CAS 57-55-6 · Diol · GRAS / USP
Propylene Glycol
Monopropylene Glycol (MPG) · C₃H₈O₂ · MW 76.09 g/mol
The non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol — a colorless, nearly odorless diol with GRAS status for food use and USP approval for pharmaceutical applications. Propylene glycol's safety profile makes it the preferred glycol wherever human or animal contact is possible. CFPT supplies PG in industrial, USP, and FCC grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₃H₈O₂
Boiling Point
188.2 °C
Solubility
Fully water-miscible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
1,2-Propanediol — secondary and primary hydroxyl groups on a three-carbon chain
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 0 — Minimal hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL
- None established
- ACGIH TLV
- None established
- FDA Status
- GRAS (food) / USP (pharma)
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated
- Toxicity
- Generally recognized as safe
SDS available upon request. USP/FCC grade required for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 76.09 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 57-55-6 |
| Boiling Point | 188.2 °C (370.8 °F) |
| Melting Point | −59 °C (−74.2 °F) |
| Flash Point | 99 °C (210 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.036 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.013 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| Viscosity | 40.4 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4324 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 371 °C (700 °F) |
Industrial Applications
Food & Beverage
FCC-grade PG is a GRAS food additive (E1520) used as a humectant, solvent for flavorings, and carrier for food colors. Approved for direct food contact applications.
Pharmaceuticals
USP-grade PG is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient — solvent for oral, injectable, and topical drug formulations. Recognized as safe by FDA for pharmaceutical use.
HVAC & Heat Transfer
Non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol in food-processing facilities, breweries, and buildings where incidental human contact is possible. Provides freeze protection to −51 °C at 60% concentration.
Animal Feed
Used as an energy source and humectant in livestock feed, particularly for dairy cattle. FCC grade required for feed applications.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Humectant, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent in lotions, shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics. Provides moisture retention and smooth texture.
Industrial Solvents
Carrier solvent for industrial cleaners, paint strippers, and hydraulic fluids. Industrial grade used where food/pharmaceutical purity is not required.
Why Source Propylene Glycol from CFPT?
- 35+ years supplying industrial glycols to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial, USP, and FCC grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities