1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate stands out as a versatile organic compound used across chemical manufacturing, electronics, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. This substance presents as a white to off-white solid or sometimes forms powder or flakes, depending on manufacturing and storage. Its chemical formula is C4H6O3, showing a ring structure with carbonate and propanediol components. HS Code for this material in international trade is generally 2924.29, highlighting its classification among organic carbonates. Understanding how this molecule behaves lets manufacturers judge processing, storage, and environmental management more responsibly.
In practice, 1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate has a molecular weight of about 102.09 g/mol, bringing pinpoint accuracy to formulation and scaling. Its density lands around 1.2 g/cm³ at room temperature—a trait shared with other medium-weight cyclic carbonates. Apart from flakes or crystalline solid, the substance may appear as pearls in commercial packaging, and sometimes even as a thick liquid when exposed to warmth. Its melting point sits typically near 36°C to 39°C, making it easy to handle at ordinary laboratory or factory conditions.
This cyclic carbonate functions in major applications as a solvent, electrolyte additive, or as a starting material for polycarbonates and certain specialty polymers. Its cyclic structure keeps it more stable than basic propanediol, but the chemical reacts with acids, bases, and some reducing agents. My experience in chemical formulation confirms that the compound dissolves in alcohols, ethers, and to a reduced extent, water, which allows it to blend with many feedstocks. Such compatibility lets plant operators swap it into various steps without major equipment change or compatibility problems—a real bonus for reducing downtime.
1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate ships in several forms. As a solid, it shows up as compressed flakes, high-purity powder, or granular pearls, which break down in solution with stirring or gentle heating. Bulk liquid handling uses steel drums or lined intermediate containers, sometimes warmed to prevent solidification, as the compound thickens below 40°C. Crystal and powder forms cater to laboratory or specialty manufacturing, where purity and ease of weighing count most. In commercial catalogs, one usually finds specifications for assay (commonly 99% minimum), moisture (below 0.5%), residue, and acidity—these figures matter in real-world purchasing since they determine downstream product quality.
Safety profiles rate 1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate as less hazardous compared to many solvents, but not risk-free. Skin contact can cause irritation, and inhaling dust has been linked to mild respiratory discomfort. The compound is not classified as highly flammable nor especially volatile, but still demands ventilation during large-scale handling and proper personal protective gear. MSDS sheets suggest that accidental spills be collected quickly, using absorbents suitable for organic liquids. From a regulatory side, shipping documentation underlines its status as an industrial chemical, not a consumer product—so plants require proper labeling and containment at all times.
Manufacturing 1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate starts with propylene oxide and carbon dioxide, catalyzed under pressure. This synthesis links directly to petroleum or bio-based feedstocks, showing why raw material pricing shapes final product cost. Upstream sourcing reliability can vary, especially when global propane gas or CO2 prices shift, so chemical buyers benefit from local suppliers or strong long-term agreements. My own background in procurement stressed regular supplier audits and spot checking material batches, since small deviations in purity or moisture can trigger big problems in polymerization or specialty resin use.
Industry pressure keeps pushing for safer, less harmful materials. 1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate gains interest as a greener alternative to old-school chlorinated solvents and phosgene-derived intermediates. Ongoing research points toward biobased propanediol as an alternative raw material, reducing environmental burdens even further. Engineers and purchasing teams benefit from working closely with chemical suppliers, demanding updated safety data, shelf life guarantees, and consistent shipment tracking to reduce storage failures and improve worker protection. Such feedback loops encourage material innovation and create safer, more stable product lines over the long term.
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