1,2-Propanediol diacetate presents itself as a colorless, oily liquid with a slightly sweet scent that hints at its background in organic chemistry. The compound builds from a propanediol backbone, swapping both hydroxyl groups for acetate esters. In terms of naming, its other identifiers include Propylene Glycol Diacetate and PGDA. Recognized globally as a specialty solvent, the chemical wears the HS Code 2915390090, slotting into import databases as part of the family of carboxylic acid derivatives and their esters. The molecular formula C7H12O4 brings together seven carbons, twelve hydrogens, and four oxygens, balancing the acetoxy groups. For those who follow structure more closely, the molecule takes on a compact, linear form that helps with solubility and blending into liquid phase applications.
The clear, water-white appearance of 1,2-Propanediol diacetate stands out for those who work with solvents daily. This material pours easily, thanks to a density around 1.08 to 1.10 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C, which puts it a little heavier than water but much lighter than materials like oils or molten salts used in industry. With a boiling point measured near 235°C, it handles moderate heat without flashing off into vapor, letting factories and labs use it in high-temperature formulations and reaction setups. Compatibility with organic compounds—especially other esters, ketones, and alcohols—means it integrates smoothly into cleansing agents, coatings, inks, and adhesives. Viscosity lands at the mid-point for esters, offering good flow but enough body to handle spreading and film formation on a range of materials from plastics to glass to metals.
Commercial supply comes almost always as a liquid, shipped in drums, intermediate bulk containers, or, for smaller users, in liter bottles. Solid forms, powders, flakes, or crystals do not exist at common temperatures for this material; the acetate substitutions keep its melting point low compared to the parent glycol, long out of reach for standard storage or handling conditions. If you need a solution of 1,2-Propanediol diacetate, mixing with standard solvents such as alcohols or esters goes without trouble, as the molecule’s structure lends itself to excellent miscibility. In practice, large-scale use skips the extra step, favoring bulk liquid handling for batch chemical production, formulation, and bottling lines.
Quality checks on shipments target purity levels—usually over 98% on a GC basis—so formulators get a consistent, dependable base. Water content, measured by Karl Fischer titration, should stay under 0.2%, since excess moisture risks affecting application, reaction, or storage stability. Color limits, checked by APHA or Hazen standards, come in at below 30 units, giving a pale tone that doesn’t muddy up transparent or light-colored end products. Acidity measures in fractions of a percent, since unreacted acetic acid can encourage corrosion or unintended side reactions in industrial setups. Odor, though minor, still gets a look from buyers making scents, cleaners, or personal care chemistry, because a strong or off smell easily ruins appeal downstream.
People working with 1,2-Propanediol diacetate need to treat it as a chemical with some teeth. Contact with skin may lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitivities or existing dermatitis, since esters can break up the skin’s natural barrier. Eye protection remains a must, since the oily liquid stings upon contact and could cause temporary injury. Inhalation at high levels, while not often a risk in normal conditions, creates coughing or discomfort, especially in poorly ventilated factories. The material doesn’t usually fall into the most dangerous classes for transport, but spills on the floor stay slippery and tough to clean, so secondary containment and careful transfer procedures matter. As for environmental impact, breakdown over time occurs through hydrolysis, especially in wet conditions, but residues can add minor oxygen demand in waste treatment—nothing life-changing, but enough that responsible producers keep attention on proper disposal methods.
To make 1,2-Propanediol diacetate, chemical manufacturers start with propylene glycol, a major commodity chemical sourced from petrochemical streams or, for growing segments, bio-fermentation of plant feedstocks. Combined with acetic acid or acetic anhydride under acid catalysis, the glycol’s two alcohol groups each form an ester, locking in the acetoxy configuration. Temperature and time controls are needed so the diacetate forms instead of producing too much mono-acetate or leaving free glycol behind. Once the reaction finishes, workers draw off lower-boiling byproducts and purify the raw material by distillation, hitting the quality standards needed for modern applications. Reliable feedstock sourcing combined with efficient recycling of withdrawn acetic acid or unreacted glycol helps keep costs and environmental load in line, while batch records and QC testing prevent surprises down the line that might threaten quality or compliance.
Most demand for 1,2-Propanediol diacetate comes from paints, inks, coatings, and specialty cleaning products. Its solvency profile bridges polar and non-polar worlds, picking up pigment residues and tough-to-move greases that resist other solvents. The compound fits into adhesives for labels and laminates, where migration and odor count against some traditional alternatives. In electronics, its low volatility helps during assembly and cleaning, sidestepping fire danger and reducing loss through evaporation. Research into biodegradable solvent systems shows promise for certain modified diacetates, which arrive at a time when most customers look for greener, safer raw materials. Raw material traceability, down to the producer and even the sustainable source of glycol or acetic acid, drives buying decisions in multinational supply chains worried about reaching emissions and sustainability targets.
Direct experience handling drums of 1,2-Propanediol diacetate sheds light on the minor hazards many overlook. Cold temperatures thicken the liquid rather than produce crystals or flakes, so heating drums to room temp with band heaters or warm rooms gets the fluid pumping when winter chills hit. Once containers open, keeping exposure to air limited helps protect against hydrolytic breakdown, which may not ruin a product overnight but can shorten shelf life in humid climates. The safety data sheet spells out the usual precautions: gloves prevent skin contact, goggles keep the eyes clear, and long sleeves shield from spray or splash when transferring. Ventilation in workspaces does more than keep air sweet, it prevents slow buildup of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that, over time, affect air quality and cause inspector headaches under modern regulations. For disposal, waste containing this material belongs with organics destined for thermal or chemical treatment, not general landfill, unless neutralized or broken down by a certified waste handler. In the routine of production, blending, and cleanup, safety culture trumps shortcuts every time.
People making everything from coatings to circuit boards run across 1,2-Propanediol diacetate because its mix of performance and safety lines up with real manufacturing needs. A liquid at room temperature, not quite as fast-evaporating as many solvents, but carrying enough push to break up stubborn residues and disperse color. Batches arrive reliably clear, low in odor, and easy to blend. Handling calls for respect—a chemical in your tool kit, not the kitchen cabinet. Down the road, improved recycling, safer work practices, and traceable sourcing look likely to shape the industry’s approach. In every sense that matters to quality, safety, and compliance, knowing what you’ve got—and treating it right—still makes the most difference in how 1,2-Propanediol diacetate works in the shop, lab, or line.
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