Propylene Carbonate (PC)

About This Product

Propylene carbonate, the cyclic carbonate ester of propylene glycol, has the formula C4H6O3, CAS number 108-32-7 and EINECS number 203-572-1. It is a clear, colourless, practically odourless liquid with a high boiling point of about 242 degrees Celsius and a very low freezing point. Its defining property is a dielectric constant above 60, exceptionally high for an organic liquid and comparable to water. A high dielectric constant means the solvent separates and stabilises ions rather than letting them pair up, so propylene carbonate dissolves salts that most organic solvents cannot touch. Combined with a wide liquid range and electrochemical stability, that makes it a standard component of lithium-ion battery electrolytes, where it dissolves the lithium salt and supports ion transport. The second reason for its commercial position is regulatory: it is readily biodegradable, has low acute toxicity and is not classified as a reproductive toxicant or CMR, which makes it a direct substitute for restricted dipolar aprotic solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone and dimethylformamide in paint stripping, cleaning and extraction. It is used in lithium battery electrolytes, paint strippers and cleaners, gas treating, cosmetics as a carrier, and in polymer and adhesive formulation. Bio Green Chem supplies propylene carbonate to specification on assay, water, acidity, propylene glycol content, colour and metals.