Propylene glycol caprylate caprate diester comes from a reaction involving propylene glycol with caprylic and capric acids—both medium-chain fatty acids. Manufacturers use this combination to create an ingredient that behaves predictably in products that need stability and specific physical features. Often shortened as PGCC, this compound appears across industries where emulsification and improved solvent properties matter, especially in personal care, food, and pharmaceutical use.
Personal care formulators rely on PGCC to help mix oil and water, making lotions creamier and skin products smoother. It pops up in food items, ensuring that flavors and fats mix well, or in pharmaceutical creams providing a stable base. The material does not have the heavy residue or greasy after-feel, which benefits brands focused on light textures and pleasant consumer experiences. Its versatility extends to industrial uses, such as in paint, coatings, and even some specialty lubricants, thanks to its chemical stability and mild profile.
PGCC usually appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid but can take shape as a soft wax or solid flakes, crystals, and even pearls at lower temperatures, depending on the specific blend of caprylic to capric acid. This compound blends well with oils, dissolves in some alcohols, but resists mixing with water without help from surfactants. For density, PGCC averages between 0.95 and 1.0 g/cm³ at 25°C, with a molecular weight that shifts slightly depending on the ratio of its fatty acid components, but generally falls between 350 and 450 g/mol.
Chemists often choose this ingredient due to its soft melting range (20°C–30°C), making it easy to process in typical factory conditions. The chemical structure features ester linkages between the backbone of propylene glycol and caprylic/capric acid chains. To anyone handling it on the floor, the consistency can feel waxy or oily, based on ambient temperature. It doesn’t have a strong smell, which makes it easy to use in products requiring fragrance-free claims.
The general molecular formula for PGCC diester is C23H44O4, though real-world product codes depend on precise manufacturing specifications. Chemists take care to reference the CAS number for regulatory and safety documentation. Each molecule combines one propylene glycol (C3H8O2) with two medium-chain fatty acid residues. Its ester bonds stand up to most common environmental conditions, which helps formulators rely on its integrity through production cycles and storage.
Detailed specifications for PGCC address acid value, saponification value, residual free fatty acids, color, and viscosity. Good manufacturers provide a density of 0.95-1.0 g/cm³ at 25°C, a slight viscosity that flows well at warm temperatures, and storage advice to avoid exposure to strong heat or moisture. Melting point sits just above room temperature—good enough to allow flow yet capable of solidifying if left in a cool spot, which needs to be kept in mind during transit.
As international trade increases, PGCC sees classification under HS Code 29157090—one used for fatty acid esters with industrial and commercial significance. This coding helps with customs clearance, statistical tracking, and regulatory review worldwide. Product importers find this code handy for fast referencing during shipping or when reviewing international compliance paperwork.
In a factory or lab setting, PGCC comes packaged in drums, IBCs, or small containers, with physical form changing based on temperature—fluid at room temperature, firm or flaky in cool environments. Handling is much like many other mild esters, where staff wear gloves as a standard precaution. Formulators handle it in bulk, measuring by kilogram, liter, or direct transfer with pumps in larger operations.
On the safety side, PGCC does not rank as a major hazardous material, but staff still monitor for eye contact and prolonged skin exposure, which might cause irritation in sensitive individuals. No severe reactions occur in normal handling, and it has a better safety profile than longer-chain or aromatic esters, but no one likes a spill because of the slippery residue. Material safety data sheets confirm that it does not ignite easily, and proper ventilation is good practice, mainly during heating or mixing stages.
Raw materials in PGCC begin with propylene glycol and fatty acids sourced from plant origins, usually coconut or palm kernel oil. Sourcing from reputable suppliers matters to keep the final product free from contaminants and impurities, which affect both physical properties and finished product quality. For industrial supply, this translates to trusting the traceability of every ingredient. End buyers often check for certifications or audit supplier chains, especially in the world of food and personal care, where trace residues of certain chemicals can trigger recalls or regulatory fines.
Companies that invest in better PGCC quality control consistently see fewer complaints related to stability. R&D departments still experiment with blend ratios to balance melting point and spreadability, tailoring material to different markets. Some customers want powder or flakes for ease of transport, others need a pure liquid for automated dosing. Over time, regulatory frameworks keep shifting to consider environmental and health impact, so responsible sourcing and thorough documentation remain crucial for anyone working with this ingredient.
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