipment of all types, including phones, computers, cameras etc. 
-Flooring materials (carpets, wood, vinyl flooring), or related to flooring such as wax or polish for floors    
-Furniture, or the manufacturing of furniture (can include chairs and tables, and more general furniture such as mattresses, patio furniture, etc.)
-Glass or glass products (e.g. glass cleaning products), or the manufacture of glass    
-Stain and spot removers
-Used on windows (e.g. cleaning agents for windows)    
-Term used for colorants, dyes, or pigments; includes colorants for drugs, textiles, personal care products (cosmetics, tatoo inks, hair dye), food colorants, and inks for printing; modifiers included when application is known     
-Conductive materials or agents (able to conduct something, typically heat or electricity)    
-General construction (as opposed to those things labeled building_construction); i.e. 

 

Reactivity Profile
METHOXY PROPANOL is a methoxy alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.

What are METHOXY PROPYLENE?
METHOXY PROPYLENE is both glycol ethers based on propylene oxide. This is solvents having a bi-functional nature (ether-alcohol and the respective acetate). They are both clear liquids, with METHOXY PROPYLENE having a pleasant, fruity odour. 

How is Methoxy  propanol used?
This is used as intermediates and in formulations in industrial, professional or consumer applications, mainly in surface coatings, printing inks, cleaners, agrochemical or deicing/anti-icing formulations. This is also used as extractants, and as coalescing agents and flow improvers in water-based paints. 

Methoxy  propanol (Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether), a medium-boiling glycol ether, is an active solvent for cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, epoxy, phenolic, acrylic, and alkyd resins. It is used in a variety of coating, printing ink, and cleaning applications.The chemical substances for this product are listed as Inert Ingredients Permitted for Use in Nonfood Use Pesticide Products, and in Food Use Pesticide Products with limitations, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Applications/uses
Architectural coatings
Auto OEM
Auto refinish
Automotive
Building materials
Commerical printing inks
General industrial coatings
Graphic arts
Janitorial & household cleaners
Marine
Paints & coatings
Protective coatings
Wood coatings
 
Key attributes
Excellent solvent activity
Good coupling efficiency
High dilution ratio
Inert - Food use with limitations
Inert - Nonfood use
Medium evaporation rate
Miscible with water and most organic liquids
Non-HAP
Non-SARA
Readily biodegradable

History

Over the past several years there has been an increase in the number of samples submitted to the OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center for Methoxy  propanol and their acetates. This is likely due to the increased usage of these solvents as substitutes for ethylene glycol ethers and their acetates, which have been associated with the potential to cause adverse reproductive effects in both male and female workers.  Now there is evidence that 2M1P and 2M1PA may exhibit analogous toxicities.  2M1P and 2M1PA are present as impurities in technical grade 1M2P and 1M2PA respectively. OSHA has adopted a TWA-PEL of 100 ppm for 1M2P, but has no PEL for the other three analytes.  Because 1M2P and 1M2PA have similar toxic properties, a target concentration of 100 ppm was chosen for these two analytes. Based on their potential reproductive toxicity, a target concentration of 1 ppm was chosen for 2M1P and 2M1PA.

There were no reported air monitoring procedures in the literature for these Methoxy  propanol/acetates. A method has now been evaluated based on previous evaluations done at the OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center for a number of ethylene glycol ether/acetates, which are chemically similar to these compounds.  Sampling is done by drawing workplace air through sampling tubes containing coconut shell charcoal. The analytes are adsorbed by the charcoal and the tubes are sent to the laboratory for analysis. The analytes are desorbed from the charcoal with a 95/5 (v/v) methylene chloride/methanol mixture, and are quantitated by GC using flame ionization detection.

Methoxy  propanol/acetates are used industrially as solvents for paints, lacquers, resins, oils and fats. Their use has increased considerably since 1985. This is probably because they are used as substitutes for the chemically similar ethylene glycol ethers, which have been associated with reproductive toxicity. From NIOSH occupational surveys done from 1981-1983, it is estimated that 329,000 people are potentially exposed to 1M2P and about 306,000 are potentially exposed to 1M2PA. 2M1P and 2M1PA, which are also known as the beta isomers, are typically present as impurities in varying amounts in 1M2P and 1M2PA respectively.

Other Uses
Methoxy  propanol is primarily used in the chemical, agricultural (pesticides), automotive, paint andvarnish industries. Commercial PGME is a mixture of two isomers (a and p) andcontains less than 0.5% of the p-isomer. The predominant use of Methoxy  propanol is as a solven1:in various manufacturing processes, but it is also used as an intermediate in themanufacture of propylene glycol methyl ether a(;etate (PMA).

Physical and Chemical Properties
Some of the physical and chemical characteristics of Methoxy  propanol, along with its structure aruj- nomenclature, are found in Table 3. Commercially available Methoxy  propanol exists primarily as the a-isomer and less than 0.5% of the p-isomer as an impurity.

Exposure Assessment
Methoxy  propanol is used as an intermediate in the production of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA) and as a solvent in the agricultural (pesticides) and ~)aint, lacquer and varnish industries. It is widely used in industrial, commercial, automotive and household cleaners. Consumer products containing PGME include: floor cleaners and polish; paints, lacquers, and varnishes; caulking compounds and sealant~); pesticides;automotive cleaners; dyes and inks; glass window, hard surface and over1 cleaners; rug!and upholstery cleaners; and laundry aids.As an inert ingredient in pesticides for agricultural use, PGME is limited tOI thoseformulations applied pre-harvest (i.e., to growing crops only) and for animal applications.Human exposures to residues of Methoxy  propanol may occur in residential environments via the dermal and inhalation routes. The highest residential exposures are likely associated with the use of paints and varnishes that contain Methoxy  propanol. However, dietary (oral) exposure is also possible through consumption of agricultural commodities treated withpesticides containing PGME or drinking water contaminated with Methoxy  propanol. Based on the environmental fate properties of Methoxy  propanol, it is expected to biodegrade rapidly and does not bioaccumulate in the environment. As such, Methoxy  propanol would be present at only low levels in the environment and would not be expl3cted to constitute a significant risk.

IDENTIFICATION: Methoxy  propanol is a clear colorless liquid. It has a sweet odor and a bitter taste. It mixes easily in water. 
USE: Methoxy  propanol is an important commercial chemical. It is used in paint and finish removers. It is a solvent for cellulose, acrylics, dyes, inks and stains. It is also used in antifreeze and coolant for diesel engines. 
EXPOSURE: Workers that produce or use PGME may breathe in vapors or have direct skin contact. The general public may be exposed by breathing in vapors released from paint and finish removers. Skin contact will result from the use of consumer products containing Methoxy  propanol. If Methoxy  propanol is released to the environment, it will be broken down in air. It is not expected to be broken down by light. It will not move into air from moist soil and water surfaces. It is expected to move easily through soil. It will be broken down by microorganisms and is not expected to build up in fish.
RISK: Headache, nausea, and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat have been reported in humans exposed to PGME vapors at low-to-moderate concentrations. No nervous system or blood effects were noted at these exposure levels. 

Industry Uses

Adhesives and sealant chemicals
Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal)
Corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents
Dyes
Finishing agents
Functional fluids (closed systems)
Intermediates
Marker Ink Component
PAINT
Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
Pigments
Plastic related
Plastics
Plating agents and surface treating agents
Processing aids, not otherwise listed
Repackaging into containers for distribution
Solvents (for cleaning and degreasing)
Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)

Consumer Uses

Adhesives and sealants
Agricultural products (non-pesticidal)
Arts, crafts, and hobby materials
Automotive care products
Chemical substance used as pesticide stabilizer, in swimming pool cleaners and surfactants.
Cleaning and furnishing care products
Electrical and electronic products
Fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere
Ink, toner, and colorant products
Laundry and dishwashing products
Lubricants and greases
Paints and coatings
Photographic supplies, film, and photo chemicals
distribution
Viscosity adjustors

Methoxy  propanol is a methoxy alcohol derivative. The ether being relatively unreactive. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
What is Methoxy propanol?
Methoxy propanol is produced by esterification or interesterification of propylene glycol. This can be used as emulsifier for the baking industry, for products such as cakes or non-dairy whipped products.

Origin
Methoxy propanol is  synthesized from propylene glycol with fatty acids or fat. Lipase has also been used to catalyze the esterification process to produce the clean label Methoxy propanol.

Function
Methoxy propanol is lipophile balance (HLB) values (approximately 3.5 HLB) than many glycerol monoesters because of fewer free hydroxyl groups. Methoxy propanol is alpha-crystalline tending, surface-active compounds that have proved to be an especially effective emulsifier. They form a film around entrapped air bubbles to stabilize the food system or form mechanically strong crystalline films at water/oil interfaces that prevent a coalescence of dispersed droplets.

Commercial Production
Methoxy propanol can be produced either by direct esterification or interesterification.

Direct esterification is conducted by reacting fatty acids (usually C16/C18) with propylene glycol in the presence of an acid or alkaline catalyst. Product from direct esterification is the mixture of PG monoester and diester.Heating propylene glycol, fat and an alkaline catalyst carries out interesterification. Product from interesterification includes PG monoester, diester, monoglyceride, diglyceride. Mono-, di- and triacylglycerols are also reaction products in the interesterification process The monoester can be purified by molecular distillation, yielding a product of 90% purity. Differences in functionality exist between products derived from the two processes. Even though interesterification of fats is more economical, products from esterification of fatty acids are needed when color or specific functionality of the ingredient is critical.

Application
Methoxy propanol is often used in cakes and non-dairy whipped products, such as imitation creams, whipped toppings, and spray-dried topping products.1 They can give whipped cream good volume, foamy texture, and stability against synereses. Methoxy propanol can be used in combination with mono- and diglycerides to obtain excellent cake batter behavior, resulting in increased cake volume and uniform structure. Methoxy propanol is used in the cake mix between 4-12%, cakes 2-12%, icings and fillings 2-6%, on a shortening basis.

Methoxy propanol is produced by a reaction of propylene oxide with methanol using a catalyst. This reaction produces a clear, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor that spreads over distance. The properties of this compound include moderate volatility, moderate flammability and stability. Also, this chemical is soluble in water, methanol, ether and other organic solvents. The low systemic toxicity of Methoxy propanol increases the attractiveness of this chemical. Uses for this chemical vary widely. Methoxy propanol is primarily used as a solvent for cellulose, acrylics, dyes, inks and stains. Therefore, paints and lacquers are a prime use.Methoxy propanol helps produce propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PMA) by acting as a chemical building block. Many industrial, chemical, automotive and household cleaners include Methoxy propanol as well. Other applications include use as a coalescing agent in coatings and electronics. Household applications abound including floor polish, caulking and sealants, pesticides, dyes, and inks.

Methoxy propanol is a clear, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. Methoxy propanol is completely soluble in water with moderate volatility. It is thermostable, not corroded equipment and has a low surface tension.

Use

Methoxy propanol is often used as:
• solvent for various natural and synthetic resins, fats and oils;
• raw material for organic synthesis;
• deputy E – number of solvents;
• industrial cleaner.