Caprylic capric acid propylene glycol diester stands out as a synthetic ester, made from the reaction of caprylic acid and capric acid, both of which come from coconut or palm kernel oil, with propylene glycol. This material appears mostly as a clear, oily liquid. Sometimes, it can also turn up as a solid, flakes, or even in pearl and powder forms depending on how it’s processed and kept. In many labs and industries, people know it for its unique physical behavior and safe blend with many other substances. Its chemical structure—a diester—means two fatty acid chains attach to a single propylene glycol backbone. This gives it more flexibility in blending than something like simple triglycerides.
Digging into the chemistry, this diester has the molecular formula C11H22O2 • C12H24O2 • C3H8O2, reflecting the mix of caprylic and capric acid units bonded to two propylene glycol hydroxyl sites. Molecular weight varies based on the ratio of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. For commercial batches, the blend often runs close to a 60:40 or 70:30 ratio, optimized for melting point and flow. The compound resists crystallizing at room temperature and remains fully liquid up to around 25°C. Specific gravity hovers around 0.95–0.96 g/ml at 25°C. Viscosity tends to be low, making it easy to pump and spread in formulations.
The diester’s density falls below that of water, typically between 0.94 and 0.96 g/ml, meaning it will float when poured into aqueous solutions. Its melting point lands around -2°C to -5°C, so solidification is rare in normal storage. For industrial supply, the material might arrive as a clear, colorless or pale-yellow liquid in drums, or as white flakes or powders in bags when processed for specific cosmetic or food uses. The low odor lets it blend into other materials with little hassle. As a solution material or base fluid, it mixes well with many organic and some polar solvents. It does not dissolve well in water, but easily combines with many oils and waxes thanks to its ester structure.
Caprylic capric acid propylene glycol diester generally carries a good safety profile, especially compared to shorter-chain esters or uncured acids. As a raw material in cosmetics or foods, regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EFSA label it as non-toxic and non-irritant when used correctly. Data from supplier safety sheets show limited acute toxicity, no mutagenic potential, and no significant skin or eye irritation under normal conditions. In industrial settings, workers should keep liquids off skin or eyes—standard gloves and goggles handle this well. It stays stable under typical storage, not prone to rapid breakdown, fire, or hazardous decomposition. If heated to smoke, it may emit irritating fumes, so good ventilation is vital. Its environmental impact remains low since it degrades through hydrolysis and microbial action. The product’s supply chain often includes eco-friendly sourcing of its fatty acid components. Lab spill data show that most accidents need simple wiping and basic disposal, not large-scale cleanup.
This diester acts as a versatile solvent and emollient in formulations, often used where stable, neutral, low-allergenicity carriers are needed. The chemical bonds do not react with most additives and show resistance against oxidation, making it ideal for applications that need shelf stability. Caprylic capric acid propylene glycol diester works as a diluent in flavors, fragrances, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. For food and cosmetic manufacturing, its non-polar nature lets it solubilize lipophilic vitamins and scents. Chemical resistance tables confirm it stands up to acidic and mildly basic environments (pH 4–8) without breaking down. As a raw ingredient in industrial chemistry, its stable ester link means little tendency to hydrolyze during normal use, so loss from breakdown stays low.
People run into this diester under different names in many products: from ‘liquid crystals’ in specialized skin creams to coatings on food supplements. Food manufacturers pick it for antifatigue and non-caking action, blending it with powdered drink mixes or protein bars. In personal care, it shows up as a texture enhancer in lotions, a carrier for sunscreen filters, or a mild dispersing medium for pigments in color cosmetics. As a processing aid, its low freezing point and mild lubrication make it good in extrusion, encapsulation, and tablet-pressing. Pet nutrition brands sometimes add it for palatability and improved shelf life. Its non-reactive nature means it rarely disrupts active ingredients in mixes—minimizing need for reformulation.
The Harmonized System (HS) Code for caprylic capric acid propylene glycol diester is 2918.15, listed under organic esters and derivatives—important info for import-export paperwork, tariffs, and regulatory audits. Documentation must match supplier lot numbers to raw material origin so food producers and pharmaceutical companies can trace their batches by region and production date. Safety documentation—SDS, REACH compliance, purity certs—remains mandatory for bulk shippers and retail brands alike.
Real-world challenges pop up with storage, mixing, or sourcing feedstock. The liquid form can pick up water from humid air, so tanks and drums need solid sealing. Prolonged exposure to air hardens the product; some batches risk thickening or losing flow. Companies address this with inert gas blanketing and controlled warehouse conditions. Sometimes, sourcing the right blend of caprylic and capric acids creates recurring supply headaches—cost spikes or palm oil sustainability push up prices. Industry-wide pushes for sustainable palm-based raw materials mark one big solution, along with gradual transition to coconut-derived feeds wherever possible. For smaller manufacturers, switching to pastille or flake versions can help handling, though these cost more to produce. Ingredient transparency, verified by published COAs, helps brands reassure buyers and regulators that the material matches quality and safety claims.
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