Mono Propylene Glycol

Brief Overview 

Mono propylene glycol (also known as propylene glycol, PG, propan1, 2diol, and MPG) is a clear, colorless, and viscous liquid with a characteristic odor which has the formula C₃H₈O. It is soluble in water and has hygroscopic properties. MPG is used across a wide range of industries due to its low toxicity coupled with a depressed freezing point upon mixing with water.

Manufacturing Process

Mono propylene glycol is produced mainly from propylene oxide. The most common process is the non-catalytic hydrolysis of propylene oxide in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment. The second method is the catalytic method which can proceed at 150 °C in the presence of ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali. Mono propylene glycol can also be produced from glycerol, a bio-diesel by-product.

Air Travel Industry

Mono propylene glycol also has a variety of uses in the air travel industry. The few main applications are antifreeze for aircraft wings and runway de-icer. This is due to the decreased freezing point of MPG upon mixing with water. Mono propylene glycol is also used in heat transfer liquids such as engine coolants.

Other Applications

Mono propylene glycol can be used as a chemical intermediate in producing high-performance unsaturated polyester resins used in paints and varnishes. It is also an excellent solvent that is often used in printing inks and manufacturing non-ionic detergents used in petroleum, sugar-refining, and paper-making industries. It can also be used in the cryonics industry and can be used as an additive in pipe tobacco as it prevents dehydration.