1,3-Propanediol dicaprylate belongs to the family of ester compounds, where two molecules of caprylic acid attach to a central 1,3-propanediol core. In many labs and manufacturing settings, this clear, oily liquid holds a steady place among specialty ingredients. The structure gives away a lot about its properties: long carbon chains from caprylic acids drive hydrophobic behavior while the dual ester linkages ensure chemical stability and a high degree of compatibility with many base oils or emollient systems. For those dealing directly with chemicals or cosmetics, knowing the molecular formula—C19H36O4—helps when assessing fit for a given application, especially since this formula points to both the carbon richness and expected performance in oily or lipid-centered products.
This compound stands out for its molecular weight, calculated around 328.48 g/mol. The density, hovering near 0.9 g/cm³ at 20°C, shows it's a bit lighter than water, which often means it floats in mixtures, creating distinctive layers if not mixed properly. Its state at room temperature is liquid, with a colorless to pale yellow hue and a faint, neutral scent. Boiling point sits well above typical room temperature, making it stable during storage and transportation, especially in warm climates. Its solubility profile leans towards oil-lovers—hardly mixing with water but blending smoothly with other lipid-based materials or cosmetic esters. In the raw materials trade, that means a safe bet for formulators searching for lightweight, non-greasy textures in personal care or pharmaceutical prep.
Commercial production typically rushes through transesterification or direct esterification, marrying the 1,3-propanediol with caprylic acid in the presence of acid catalysts. The result: high-purity output, low in byproducts, making downstream purification easier and less wasteful. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for 1,3-propanediol dicaprylate falls under 2915.90.0090, lining up with other carboxylic acid derivatives. For importers and buyers, knowing this code speeds up customs classification and tariff calculations, shaving off costly delays. From a safety standpoint, it avoids the usual hazard flags. No severe human toxicity, no acute dermal irritation in the concentrations present in end-use products, and no aggressive environmental persistence. Still, wise handlers wear gloves and goggles in the lab. Spills need only soap, water, and a mop—not special breathing gear. Fire risk stays low thanks to a high flashpoint. Compared to some other chemical feedstocks, this compound feels downright safe and approachable for both researchers and factory floor staff.
The personal care market grabs onto 1,3-propanediol dicaprylate as a silky-feeling emollient. Creams, lotions, sunscreens—pick up most ingredient lists, and you’ll spot it near the middle, boosting spreadability while cutting down on sticky residue. In cosmetics, it helps dissolve pigment in lipsticks or foundations, yielding even colors without heavy oils. Pharmaceutical uses aren’t rare either, especially in topical ointments where gentle touch matters. Sometimes, formulators lean on its good solvency to act as a carrier for active ingredients, capitalizing on both its stability under light and mildness on skin. As a raw material, manufacturers count on consistent quality, mild odor, and long shelf life. For all these uses, demand stays robust, especially as consumers push for natural-feeling, non-irritating chemicals in their daily products.
Shipped most often as a clear, odorless liquid, 1,3-propanediol dicaprylate fills drums or larger totes destined for blending plants and refinery tanks. You won’t find it as a powder, flakes, or pearls—at least not under normal lab or warehouse conditions—since the molecular structure makes it tough for crystals to form at room temperature. Solution concentrations might vary, especially for those looking to dilute with mineral oils or natural extracts, but the neat (pure) liquid dominates market preference. Specifications usually target purity above 98%, with acid values below 0.5 mg KOH/g, a low water content, and refractive indices between 1.440 and 1.455, measured at 20°C. Labs measure all these details to ensure no contaminants slip through, as impurities can hurt downstream product performance or lead to regulatory headaches.
For transportation, no special rules flag this molecule as flammable or reactive, so shipping remains straightforward—no hazardous labels or extra insurance fees. In the rare event of accidental exposure, most reports find minimal irritation or acute toxicity. Because it readily biodegrades, environmental impact stays low, making it a favored substitute over some older, less eco-friendly emollients or solvents. That said, it never hurts to keep proper logs and monitor handling practices. Clean, labeled pumps, sealed containers, and dry storage help avoid cross-contamination, waste, or loss of product integrity over time.
Demand for cleaner beauty and safer chemistry only rises. Raw material suppliers responding with better documentation, batch tracking, and tox analysis will strengthen trust down the supply chain. More transparency about the origin of the 1,3-propanediol and caprylic acid—whether plant, bio-based, or petrochemical—helps chemists and brands reassure wary consumers and regulators. Encouraging research into even milder derivatives, or studying how this molecule degrades in complex wastewater settings, could open new markets and soften the regulatory pushback. Ultimately, choosing 1,3-propanediol dicaprylate comes down to a balance: high performance, minimal risk, and flexibility in the face of changing consumer and legislative pressure.
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