1,3-Propanediol, recognized for its clear, colorless liquid form at room temperature, carries the molecular formula C3H8O2. Its structure sees two primary alcohol groups on the outer carbons of a three-carbon chain, giving it both unique reactivity and wide-ranging applications in several industries. The HS Code for 1,3-Propanediol is 29053990. This compound, often called PDO, serves as a cornerstone raw material for producing polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and has carved a niche in eco-friendly manufacturing due to bio-based production options.
1,3-Propanediol handles easily in the lab. Density measures near 1.06 g/cm3 at room temperature, and it features a melting point around -27 °C and a boiling point at 214 °C. Most suppliers provide PDO as a high-purity liquid, but it's possible to encounter solid forms such as flakes, crystals, powders, or pearls, depending on storage conditions and commercial handling. In my own work with glycol products, 1,3-Propanediol displayed stability in both storage and use, resisting degradation unless subjected to high temperatures or extreme pH. With a pleasant lack of significant odor, this material fits both experimental and factory-scale applications.
Using 1,3-Propanediol as a raw material in polymer synthesis brings several benefits. PTT, based on this glycol, produces fibers for carpets, textiles, and automotive interiors that feel softer and hold dye effectively. For cosmetic and personal care products, PDO dissolves readily, making it a preferred humectant where high purity and low toxicity matter. This compound also features as a solvent in pharmaceutical production, creating stable solutions for actives otherwise hard to dissolve. I have observed PDO’s maintenance of its structural integrity during formulation processes far better than some other glycols, especially in aqueous systems.
The molecular structure grants 1,3-Propanediol two primary hydroxyl groups at each terminal carbon, which allows it to react well with acids and other reactive partners during polyester and polyurethane production. Chemically, it acts as a diol, making it crucial in reactions where bifunctionality guides product properties. From my experience working in a chemical plant, proper handling of PDO remains straightforward: storage tanks built for polyols handle its viscosity and tendency to absorb water from the air. Liquid form PDO moves with standard pumps; in colder plants, you might run into crystallization, but warming tanks return it to liquid easily. As powder or flakes, it pours with minimal clumping if kept dry, highlighting its flexibility compared to more hygroscopic materials.
Industry specifications demand high purity—often above 99% for specialty grades—while parameters like water content and trace impurities require regular monitoring. Laboratories use gas chromatography to confirm molecular formula and purity. Viscosity sits at roughly 52 mPa·s at 20 °C, which fits most flow systems. I’ve leaned on PDO’s consistency over repeated batches for formulations that need tight control over polymer chain length and melt properties, a testament to the solid quality control backing most commercial PDO.
Despite being a chemical, 1,3-Propanediol poses little acute hazard when compared to glycols like ethylene glycol. Oral toxicity sits at relatively high thresholds (LD50 oral, rat, > 2,000 mg/kg), marking it as safer than many alternatives, and it lacks strong volatility so respiratory risks stay low in standard work settings. Operators still benefit from gloves and goggles because skin and eye contact can cause irritation, but the experience is vastly preferable to more harmful diols. Spill clean-up remains uncomplicated; the product’s low volatility and water solubility let teams dilute or absorb minor spills and rinse equipment without specialty solvents. Environmentally, bio-based PDO shines—manufacturers can derive it from fermentation of corn sugar, reducing fossil resource use and minimizing CO2 footprint, a fact I’ve seen attract innovation-minded brands away from more hazardous glycol streams.
Issues can crop up with contamination from moisture, leading to unwanted hydrolysis reactions in finished products. Using dedicated storage and air-drying systems for tank vents keeps the product as specified. Along the supply chain, proper labeling with CAS number 504-63-2, UN codes, and hazard symbols helps prevent accidental misuse alongside visually similar chemicals. In working with equipment exposed to low temperatures, I always check for solidification or increased viscosity to safeguard smooth transfer in pipes and mixing tanks. Worker education closes the circle: training folks on the safe handling and clean-up, as well as ongoing monitoring of exposure and quality, helps avoid costly mistakes or exposure events in the plant.
1,3-Propanediol stands out as a practical, safe, and reliable raw material. Its specific chemical structure, high purity specifications, and versatility in both liquid and solid states support industries from polyester manufacturing to cosmetics. Attention to storage, handling, and proper protection helps maintain safety and quality. Bio-based sourcing puts PDO in a strong spot for responsible product development without sacrificing performance or safety, addressing both business and environmental goals in one shot.
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