1,2-Propanediol didecanoate forms through the esterification of 1,2-propanediol with decanoic acid. It finds use in cosmetic formulations, personal care products, and industrial materials, filling niches that demand both chemical stability and safe functional properties. Here, people often run into its clear and slightly viscous liquid state at room temperature. The material falls under the category of specialty esters, serving as a nonionic, biodegradable emollient. It builds on the backbone of propylene glycol, linking to two decanoate (capric acid) moieties, forming a structure that offers compatibility with oils and fats, boosting solubility while reducing greasiness. Users come to appreciate that its molecular formula is C23H46O4, yielding a molecular weight of around 386.608 g/mol.
1,2-Propanediol didecanoate typically appears as a colorless or pale yellow liquid when stored at regular temperatures. Its density ranges from about 0.94 to 0.96 g/cm³ at 25°C. You rarely see it in solid form unless cooled below its freezing point, where it may adopt a soft, waxy texture. Its melting point generally sits below room temperature, and its boiling point pushes well past 340°C at atmospheric pressure, supporting high-temperature processing without rapid degradation. This ester resists hydrolysis and displays useful thermal stability—chemists notice it sticks around when exposed to mild acid or alkali, so it works in several environments where lesser esters would fall apart. Practitioners in the field sometimes prepare it as an oily solution, though it can be layered into emulsions, crystalline dispersions, or even thickened with appropriate agents for specialized tasks. Its refractive index hovers near 1.440–1.450, another marker often required during authenticity checks.
In trade, buyers seek high-purity forms, usually no less than 97% pure by weight, with minimal acid value—below 2.0 mg KOH/g and low water content, typically below 0.1% for quality batches. The material comes packaged in drums or intermediate bulk containers, resistant to harsh chemicals and outside contaminants. The Harmonized System (HS) Code relevant for customs purposes is generally 2915.39, the line for "esters of acetic acid and their derivatives," though this may differ slightly based on the latest customs rulings in a specific region. If using for raw materials, handlers look for certificates of analysis outlining all these stats.
From a chemical safety perspective, 1,2-Propanediol didecanoate stays relatively benign compared to more reactive esters. It lacks strong odors and does not volatilize quickly, offering a safer user experience in both consumer and lab environments. Inhalation risks remain low due to low vapor pressure, toxicity evaluations support usage in cosmetics, and common regulatory agencies (like the EU's REACH) do not flag it as a hazardous material in ordinary use scenarios. Nonetheless, basic safety measures still apply: avoid ingestion, prolonged skin exposure for sensitive users, and keep away from children. MSDS documentation highlights that, while the ester is not classed as acutely hazardous or harmful, one should rinse with water upon accidental contact and use protective gloves if exposure’s routine. Disposal follows standard chemical waste protocols, with an emphasis on avoiding direct release into soil or waterways.
Industries tap into the unique traits of 1,2-Propanediol didecanoate to formulate creams, lotions, and ointments that feel light but still moisturize deeply. The dual-chain fatty acid structure reduces skin stickiness, giving a pleasant finish after application—an edge over single-chain analogues. Manufacturers also blend it as a plasticizer in resins, where the ester improves flexibility and process performance. Some food packaging technologies rely on its inertness and non-toxicity, though not all jurisdictions grant it food-contact approval, so regulatory status needs checking before use. Its solvency with certain organics finds a role in specialty cleaning solutions, especially where a gentle but effective solvent handles oily residue. For raw materials, it acts as a backbone in synthesizing surfactants or further modified esters in the chemical industry.
Safe storage involves sealed, chemical-resistant containers, away from direct sunlight and oxidizing agents. The ester resists most forms of degradation in stable, moderate conditions, so shelf lives frequently exceed twelve months if kept dry and cool. Sourcing raw materials includes finding suppliers of high-purity 1,2-propanediol and technical-grade decanoic acid, both available through chemical distributors with robust supply chains across North America, Europe, and Asia. Supply networks tend to focus on reliability, with most reputable sources offering batch-specific compliance certificates, and some supporting eco-friendly, palm-free supply for the green cosmetics sector.
As the market looks harder at environmental impact, companies manufacturing 1,2-Propanediol didecanoate lean into renewable feedstocks—bio-based propylene glycol and plant-derived capric acid offer a way forward. This approach helps shrink carbon footprints and boost brand appeal to sustainability-minded clients. Regulators around the world continue reviewing data to ensure consumer safety, updating approved use lists, and tightening labeling for raw materials. Advances in synthesis—such as enzyme-catalyzed esterification—bring down waste and energy demands, making supply more attractive to buyers committed to low-impact sourcing. Keeping a close eye on these developments benefits anyone committed to responsible, science-backed product development.
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