Propylene glycol didecanoate is an ester formed from the reaction of propylene glycol with decanoic acid. As a chemical raw material, it shows up as a colorless to pale yellow transparent oily liquid at room temperature. Its unique structure consists of a propylene glycol backbone esterified with two decanoic acid chains, giving it the molecular formula C23H44O4 and a molar mass of 384.59 g/mol. This combination offers a balanced profile of stability, hydrophobicity, and moderate viscosity, which makes it valuable in numerous fields, including cosmetics, personal care, industrial lubricants, and specialty chemical formulations. It is not found in flake, powder, solid, pearl, or crystal form; it stays as a liquid under ambient conditions. Its density ranges from about 0.93 to 0.95 g/cm³ at 20°C, which feels typical for many esters derived from fatty acids. This makes handling easy with standard liquid chemical transfer equipment, and it pours and mixes without much fuss when working with it in larger batches or small-scale formulations.
This compound shows notable stability under most storage conditions. Its boiling point sits above 300°C, and it avoids crystallizing or solidifying at normal working temperatures. In solution, propylene glycol didecanoate acts as a nonionic, non-volatile, low toxicity carrier for other active materials, which appealed to me as a safer alternative to shorter-chain, more volatile carriers like butyl glycol. Its low vapor pressure means it doesn't produce much harmful vapor, making it more comfortable to handle in workshops or labs with minimal ventilation. Its chemical structure also results in low miscibility with water, leading to use as an emollient or dispersant in formulations where you want separation from the aqueous phase. The material shows minimal reactivity toward acids and weak bases, and there is little to no corrosiveness or degradation in typical bottling materials like high-density polyethylene.
Manufacturers typically guarantee a purity of 98% and above, with impurities mainly consisting of unreacted propylene glycol or decanoic acid and negligible trace by-products. Its appearance stays consistent, and in all the samples I've handled, clarity is high with little odor. Specific gravity, typically specified at 20°C, centers on 0.935, and refractive index comes in around 1.443. Manufacturers usually deliver this compound by weight, often packaged in 200 kg drums or 1000 L IBC totes—neither are particularly cumbersome due to the liquid form and moderate viscosity, so transfer from these containers goes smoothly with standard pumps and hoses. Its HS Code usually registers as 29157090 or similar entries for fatty acid esters under both US and EU Customs, which is important for global sourcing and logistics planning.
In practical experience and according to material safety data sheets, propylene glycol didecanoate shows low acute toxicity. It is not listed as hazardous under current GHS classification systems in the US, Europe, or China. Handling precautions focus more on basic personal protective equipment—gloves, goggles, standard lab coats. If spilled, this liquid can make floors slippery but does not produce flammable vapor at room temperature, so fire risk stays low. Its flash point sits well above ambient temperatures, at above 200°C, which keeps it away from the highly flammable category. In case of accidental skin or eye contact, irritation remains minor and resolves with standard rinsing. I notice that with repeated handling, skin dryness can occur, likely from solvent action—so a good moisturizer afterward makes a difference.
I found propylene glycol didecanoate remarkably versatile as both an emollient in cosmetics and a lubricant base fluid in specialty greases. Formulators choose it for its skin-feel properties—spreadable, non-tacky, and able to deliver lipophilic active ingredients effectively. It’s gentle, lacks the greasy residue often left by other esters, and plays well with silicones and oils, so it offers some flexibility in both personal care and industrial applications. The same properties that ensure skin compatibility also appear in metalworking and plastic processing fluids, where low volatility and mild lubricity mean minimal evaporation and residue. It ticks the boxes for those seeking alternatives to traditional mineral oils due to its largely plant-based origin, lower toxicity, and good environmental degradation profile.
The propylene glycol didecanoate molecule is built with an ester linkage on both ends of a three-carbon glycol backbone, surrounded by two ten-carbon fatty acid chains. This setup increases hydrophobic characteristics and improves oxidative stability compared to esters with shorter fatty acid chains. The result is an ester that stands up to long-term storage and high temperature, rarely breaking down or forming harmful by-products over time. Molecular design like this also avoids the volatility and strong odors that plague some ester solvents, ensuring a more pleasant working environment—one I can personally appreciate during formulation and bottling in the lab. The compound dissolves readily in many organic solvents but remains practically insoluble in water, which restricts usage to oil-based systems for optimal effect.
Modern supply chains increasingly prioritize the origin of chemical feedstocks. Most propylene glycol didecanoate now comes from plant-derived decanoic acid, often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. This trend works well with growing interest in renewable and biodegradable chemicals in both consumer products and industrial manufacturing. From a safety point of view, routine storage focuses on sealed containers out of direct sunlight, at temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. Direct heating and freezing should be avoided to maintain stable consistency. Disposal processes are straightforward due to low hazardous rating; still, it pays to check with local authorities before large volume waste disposal to ensure compliance with local environmental guidelines.
Tracking the HS Code helps companies manage tariffs, customs paperwork, and international logistics. Propylene glycol didecanoate typically enters markets under the 29157090 HS category, as a fatty acid ester. There is growing recognition from regulatory bodies regarding its relatively low toxicity and environmental impact, which is reflected in its exemption from strict hazard labeling. Consumer safety authorities in North America and the EU recognize it as a safe ingredient in personal care when used within recommended concentrations. Product testing usually confirms absence of restricted PAHs, phthalates, and heavy metals, which I see as critical for those in regulated markets or developing “clean label” formulations for sensitive customer groups.
One challenge with propylene glycol didecanoate centers on sourcing decanoic acid sustainably, particularly as demand rises in both cosmetics and lubricants. Supply chain transparency and supplier certification schemes can ensure material comes from responsible, minimally impactful agriculture. The slight risk of skin dryness upon repeated exposure requires attention with good work hygiene and protective equipment. For sensitive applications where trace contaminants matter, in-house or third-party batch analysis using HPLC or GC-MS confirms high purity and supports quality assurance goals. In the unlikely event of a large spill in manufacturing or transit, containment and removal rely on standard absorbents and ensure the safety of both workers and ecosystems, due to the low toxicity and high biodegradability of the material.
Propylene glycol didecanoate stands as a well-understood, practically useful chemical that bridges performance and safety. Its liquid nature, stability, mild handling profile, and renewable sourcing make it suitable for new eco-friendly product lines across industries. Staying vigilant about supplier quality, proper handling, and up-to-date regulatory requirements keeps this chemical an asset for lab, factory, or workshop use.
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