CAS 108-32-7 · Cyclic Carbonate Solvent
Propylene Carbonate
PC / 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one · C₄H₆O₃ · MW 102.09 g/mol
Propylene carbonate is a high-boiling, water-miscible cyclic carbonate solvent with an exceptionally high dielectric constant (64.9), very low vapor pressure, and a favorable environmental and toxicological profile. These properties make it the solvent of choice for lithium-ion battery electrolytes, precision electronics cleaning, CO₂ gas absorption, and specialty coatings. Texas-Chem supplies PC in industrial, battery-grade, ACS reagent, and anhydrous grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₄H₆O₃
Boiling Point
242 °C (468 °F)
Solubility
Miscible with water
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Five-membered cyclic carbonate ring with a methyl substituent at the 4-position
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- Not established
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- Not established
- Flash Point
- 132 °C — Combustible liquid
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated (flash pt. >60 °C)
- UN Number
- Not assigned
- Packing Group
- Not applicable
SDS available upon request. Propylene carbonate has a favorable safety profile — not classified as a flammable liquid under DOT regulations. Standard industrial hygiene practices apply.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 102.09 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 108-32-7 |
| Boiling Point | 242 °C (468 °F) |
| Melting Point | −48.8 °C (−55.8 °F) |
| Flash Point | 132 °C (270 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.205 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.04 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| Refractive Index | 1.4209 at 20 °C |
| Dielectric Constant | 64.9 at 25 °C |
| Viscosity | 2.53 mPa·s at 25 °C |
Industrial Applications
Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes
Battery-grade propylene carbonate is a primary electrolyte solvent in lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. Its high dielectric constant (64.9) and wide electrochemical stability window make it ideal for dissolving lithium salts (LiPF₆, LiBF₄) and enabling efficient ion transport in energy storage applications.
Industrial & Specialty Cleaning
High-boiling, low-volatility solvent for precision cleaning of electronics, circuit boards, and metal components. PC's low vapor pressure and excellent solvency for oils, greases, and flux residues make it a preferred choice in applications where fast-evaporating solvents are undesirable or hazardous.
Coatings, Paints & Adhesives
Coalescing agent and high-boiling tail solvent in waterborne and solvent-borne coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Improves film formation, leveling, and substrate adhesion. Compatible with polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic resin systems.
Gas Treatment & CO₂ Absorption
Used in the Fluor Solvent process for selective absorption of CO₂, H₂S, and other acid gases from natural gas and synthesis gas streams. PC's high selectivity for CO₂ over methane and its low vapor pressure make it an efficient physical solvent for gas sweetening operations.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Formulations
ACS and anhydrous-grade PC serves as a solvent and carrier in pharmaceutical synthesis, topical drug delivery systems, and cosmetic formulations. Its low toxicity profile, high boiling point, and skin-penetration properties make it suitable for controlled-release and transdermal applications.
Polymer & Resin Processing
Reactive diluent and processing solvent for epoxy resins, polyurethane systems, and specialty polymers. PC can participate in ring-opening reactions with amines and alcohols, making it useful as both a solvent and a reactive component in polymer synthesis and formulation.
Why Source Propylene Carbonate from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying specialty solvents to Texas manufacturers and processors
- Industrial, battery-grade, ACS reagent, and anhydrous 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