Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether comes from a class of organic chemical compounds known for their unique structure. Take a close look at its molecular formula, C9H12O2, and you see this ether links a phenyl group to a propylene glycol chain. In industrial and laboratory settings, this compound often takes the name PPhE, with a common CAS Number 770-35-4. What sets it apart boils down to how it bridges the familiar world of glycols—those workhorses of solvents and antifreezes—with the aromatic ring of a phenyl group. That blend leads to properties useful across several fields, especially where controlled solubility and a touch of aromaticity matter the most.
Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether doesn’t look the same in every environment. Purified, you’ll most often see it as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Given enough cooling, it can solidify into flakes or sometimes even a crystalline powder, depending on storage and purity. The density stands around 1.06 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature, sitting between water and thicker glycols. With its moderate molecular weight (about 152.19 g/mol), it pours easily and mixes smoothly with other solvents. The molecule itself has a backbone of propylene glycol, capped at one end with a phenyl ring, making it less volatile than simple glycols but lighter than heavier glycol ethers.
Chemists working with Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether notice its mild, slightly sweet aroma and the way it can dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. That versatility powers its use across coatings, inks, paints, and cleaning products. The boiling point ranges from 240°C to 245°C—giving it a reliability in high-temperature applications where faster-evaporating solvents fall short. It exhibits limited solubility in water but can dissolve in alcohols and hydrocarbons. Viscosity remains on the lower side, so it mixes fast and spreads out across surfaces, which helps in film-forming industries. Flakes, pearls, and powders only show up in highly specific handling practices or as a result of cooling during transport.
Manufacturers reach for Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether as a coalescing agent in paints and coatings, where it helps emulsify and spread. In the realm of printing, it serves as a solvent in inks, making sure pigments disperse fully and dry at the right speed. It crops up in cleaning solutions, especially where a slow-evaporating, low-odor solvent is a must. The chemical also serves as a raw material or intermediate step in the synthesis of more complex compounds, particularly where that phenyl group provides reactive possibilities. Material scientists like its stability; it doesn’t break down quickly, so products last longer on the shelf and, ultimately, on the wall or printed page.
Talking about chemical safety isn’t just a best practice—it’s a requirement. Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, despite its user-friendly appearance, calls for safe storage and careful handling. Inhalation or repeated skin contact can cause irritation. Even though acute toxicity sits on the lower side compared to many industrial solvents, no one wants a spill or splash to go unattended. Storage usually takes place in well-ventilated warehouses, inside tightly closed containers, away from direct heat and oxidizers. Spill management recommendations match those for similar glycol ethers: ventilate, contain, and clean up using personal protective equipment. On the topic of fire risk, its flash point rests above 100°C, so ignition hazards drop compared to lighter ethers, yet it’s not immune in a cutting-edge industrial shop.
Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether typically falls under the Harmonized System Code 2909.49, which covers ethers and their derivatives. This code matters for customs, logistics, and compliance—companies moving large shipments need to list it accurately on shipping documents. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) track its production and transportation, adding checks to chemical safety logs. Some regions watch concentrations in consumer goods, so importers and exporters double check local rules to avoid legal snags. Data sheets always list it under its correct identifiers, like the CAS Number, HS Code, and full chemical name.
Anyone involved in industrial supply chains watches raw material prices rise and fall. Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, being tied to the petrochemical sector, faces the same uncertainties. Sourcing can become tricky during supply shocks or when environmental restrictions tighten on its precursors. Laboratories look for greener alternatives, trying to cut the environmental footprint that comes with handling aromatic compounds, but the balance between performance and safety still favors tried-and-true substances like this one. One solution involves recycling and better waste management along with exploring biosourced routes for phenyl-based glycols. Companies weigh the advantages of legacy chemicals against newer formulations, testing and retesting to strike a balance between safety, supply, and technical needs.
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