Monopropylene glycol (MPG) or propylene glycol is a colorless, clear, odorless solvent with a sweet taste, absorbing moisture, viscous, with the chemical formula CH3CH (OH) CH2OH. It is also known as PG, propylene glycol, propane 1, 2 diol and MPG.
Monopropylene glycol is usually a derivative of propylene oxide (PO) and is produced in a two-step process. It is highly hygroscopic, water-soluble, and microscopic, meaning it can absorb hard water molecules and can be dissolved in any volume with alcohol, esters, ketones, and amines. It is also soluble in very small amounts in halogenated hydrocarbons but is not soluble in fatty hydrocarbons.
How to produce monopropylene glycol (MPG) ?
Monopropylene glycol (MPG) is produced from propylene oxide. The most common method of production occurs by non-catalytic hydrolysis of propylene oxide in an environment with high temperature and pressure. The second method is the catalytic method, which can proceed at 150 C with the presence of ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric or alkaline acid. It can also be made from glycerol.
Application of monopropylene glycol (MPG)
It is available in both industrial and edible grades. Many uses for this substance can be counted in many different industries, some of which are food industry (as a stable and moisturizing), pharmaceutical industry (as a raw material and solvent for the preparation of topical, oral and injectable drugs), Hygienic cosmetics (as solvents and moisturizers), as solvents in paint production, unsaturated resins, varnishes and polishes, for the production of antifreeze (due to its very low freezing point), for the production of polymer types, as hydraulic oil for the system. Hydraulic and …
