Tripropylene Glycol (TPG)
Other Names
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TPG
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Tripropylene glycol
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1,2,3-Propanetriol, tripropyl ether
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Tri(propylene glycol)
CAS Number: 25498-49-1
Chemical Formula: C₉H₂₀O₄
Molecular Weight: 188.26 g/mol
📘 1. Definition
Tripropylene Glycol (TPG) is a colorless, hygroscopic, viscous liquid belonging to the glycol family. It is water-soluble, has low volatility, and is used as a solvent, humectant, plasticizer, and chemical intermediate in various industrial and cosmetic applications. TPG is also valued for its low toxicity, high boiling point, and chemical stability, making it suitable for both industrial and personal care formulations.
🧪 2. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₉H₂₀O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 188.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
| Odor | Slightly sweet or mild odor |
| Boiling Point | ~287 °C |
| Melting Point | -16 °C |
| Flash Point | >150 °C |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and many polar solvents |
| Viscosity | 40–50 cP at 25 °C |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic |
🧰 3. Applications / Uses
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Personal Care & Cosmetics | Humectant in lotions, creams, and soaps; solvent for fragrances; moisturizer and skin conditioning agent |
| Industrial & Chemical | Solvent for dyes, resins, and coatings; intermediate in chemical synthesis |
| Plastics & Polymers | Plasticizer and additive for polymer formulations |
| Printing & Inks | Solvent in ink formulations to control drying rate |
| Pharmaceuticals | Excipient and solvent in certain formulations |
| HVAC & Deicing | Component in antifreeze, de-icing fluids, and heat transfer fluids |
| Food Industry | Humectant and stabilizer in food-grade applications (regulated) |
⚠️ 4. Safety & Handling
| Hazard | Details |
|---|---|
| Health | Low toxicity; may cause mild skin or eye irritation |
| Environmental | Biodegradable; avoid large releases into water |
| Storage | Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas; protect from moisture contamination |
| PPE | Gloves and goggles recommended for handling concentrated liquids |
| Fire | Non-flammable, but can combust under high heat |
📌 5. Summary
Tripropylene Glycol (TPG) is a versatile, low-toxicity glycol used as a solvent, humectant, plasticizer, and chemical intermediate. Its low volatility, high boiling point, water solubility, and chemical stability make it ideal for cosmetics, industrial formulations, printing, polymers, and pharmaceutical applications.
