Propylene Glycol Diacetate steps into the spotlight as a chemical with versatility across several industries. Known by its molecular formula C7H12O4, this compound serves as a solvent in products like paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning agents. Its presence stretches into sectors that need a blend of solvency, safety, and performance, making it valuable to manufacturers looking to balance cost and effectiveness. Sitting under the HS Code 2915390090, it slots into the family of carboxylic acid derivatives. This identification is handy during shipping, trade, and customs, where knowing the exact HS Code smooths out logistics and compliance checks.
Diving into physical properties, Propylene Glycol Diacetate appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature, sometimes giving off a faint, pleasant odor. Its molecular weight lands at 160.17 g/mol. It sits with a density in the range of 1.07 to 1.10 g/cm3, so it’s heavier than water, but nowhere near as dense as other industrial solvents. On the solubility front, it mixes well with organic solvents and remains only slightly soluble in water. Its boiling point climbs to about 230°C, which helps in processes that demand stability at higher temperatures. This boiling range gives factories confidence in manufacturing products that don’t evaporate away under normal conditions. Its flash point sits around 98°C, setting a clear line on storage, shipping, and fire safety protocols.
The structure combines two acetate groups with a propylene glycol backbone. This arrangement results in a balance between lipophilicity and hydrophilicity. Because of this molecular setup, the product resists rapid evaporation—a feature that sets it apart from many lower-boiling solvents. In different forms, you’ll typically see Propylene Glycol Diacetate as a clear liquid, but some manufacturers process it into flakes, powder, or pearls for specialized uses, ensuring easier transport, measurement, and handling in automated machines. Crystalline forms remain rare due to its inherent liquid state at ambient temperatures, but certain storage conditions can create solidified samples.
Industry often requests Propylene Glycol Diacetate of a high purity — usually over 98% assay — to cut down on byproducts or contaminants that could affect coatings or resins. The purity also plays a role in maintaining safety levels for both end users and workers. The raw material used during production, typically propylene glycol and acetic acid (or acetic anhydride), lays the foundation for a material that meets this strict specification. Often, manufacturers add a small percentage of stabilizer to curb unwanted reactions during long-term storage. Specifications also include checks for water content, color on the APHA scale, and acid value.
On the job, Propylene Glycol Diacetate acts as a low-odor solvent that seldom fights against other ingredients in a mix. In paints and coatings, it levels out the surface and slows down drying just enough for smooth results. Ink companies value it for its balancing act between quick setting and minimal warping on paper or plastic. When introduced into cleaners, this liquid can cut through grease while leaving behind less residue compared to heavier solvents. The compatibility with both organic and water-based systems gives it a foot in numerous sectors — from hard surface cleaning to automotive refinishing.
Safety matters to users and communities alike. Propylene Glycol Diacetate has a moderate level of toxicity, but it’s nowhere near as hazardous as many solvents from years past. That makes it a better bet for workspaces aiming to lower risks. Given its low vapor pressure, airborne exposure stays limited under typical use, though proper ventilation still makes a difference. In the event of accidental spill, the chemical does not release highly toxic fumes immediately, but handling with gloves and goggles prevents skin and eye irritation. Storage recommendations usually call for sealed drums in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces. Flammable risk means open flames and sparks near stored product spell trouble. Wastewater treatment facilities can break down Propylene Glycol Diacetate if it gets into drains, but industrial users need to avoid habitual release into the environment.
Running into this chemical in the workplace means exposure comes mostly through touch or inhalation of mist. Overexposure can result in headaches, dizziness, or mild respiratory irritation. Chronic problems rarely show up unless handling turns careless or protective gear disappears from the scene. Labeling and hazard communication must stay up-to-date, as rules under GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and local chemical regulations impact workplace signage and safety training. While occasional accidental exposure may not cause serious issues for most adults, those with respiratory concerns or sensitive skin need an extra layer of caution. Emergency responders count on clear documentation on ingredient lists, especially during spills or fires involving raw materials and finished goods.
Managing Propylene Glycol Diacetate responsibly means training workers to handle drums, mix solutions, and clean up spills with purpose. It helps to follow a playbook built around regular audits, proper labeling, and spill kits stocked with absorbent material. Substitution strategies sometimes swap out more hazardous chemicals for Propylene Glycol Diacetate, knocking down overall plant risk. On the sustainability front, companies have begun recycling this solvent from used mixtures by distillation, cutting down on waste and raw material demands. Technical advances might one day lower environmental footprints further with bio-based feedstocks or energy-saving production methods, but until that point, well-documented processes and savvy engineering decisions shore up responsible usage.
