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Description
Propylene Carbonate (PC) is a high-purity, polar aprotic organic solvent widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, electronics, energy storage, coatings, and industrial manufacturing sectors. It is a cyclic carbonate ester produced through the reaction of propylene oxide with carbon dioxide or other carbonate precursors. Due to its excellent solvency, low volatility, high dielectric constant, and favorable environmental profile, Propylene Carbonate has become an important replacement for more hazardous organic solvents in numerous industrial applications.
One of the most significant applications of Propylene Carbonate is in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, where it functions as a high-permittivity solvent capable of dissolving lithium salts while facilitating efficient ion transport between electrodes. In addition, it serves as a solvent for resins, polymers, adhesives, dyes, inks, pesticides, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical formulations. Because of its low toxicity and biodegradable characteristics, Propylene Carbonate is frequently selected for environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.
Its combination of chemical stability, broad solvent compatibility, and excellent electrochemical properties has established Propylene Carbonate as one of the most versatile industrial solvents available today.
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CAS Number
CAS Number: 108-32-7
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Synonyms
• Propylene Carbonate
• PC
• 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one
• 1,2-Propylene Carbonate
• Propane-1,2-carbonate
• Carbonic Acid Propylene Ester
• Cyclic Propylene Carbonate
• Carbonic Acid 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one Ester
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Physical Properties
Propylene Carbonate is a clear, colorless, odorless to faintly sweet-smelling liquid with relatively high viscosity compared to many common organic solvents. It exhibits excellent thermal stability, a high boiling point, and very low vapor pressure, minimizing solvent losses during industrial processing.
Typical characteristics include:
• Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
• Physical state: Liquid
• Odor: Mild or nearly odorless
• Molecular formula: C₄H₆O₃
• Molecular weight: 102.09 g/mol
• Density: Approximately 1.20 g/cm³
• Boiling point: Approximately 240–243°C
• Melting point: Approximately −49°C
• Flash point: Approximately 132°C
• Vapor pressure: Very low
• Dielectric constant: High
• Viscosity: Moderate
Its high dielectric constant enables efficient dissolution of ionic compounds, making it particularly valuable in electrochemical applications.
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Chemical Properties
Propylene Carbonate is a cyclic carbonate containing both ester and ether-like oxygen atoms within a five-membered ring structure. The molecule exhibits exceptional polarity while remaining chemically stable under ordinary storage conditions.
Important chemical characteristics include:
• Polar aprotic solvent
• High dielectric constant
• Excellent chemical stability
• Low volatility
• Low flammability compared with many organic solvents
• High solvency power
• Good hydrolytic stability under neutral conditions
• Excellent electrochemical stability
Under strongly alkaline conditions, ring-opening reactions may occur, producing propylene glycol derivatives and carbonate species.
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Manufacturing Process
Commercial Propylene Carbonate is primarily manufactured by reacting propylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of specialized catalysts.
Typical manufacturing stages include:
• Purification of propylene oxide
• Carbon dioxide introduction
• Catalytic carbonation reaction
• Temperature and pressure control
• Catalyst removal
• Distillation
• Vacuum purification
• Filtration
• Quality control testing
Modern manufacturing methods are considered environmentally attractive because they utilize carbon dioxide as a raw material, contributing to carbon utilization technologies.
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Mechanism of Action
Propylene Carbonate functions primarily as a solvent rather than a chemically reactive ingredient in most applications.
Its high polarity enables efficient stabilization of dissolved ions and polar molecules. In lithium-ion batteries, Propylene Carbonate surrounds lithium ions through solvation, facilitating ionic conductivity within the electrolyte while maintaining electrochemical stability.
As a solvent, it promotes:
• Dissolution of polymers
• Dissolution of lithium salts
• Pigment dispersion
• Resin compatibility
• Improved reaction homogeneity
• Enhanced mass transfer
Its relatively low volatility also reduces solvent evaporation during manufacturing processes.
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Applications
Propylene Carbonate has extensive industrial applications.
Energy Storage
• Lithium-ion battery electrolytes
• Supercapacitors
• Electrochemical capacitors
• Energy storage research
Chemical Industry
• Industrial solvent
• Polymer production
• Resin manufacturing
• Chemical synthesis
• Reaction medium
Paints and Coatings
• Coatings
• Paint removers
• Industrial coatings
• Protective finishes
Adhesives and Sealants
• Pressure-sensitive adhesives
• Industrial adhesives
• Sealant formulations
Cosmetics
• Skin care products
• Makeup formulations
• Nail care products
• Personal care solvents
Pharmaceutical Industry
• Drug formulations
• Topical preparations
• Controlled-release systems
• Pharmaceutical processing solvent
Electronics
• Electronic cleaning fluids
• Semiconductor processing
• Capacitor manufacturing
• Precision cleaning
Conclusion
Propylene Carbonate (PC) is a versatile, high-performance polar aprotic solvent characterized by excellent solvency, high dielectric constant, low volatility, and outstanding chemical stability. Its extensive applications in lithium-ion batteries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, coatings, polymers, and industrial manufacturing demonstrate its exceptional versatility and technological importance. Owing to its favorable environmental profile and broad formulation compatibility, Propylene Carbonate continues to play a vital role in advanced materials, sustainable chemistry, and next-generation industrial processes.
