Technical and flavor-grade propyl propionate for the U.S. market. A NON-HAP (not a hazardous air pollutant) ester retarder solvent for industrial coatings, flavor ingredient (FEMA GRAS 2958), and fragrance material. Slower evaporation than ethyl propionate — ideal where controlled drying is required. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Technical and flavor-grade options — each ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.0% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤500 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.05% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤200 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.02% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤5 |
| Heavy metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.01% |
| Chemical Name | Propyl Propionate |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Propyl propanoate |
| CAS Number | 106-36-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 116.16 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 203-389-7 |
| FEMA Number | 2958 (GRAS) |
| UN Number | UN 2394 |
| Transport Class | Class 3, Packing Group III |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| HAP Status | NON-HAP (not listed under CAA §112) |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor | Fruity, pear-like, sweet ester |
| Boiling Point | 122–124°C (252–255°F) |
| Melting Point | -76°C (-105°F) |
| Flash Point | 25–28°C (77–82°F, closed cup) |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.876–0.879 g/mL (7.31–7.34 lb/gal) |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.3932 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | ~8 hPa |
| Water Solubility | ~0.3% (very limited) |
Propyl propionate's NON-HAP status, slower evaporation profile, and fruity odor make it valuable in compliant industrial coatings, food flavoring, and fragrance applications.
Propyl propionate is a NON-HAP (not a Hazardous Air Pollutant under Clean Air Act Section 112) ester solvent used in industrial coatings, automotive refinish, architectural coatings, and printing inks subject to EPA MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) emission regulations. Its slower evaporation rate compared to ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate makes it useful as a retarder solvent — added to coatings to slow drying, improve leveling, reduce brush marks, and prevent blushing (moisture-related cloudiness) in humid application conditions. Propyl propionate dissolves a wide range of resins including acrylics, polyurethanes, nitrocellulose, vinyl copolymers, and cellulose esters, making it a versatile retarder in multi-solvent blend systems.
Propyl propionate is a FEMA GRAS flavor ingredient (FEMA 2958) with a fruity, pear-like, sweet ester odor. It is used in food flavor formulations for pear, apple, tropical fruit, and confectionery applications. Its slightly heavier, more diffusive character compared to ethyl propionate gives it persistence and roundness in flavor blends. As a natural constituent found in certain fermented beverages and fruit, propyl propionate can qualify for "natural flavor" labeling when derived from natural source materials via approved processes.
In fragrance formulations, propyl propionate contributes fresh, fruity, pear-like top notes. Its moderate volatility provides a somewhat longer-lasting top note than lighter esters (methyl propionate, ethyl propionate), bridging the gap between top and heart notes in fragrance compositions. It is used in fine fragrance, household cleaners, fabric care, and personal care applications. Its NON-HAP status and relatively straightforward toxicological profile make it a practical fragrance solvent carrier in industrial cleaning products where HAP restrictions apply.
NON-HAP compliance advantage: Propyl propionate is not listed as a hazardous air pollutant under Clean Air Act Section 112(b). This distinguishes it from many traditional industrial solvents (toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, methanol, MEK — all HAPs) and makes it a compliant solvent option for industrial coating and ink manufacturers operating under permit conditions that set limits on HAP-containing solvents. When reformulating away from HAP solvents, propyl propionate is a practical active solvent or retarder candidate.
From R&D samples to bulk quantities. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and lead times.
All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Propyl propionate (CAS 106-36-5) is a colorless, flammable ester with formula C₆H₁₂O₂ and MW 116.16 g/mol. It has a fruity pear-like odor, boiling point of 122–124°C, and flash point of 25–28°C. It is a NON-HAP industrial solvent used as a coating retarder, a food flavoring (FEMA GRAS 2958), and a fragrance ingredient. Classified UN 2394, Class 3, PG III.
NON-HAP means propyl propionate is not classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant under Clean Air Act Section 112. This is significant for industrial coating and ink manufacturers operating under EPA MACT standards, which may impose limits on HAP-containing solvents. Using NON-HAP solvents like propyl propionate simplifies compliance and may allow higher usage volumes under permits that restrict HAPs.
Propyl propionate's higher boiling point (122–124°C) and slower evaporation rate relative to ethyl acetate or ethyl propionate make it a retarder in coating formulations. Retarders slow film drying to improve leveling, reduce brush marks, and prevent blushing in high-humidity conditions. It is added in small percentages to solvent blends where controlled drying time is needed without increasing viscosity or compromising final film properties.
Propyl propionate has a fruity, pear-like, sweet ester odor — slightly heavier and more persistent than ethyl propionate. It is used as a FEMA GRAS 2958 food flavoring in pear, apple, and confectionery flavor systems, and as a fragrance ingredient contributing fresh, fruity top notes with good tenacity relative to lighter esters.
Propyl propionate is classified UN 2394 (Propyl propionates), Hazard Class 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group III. Flash point is 25–28°C. Shipments require flammable-liquid compliant containers, appropriate placarding, and shipping documentation. CARMELSOLV™ ships throughout the continental United States.
Yes. CAS 106-36-5 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States.
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